Cannot modify table column in SQL Server 2008 using Table Designer

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There is a new option added in SQL Server 2008 for modifying tables while using the Table Designed in Management Studio which will prevent saving any changes to a table that needs a drop/re-create of the table. The error that you would see in the Management Studio is:

TITLE: Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio
——————————

User canceled out of save dialog
(MS Visual Database Tools)

If you want to modify a table property through the UI which requires a table recreation, then you need to change the following options in Management Studio:

Tools ->Options-> Designers -> Table and Database Designers -> uncheck the option "Prevent saving changes that require table re-creation"

24 thoughts on “Cannot modify table column in SQL Server 2008 using Table Designer”

  9. I want to alter table by script in sql express 2008 but then (->right click) on table then select on (->script table as) and then (->alter to). but (alter to) it show in invisible. how can i do
    please help thanks

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  10. Do you have ALTER TABLE permissions on the table? And is the option displayed for all tables in all databases? If not, then it is most likely a permissions issue.

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  15. ACTUALLY I CREATED A TABLE IN SQL. IN THAT THE COLUMN NAMES ARE RENT, MOTOR_BILL, CURRENT_BILL AND TOTAL_BILL.

    I GAVE VALUES TO THE RENT, MOTOR_BILL, CURRENT_BILL……….

    NOW I WANT THE AUTOMATIC CALCULATION FOR TOTAL_BILL. BY USING ALTER or UPDATE or MODIFY.

    IS THERE ANY POSSIBILITIES MEANS PLEASE TELL THE SOLUTION……………..

    ARUNKUMAR.R

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  16. You can do this using UPDATE statement or create a computed column for your table. I would suggest looking up “computed columns” and “update” in SQL Server Books Online.

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  23. If you want to modify table….? goto TOOLS = OPTIONS = DESIGNERS = TABLE AND DATABASE DESINGNERS.then unchecked Prevent saving that require table re-creation….

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