Providing technical support assistance for Microsoft Dynamics GP, SQL Server Management Studio is frequently accessed to check on database statuses, security management, SQL Server configurations, and querying of data. Upon connecting to the server and to great surprise, the layout is frequently found in disarray.
Solution Explorer, Toolbox, Error List, Output and others will be selected, undocked and moved around. Or on occasion, the layout will be entirely blank where even Object Explorer is missing.
There is a quick and easy fix when objects are inadvertently changed. The layout can be reset to default.
Resetting the layout:
1 – Start Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio.
2 – Enter the credentials within the Connect to Server window.
3 – Within Management SQL Server Management Studio, select “Window” from the top menu bar.
4 – Select “Reset Window Layout”.
5 – Answer “Yes” to the question confirming the layout reset.
The result of the reset will remove all objects except for Object Explorer which will be positioned on the left side.
Object Explorer Details is commonly desired which can be added to the layout by selecting “View” and then Object Explorer Details.
Tip – The information within the Object Explorer Details can be customized with the desired columns to display. Within the Object Explorer Details view, right-click on the column header. A list of available columns will appear from which to select. Size (MB) and Last Backup Date are two columns recommended to add for ease of viewing.
By Randal Mayer, Summit Group Software