Targeting your audience is key. We don't want to be bothered with adverts, however when you need information there is no forum or channel on SQLServerCentral that I have seen...

Its a real world example of change that happens to us all - is useful in the future as a reference and I don't think anyone is worried about an...

Very neat - sadly can't use RANK() in 2000 db but otherwise nice!

I'd love to see your corrective T-SQL Steve - good article material. I want to see timings using complex SQL, use of temporary tables and for Jeff M's benefit -...

Looks like a nice piece of gear. My attache case is a little work worn and I was concerned about its ability to cope with bumps on my recent travels....

Sadly no. Its a freshly built table containing all data but with no indexes on at all.

Sergiy, I can't change the varchar fields just yet unfortunately. The really odd...

the largest data size of any row is 1800 bytes.

Sorry for the long post delay.

I should explain the full scenario. We have created a full database update tool. It takes an original database, generates meta data for all...

Its a combination of two integer fields, so well under the 900, although it is clustered.

Thanks Glenn, good couple of points. I'm restricted and can't redefine the varchar fields unfortunately - but I take your point about the primary key before the insert.

The really odd...

If its any help, I can create an identical table, copy the data in using insert statements but its only adding the primary key which is causing the issue.

The largest...

Rolled in - Already part of the software

Set in stone - Fixed in code - rolled in(think writing on a granite tablet). Usually refers to parameters or a design decision...

I have to say that entrusting functionality to a third party scares me, its an extra tier of complexity or point of failure. Alerts I can semi understand, but it...

I have to say I work in a small team. Each of us are responsible for our own workload and occasionally picking up the pieces if we need to.

Sometimes if...

Yes all the best for the day and year ahead Steve.

I'm a bit of a frustrated mad inventor - frustrated because I don't get a chance to put my ideas...