Re-generating Snapshots Query
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Friday, October 05, 2012 3:58 PM
Hello MSDN'rs,
I have a publication configured which allows subscribers to merge replicate over HTTP. In addition due to internet bandwidth constraints I also developed a DVD based deployment for the initial configuration of the subscribers and the downloading of the initial snapshot from the DVD as an alternative location.
This has been working very well (to the extent that I have forgotten most of what I learned!). However a recent change to the schema of the database has resulted in some problems occuring as the solution provided (without my knowledge) for any new subscribers is to run the installation DVD that sets up the subscription database, performs the initial snapshot download from the DVD, perform a merge replication then run a script to address the schema changes and run the merge replication again. This workaround seems to be failing consistently.
Therefore I would like to generate a new snapshot so I can update the installation DVD and any new subscribers will be configured with the seamless error free way that was intended. However I cannot for the life of me find recollect (or find out) if the generation of a new snapshot will invalidate the snapshot currently in place (thus invalidating the current installation DVDs) and also if it will force any current subscribers to download the entire new snapshot via the HTTP method (I suspect not but I would like to be absolutely sure as this could cause very big problems).
Thanks in advance.
spar1grep
All Replies
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Friday, October 05, 2012 4:11 PMModerator Yes, generating a new snapshot will invalidate existing snapshots, including the one you have on your DVD.
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- Marked As Answer by spar1grep Saturday, October 06, 2012 6:49 AM
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Friday, October 05, 2012 5:33 PM
Thanks Hilary for the very quick response.
In relation to the second question with regards to current subscribers, the generation of a new snapshot does not result in those current subscribers re-downloading the replicated database in its entirety from the new snapshot they will continue to just perform merge replication as the snapshot only comes into play with new subscribers added after the new snapshot is generated?
Regards.
spar1grep
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Friday, October 05, 2012 5:38 PMModerator
If the publication is set to allow for the propagation of schema changes (@replicate_ddl = true) then most schema changes using T-SQL will propagate to Subscribers when the Merge Agent runs.
To update the installation DVD, generate a new snapshot. Generating a new snapshot will not force current subscribers to download the entire new snapshot.
- Marked As Answer by spar1grep Saturday, October 06, 2012 6:49 AM
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Friday, October 05, 2012 5:44 PMModeratorBrandon is correct - the other subscribers will not need a new snapshot. The merge replication agents might report for a moment an new snapshot is required for all subscribers, but this message will clear.
looking for a book on SQL Server 2008 Administration? http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Server-2008-Management-Administration/dp/067233044X looking for a book on SQL Server 2008 Full-Text Search? http://www.amazon.com/Pro-Full-Text-Search-Server-2008/dp/1430215941
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Saturday, October 06, 2012 6:50 AMHilary and Brandon, thanks very much for your knowledge the answers you have provided have helped me greatly!
spar1grep
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