Managing permissions is a constant issue for Database Administrators, but rarely do DBAs consider permissions for tempdb. Everybody’s looking for something, but how often do you get requests for “access to read and write in the tempdb database”? Like…never?

OK, but what if you were asked the subject of this post in a job interview? Even if you’ve worked with SQL Server for ages, would you know how to answer this? Moreover, would you know why the answer should give you some concern?

Hold your head up, because I’ll start answering these questions now.

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If you’ve ever had to play administrator to a SQL Server instance, you’ve probably had to deal with TempDB data or log files that have grown unexpectedly. I know a lot of folks have had to do this, because the most read post on this site is “Help! My tempdb database won’t shrink!”

Consider it a right of passage of sorts. Also, consider that it might be entirely avoidable. Let me show you.

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In my previous post I discussed a particular query design that made the tempdb data files consume all available drive space. When discussing the resolution I noted one of the steps was to reduce the size of the data files. That’s means shrinking them, and I am fully aware that sometimes tempdb can stubbornly refuse to shrink. It’s kind of the reverse problem George Costanza mentioned about swimming.

So let’s talk about what you can do when tempdb requires shrinkage.

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If you’re a DBA, you probably secretly wish that you could have one of those cool red and black portrait graphics like those folks at Brent Ozar Unlimited get. But that’s not important right now. You probably also enjoy the privilege of performing the installation of every new SQL Server instance. And if you don’t, well, you can still keep reading, I guess.

Hey, I’m new at this SQL blogging stuff. I’m still working out the kinks.

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