Indexes will always be used (no matter how you call your query) if the query engine determines that it is better to use it. SSMS is only a tool that let you see what's happening under the cover.

You can use this link as well: http://www.simple-talk.com/sql/performance/execution-plan-basics/


>Thank you very much, but to be clear, I will not be able to run the "query optimizer" on all queries and I just was looking for a yes/no answer as to whether Microsoft's SQL 2005 will use indexes automatically.
>
>Are you saying, without the query optimizer or this SSMS it won't use indexes? Why the extra steps to get SQL to use indexes?
>
>The queries I am talking about are embedded SQL commands in c# source code, not external commands.
>
>Also, I cannot access your link.
>
>Kind regards,
>Derek
>
>>>>>>>Use SSMS to run your query and activate the "execution plan". It will tell you which index are used (if any). The SQL engine is automatically using indexes when the query optimizer determines that it will be helpful.