The SQL Diagnostic Manager File Activity allows you to view the relative activity of your database files, on a file-by-file basis. Each database file is listed in a column that represents the disk or mount point on which the files reside. At the top of each column the overall Reads, Writes, and Transfers per second are listed. Click an individual file to expand it and view a graph and the activity data specific to that file.

For each database file, the following information is provided: 

Reads and Writes Per Second

The numbers listed are the average number of reads and write operations per second over the period between collections. Collection times are configured on the Server Properties window. 

Activity lights

Read (green) and Write (blue) lights flash with activity. 

Activity graph

A bar graph under the file name displays the recent trend of reads and writes per second. This graph expands when you double-click the file. The expanded Activity graph displays the activity trend for the amount of time specified on the Console Options window (Tools > Console Options). 

Activity data

The arrows and the associated data represent the amount of data activity occurring on the file and whether the amount of activity is rising or falling relative to the previous data point.

Right-click a disk column to Expand/Collapse all files for a database, Expand/Collapse all files on a disk, Navigate to Disk view, or Navigate to the Disk Files view.

Access the File Activity view

To open the File Activity view of the SQLDM Resources tab, select the appropriate SQL Server instance, click Resources, and select File Activity. 

Database Files + Remaining Disk Files

Database Files + Remaining Disk Files chart depicts the activity of all the non-SQL database files and files not included in the File Activity window. 

Use the filter to display vital database activity

The filters at the top of the File Activity window allow you to limit the amount of data to that data which is most important to you.

For an accurate filter, use the percent (%) wildcard character in the File Path Like or File Name Like field if you do not include the entire name.

Filter Drive

Use the Drive drop-down to select the drives to display on the File Activity window. You can also enter a file path in the File Path Like field to select a subset of drives. This field accepts the percent (%) wildcard character. 

Filter Database

Use the Database drop-down to select the databases to display on the File Activity window. You can also enter a file name in the File Name Like field to select a subset of databases. This field accepts the percent (%) wildcard character. 

File Type

Check the boxes of the file types to display on the File Activity window. 

Sort By

Select to sort by Database Name, File Name, Reads Per Second, or Writes Per Second. 

Sort Direction

Further, sort your data by selecting Ascending or Descending order. 


SQL Diagnostic Manager identifies and resolves SQL Server performance problems before they happen. Learn more > >