Not everyone will need this tool, but in case you have a Microsoft SQL Database Server and a lot of disk drives/SAN, you may choose to read on.

Let’s assume you are a Database Administrator, and you have a lot of Disk Drives, and you have SQL Databases residing on quite a few of them. You know that a database file increases in size based on a specific setting and it is called, AutoGrow. Some of you would have it as x%, some x MB and some will have it set to different settings for different files. Let’s say you have 100 database files to manage and all of them are located in different drives. How can you quickly determine if AutoGrow will indeed work in case the database file decides to grow?

If you are thinking, why the heck should I care? Think again!!! What about having a MOSS Farm and applying a patch or Service Pack? Shouldn’t you be aware that the space available in your hard disk is not enough for patching the server and you may end up with a broken farm (and an angry boss!!)?? This tool can come in handy in these special scenarios.

There is no setup required for this tool. But you must be a SQL Admin to execute this tool and get the output. After you download this tool, you should provide a valid Database Instance name in the textbox below, or you can use any other valid connection string.

Something like this….

Click on Show Details.

You will get a detailed output in the textbox which will be “|” separated. If you click Yes, you will see an html report…

… something like this … The idea is to ensure that Space Available column is always green. It would simply mean, that even if all the database files choose to grow (in case of a service pack or patch) you will have enough space (at least for 1 quantum of growth). If you see ANY drive in RED… you MUST try to get some space, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. You are running out of it!!!!!

Hope this helps,
Rahul