Alter table with merge replication

Hello,
We are using sql2000.
1.Is there a better way to change field data type with
merge replication than add column, copy data and then drop
column?
2.How can i create index with merge replication?
3.If the only way is stop and restart the replication,
what is the easiest way to do so?
Many Many Thanks For Reply.
>
> We are using sql2000.
> 1.Is there a better way to change field data type with
> merge replication than add column, copy data and then drop
> column?
No, there isn't. You use sp_repladdcolumn to add the new column and then
sp_repldropcolumn to remove the old column. Note that ALTER TABLE and ALTER
COLUMN does this transparently.

> 2.How can i create index with merge replication?
>
You use the @.schema_option argument of the sp_repladdcolumn to generate a
corresponding index. A value of 0x010 will generate a clustered index and
0x40 will generate a nonclustered index.

> 3.If the only way is stop and restart the replication,
> what is the easiest way to do so?
You don't need to break merge replication to perform make schema changes in
SQL Server 2000.
Hope this helps,
Eric Crdenas
Senior support professional
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.
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