Modify sys.sp_columns system stored procedure

  • Hi all,

    I am using a lot the system stored procedure sys.sp_columns for retrieving the data type of the columns for a specific table in my database.

    Now, what i was trying to do is to modify the system stored procedure 😎 , but i could not achieve this.

    All i need is that the stored procedure returns less columns in the result set.

    Is there a way to do this?

    The error i get is:

    Msg 208, Level 16, State 6, Procedure sp_columns, Line 108

    Invalid object name 'sys.sp_columns'.

    :ermm:

    Any help would be greatly appreciated 🙂

    Regards,

    Oana.

  • You can't modify the system objects.

    You're probably best off writing your own query against the catalog views sys.columns, sys.types, sys.tables...

    Gail Shaw
    Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
    SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

    We walk in the dark places no others will enter
    We stand on the bridge and no one may pass
  • I see ...

    But then why the Modify option is enabled in SQL Server 2005? Is there a reason?

    Regards,

    Oana.

  • Just a bit of a gui glitch. You really can not edit those procedures.

    "The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood"
    - Theodore Roosevelt

    Author of:
    SQL Server Execution Plans
    SQL Server Query Performance Tuning

  • Thanks for your replies.

    Regards,

    Oana.

  • Also note that the system procs aren't actually in the user databases, though they appear to be. They're in the hidden resource database.

    Gail Shaw
    Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
    SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

    We walk in the dark places no others will enter
    We stand on the bridge and no one may pass

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