In previous releases, SQL Server was configured using sp_configure, reconfigure, and a number of undocumented dbcc tune and buildmaster -y parameters. In order to provide a single entry point for all SQL Server configuration (except for Buffer Manager), sp_configure has been redesigned to incorporate the configuration parameters previously implemented with dbcc tune and buildmaster -y. In addition, a number of new configuration parameters have been implemented.
For information about which old configuration names have new names, see “New names for existing configuration parameters”.
The sp_configure interface has been redesigned to include these new features:
Display levels, which allow the user to select one of three views of the configuration parameters:
Basic level, appropriate for general tuning of SQL Server
Intermediate level, somewhat more inclusive than the Basic level
Comprehensive level, appropriate for the most detailed level of SQL Server tuning
Parameter hierarchy, which organizes the configuration parameters according to the area of SQL Server behavior to which they pertain.
Configuration files, which allow users to replicate specific configurations, validate configurations before setting them, and create multiple configurations that can be easily switched.
For information about SQL Server configuration, see Chapter 11, “Setting Configuration Parameters,” in the System Administration Guide.
