Linked Server - Can't Browse Catalog

[monkeybarfan]

I am using SQL Server 2005.

We have a dozen linked servers, which I can use a SELECT query fine to access the data and I can run the system stored procedures EXEC sp_catalogs 'LinkedServerName' & sp_tables_ex LinkedServerName fine to see what is in the Server/db.

The problem I have is that when I click on the name of the Linked Server in Management Studio, the panel on the right that normally displays the tables/details etc remains blank. It is fine for all my Registered Servers, but for all the linked servers it is blank.

The fact I can query the linked server databases suggests it is not an access/login related issue.

Anyone had this?

 

[hmckillop]

If you are using management studio why do you not just connect to the other databases rather than hving them as linked DBs

I am not 100% certain what you should see under linked server, but two things come to mind, its possible you can link to an non-MSSQl Db then it doesnt make sense to have management studio as the tool, the second one is potentially its a user permissions issue. Being able to query data is one thing, being able to view schemas etc is a different one - so check the user permissions you use in setting up the linked server.
I may be way off here as its not something I have done and then used Management studio

"I'm living so far beyond my income that we may almost be said to be living apart

 

[SQLWilts]

What authority does the user have that you are using to connect to the linked server (in the setup of linked servers)?
And a dumb question - you are using SS Management Studio, but are you trying to connect to SQL 2000 via linked servers? SSMS will restrict the access to system catalogues via system views - which aren't there under 2000
Told you it was a dumb question