Why is a SQL Server Query Running So Slowly?

Without knowing the root cause of slow-running queries in SQL Server, It is tough for a DBA to troubleshoot the problem. Therefore, it is important to check the efficiency of all the components before going to use any query optimizer or any other mechanism.

Things may run smoothly for a time and then you start to hit performance problems. Here are a few common symptoms:
1. The system is too slow
2. Tasks are taking too long
3. Applications running slowly or timing out
4. Some queries take forever
5. Reports running slowly
6. Data entry taking too long
7. Database Server not responding very well