Removing a linked server gives error

  • Hi everyone,

    When I try to removed a linked server, I get the following error message. Any idea how to fix this? Thanks in advance.

    Server: Msg 911, Level 16, State 1, Line 55

    Could not locate entry in sysdatabases for database 'distribution'. No entry found with that name. Make sure that the name is entered correctly.

  • What is the command you are using?

  • Hi Peter, sorry for the late response.

    I am trying to remove it from EM.

    I tried running sp_dropserver and got the same error message.

    Thanks.

  • Database 'distribution' is used to store settings for replication, if you didn't already know. Sometimes when you start to set up replication and then quit, it leave details in the replication system tables. I believe they are syspublications, syssubscriptions and sysschemaarticles in the database set up to be published.

    I believe the drop server will also try to remove the replication details for the remote server, if any. That may be why it is trying to access your local distribution database.

    If this is the case you will have to delete the partial replication details in the system tables first.

    I may be way off the mark, but it is just an idea to get you started.

    Peter

  • Any further info on this?  I have a linked server that suddenly began to reject the 'sa' password.  SPROCs that have been running all month have stopped running.

    I have no syspublications, syssubscriptions and sysschemaarticles tables in any of my databases.

    I get the same error 911 when attempting to delete the linked sever from Enterprise Manager or from Query Analyzer.

    If anyone has realized some success with this issue then feel free to share your info...

    Thanks !!!

    Wayne

  • It's been a while, but I think I went to the sys tables and deleted that linked server manually. I would reseach what tables hold the data for linked server registrations and manually remove the entries.

  • Did you get my last reply on how we solved this problem?  I posted a reply but am not sure it posted successfully.

  • Looks like my post on how we solved the problem did not take.

    We added a database called "distribution" to the SQL Server.  Then we were able to delete the linked server.

    -- Wayne

Viewing 8 posts - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)

You must be logged in to reply to this topic. Login to reply