XML is a good solution for some sticky problems.

For example, I'm programming an application that stores information for physical exams that a medical practice performs. The problem is that the exam...

I actually kept working with the problem and stumbled on this solution, which is much simpler. Dunno how I missed it.

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SELECT min(number),

>> If it is not relevant in which order the phone numbers (home, ...) is preferred, left join this: >> ...

That'll do it.

Sigh...I need to think through these things...

Hi, Grant.

>> ... to walk through data that can be easily solved in sets. <<

Easy for you to say!

No, I understand what you're...

Hi, Aaron.

Well, I would but there's really nothing that special about them. Like I said, one contains payment amounts, another invoice amounts, and the customers table carries a balance column. (Yes...

Good suggestion, and that's probably what I'll do also, but I need something to do periodic reconciliations to show the tables are, in fact, in sync, something the client requires.

>> You can do it, here is one example: <<

Now, why didn't I think of that? (Don't anwer that. <g&gt

That'll do it, Robert. Thanks....

Thanks for your efforts, Yelena, but...

>> 1. Use sp_attach_single_file_db (see syntax in Books Online in the SQL Server Star Menu) because it uses only the database file and creates...

I tried both of those solutions, but SQL Server balked at each. I was trying to move the db, but it didn't work on the new server, and, to top it...

Thanks for that advice, but the database isn't attached anymore, and SQL Server won't let me attach it for the very reason your advice addresses....a catch 22. But, I'll certainly put it...

I used the Management Studio with SQL Server 2005 to detach it, i.e.: 

Right-click-myDB -> All tasks -> Detach.

That's all I did.

I don't understand why SQL Server disallows you to simply attach the...

Okay, will do. Thanks, Bill.

While I'm at it, would you or someone tell me the correct procedure for detaching a db? Bascially all I want to know is what the common gotchas are...

I just read this in BOL:

DBCC SHRINKFILE applies to the files in the current database.

If the db isn't even attached, can this command be used? Perhaps that's why I keep...

Thanks, but now I get a message indicating the file cannot be found. I set the default location of log files to the folder where it is, and then tried adding...

As the old saw goes, "There's your way; there's my way; then there's the right way."

In this case, yours is the right way. Data integrity should never be jeapordized,...