SQL Server Management Studio does not allow you to save changes to a table which require table re-creation such as changing data type for a column. When you perform such changes you will run into following error message:

Here, I have tried changing data type for 'Name' column from NVARCHAR(50) to CHAR(50). Since this requires table re-creation Management Studio does not allow this operation to be completed, and it is doing so for your own good!

This activity can be completed without re-creating table if you are using T-SQL. Following T-SQL code can be used to avoid table re-creation:

USE [SqlAndMe]

GO

ALTER TABLE [dbo].[Customers]

ALTER COLUMN Name CHAR(50)

GO

The above statement will change the data type of the 'Name' column to CHAR(50) without having to re-create table.

We are better off with this option enabled. Although, if you are a GUI fan you can disable this safety net.

1. Go to Tools > Options

2. Go to Designers > Table and Database Designers

3. Uncheck Prevent saving changes that require table re-creation.

You can find more information on why not to disable this option here:

SQL Server – ALTER COLUMN – Management Studio v. T-SQL

Hope This Helps!

Vishal

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Filed under: Management Studio, SQLServer, SQLServer 2005, SQLServer 2008, SQLServer 2008 R2, SQLServer 2012, Working With Data