alter published column attributes merge replication

[jcaulder]

Is there a way to modify a published columns attributes such as changing it from 'NOT NULL' to 'NULL'? I am using Sql Server 2000 with MSDE subscribers and merge replication.

I do not want to send a new snapshot, just modify the one columns attributes.

The underlying problem is that I added a column to the publisher that was specified as 'NOT NULL' and 'DEFAULT VALUE=1'. This replicated correctly to subscriber. However, handhelds running SQLCE synch with the subscriber and when they did so, they only received one of the attributes; namely the 'NOT NULL' specification. They did not receive the DEFAULT VALUE = 1. Therefore all inserts on handhelds fail because it is attempting to insert NULL into a NOT NULL column. I guess this is a bug in RDA??

Anyway, barring an upgrade to RDA that will correctly create both NOT NULL and DEFAULT VALUES in SQL CE, I need to modify the column to accept NULLs.

Is this possible?

J

 

[ptheriault]

you can not alter already published columns. you will need to drop the publication, make your changes and re-snapshot.

- Paul

- If at first you don't succeed, find out if the loser gets anything.

 

[jcaulder]

Can I pick another answer because that is not the one I want

Guess I'll go to plan 2. Drop the column and re-add it allowing NULLs and then work around this bug. This will not require a new snapshot.

Thanks!

J