altering an entry in the sysdevices table

[moonmonkey]

hi!

Our network guy wants to change the field 'phyname' in the system table sysdevices.

How can we do this? It doesn't want to let us change it. It says "Ad Hoc updates to system catalogs are not enabled. The system administrator must reconfigure SQL Server to allow this'.

Apparently he cannot log in as sa. He insists on using Windows Authentication.

He's a bit of a fool. Can anyone help?

 

[SQLBill]

1. Changing system tables is a BAD thing to do.

2. Changing system tables is a BAD thing to do.

3. If you really have to, then here's where to check on how to do it...go to the Books OnLine, use the Index tab, enter "system tables, direct updates" (without the "'s) and then click on "allow updates Option".

4. Changing system tables is a BAD thing to do.


-SQLBill

 

[tlbroadbent]

Don't do it. You'll break lots of proceduires. Backups will probably cease to work. In addition, the next upgrade will change it back. There is NO justification for changing a column name in a system table. If the network guy needs to see a different name, create view for him. If you want to get the best answer for your question read faq183-874 and faq183-3179.
Terry L. Broadbent - DBA
SQL Server Page:

http://tlbroadbent.home.attbi.com/sql/sql_articles.htm