What is SQLHDTST.EXE for SQL Server and where do I get it?

A. SQLHDTST.EXE is on your Technet CD and can also be downloaded fromhttp://support.microsoft.com/download/support/mslfiles/SQLHDTST.EXE

This utility simulates SQL Server and stresses your disk and/or networkconnections. It should be run over an extended period (maybe a weekend) andwill highlight any nasty intermittent hardware errors that may be causingcorruptions, SQL hangs, crashes etc.

If it reports any errors then you have faulty hardware - which could be cpu,memory, disks, scsi controllers etc. If you can't track down the problem usinghardware vendor tools then I would recommend swapping out the entire unit.