When running into error 1326, it makes plenty of sense to try to create a backup dump device (only as a testing exercise) as well as test the connectivity to the UNC path from the local server instead of a remote server.
Cannot Open Backup Device
Negative Port Numbers
Validating your server setup is an integral component of your duties as a SQL Server DBA. When performing those validations, it is possible to run into an intriguing difference in reported port values.
Get a List of Files with Data
The trick here is to find a way to search thousands of files quickly and filter easily the bad from the good. Sounds like an opportunity for an automation or script.
What is the Merit of the Job?
One tries to climb the ladder of success but at the cost of being an approachable human being. Nice people don’t need to finish last.
Where is that Mask?
In this article, I share one easy script that could help eliminate one database feature as a culprit to an anomalous data masking suddenly getting enabled.