How to disable the client side trace that Spotlight starts up for Deadlock Detection?
The trace can from either SQL Analysis or the Deadlock feature which will not go away until these are disabled. SQL Analysis (which is not enabled by default) is like an alternate interface to a Profiler trace; it actually uses Profiler to get data. Typically, SQL Analysis should be used on an as-needed basis (just like Profiler), rather than being run continuously (which is the default setting when it is enabled).
RESOLUTION 1: Disabling SQL Analysis
1. In Spotlight, go to "Configure | SQL Analysis"
2. Uncheck “Override the default settings”
Note: If SQL Analysis needs to be on, reconfigure SQL Analysis to use sampling server-side trace rather than default continuous row set trace (it consumes much more resources). This can be done from the Data Collection tab in the SQL Analysis options window.
RESOLUTION 2: Disabling Deadlock Metric
1. In Spotlight go to "Configure | Scheduling"
2. In the Background schedules window, look for "Deadlock List"
3. Check the “Override the default settings”
4. Uncheck “Collect data when Spotlight is not connected”
Note: Deadlock uses an extremely lightweight trace and disabling is probably not necessary.