Error: You cannot make changes to the design of the database at this replica

[Curious]

I recently was asked to update a client's BE & FE database.

It seems the client only has a replicated version of the database. I don't have the original Design Master.

Problems with negative autonumbers (it seems are due to replication), made me want to remove all need for replication from the database sets.

I attempted to modify some of the Tables in the BE and keep receiving the same error when I try to save it:

ERROR: "You cannot make changes to the design of the database at this replica"

I haven't found a solution on the forum yet. Any ideas?

I found the Replication part of this Microsoft KB article somewhat helpful: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/275561/en-us

 

[Dreamweaver]

You need to convert the Replica to a design master or find the design master.

Tools-Replication-RecoverDesignMaster I Think but you need to be using the DB.

but do they use other replicas if so do they need to be synced?????

mick

 

[Curious]

It is just a single user. I believe they received the database from another source. I was trying to see if I could manage without contacting the original developers. It seems I might have to.

The other source would provide updates to her FE via replication. However, she no longer wishes to use them for support.

I have already followed the usual steps to Recover the Design Master, but still, I can't make changes to the tables in the BE.

 

[Dreamweaver]

It is just a single user. I believe they received the database from another source. I was trying to see if I could manage without contacting the original developers. It seems I might have to.

The other source would provide updates to her FE via replication. However, she no longer wishes to use them for support.

I have already followed the usual steps to Recover the Design Master, but still, I can't make changes to the tables in the BE.

You say you have converted her FE but you need to do the BK as well unless there's some security they use.

 

[Curious]

I tried to do the same for the BE by going to:

Tools -> Replication -> Recover Design Master

However, the option was not available. The only one that was, was "Create Replica". If I hadn't got that error message when working with the BE tables, I wouldn't have even recognized this as a Replica.

I'm not sure it is replicated. I thought, perhaps the replicated objects in the FE that are linked to the BE are causing the problems.

I removed all linked tables in the FE to see if it would allow me to edit the BE tables, but still go the same error message.

I'm not aware of any security they may be using.

 

[Dreamweaver]

Try Importing the backend into a new db for your current version then see if you can edit that copy.

have the tables got the replication symbole

 

[Curious]

I did end up imported all db objects into another db and was then able to work with the tables, etc. Apparently the client had been experimenting with Replication and wasn't quite sure how to use it. I've advised them to no longer use the legacy database (replicated) and just backup the design master for an archive.