Error 5808

Severity Level 16

Message Text

Do not recommend ad hoc updates to system catalogues, use override option to force this configuration

Explanation

This error message occurs in one of these two situations:

• When a user tries to use the sp_configure system stored procedure with the allow updates option
• When a user tries to set a configuration parameter to a value that SQL Server recognizes as likely to interfere with performance or smooth operation

When the allow updates option is enabled, SQL Server allows direct updates to the system tables, so any user who can log on as the SQL Server system administrator can update the system tables directly with ad-hoc queries and can create stored procedures that update the system catalog. Incorrect changes to the system tables can cause unrecoverable database corruption or data loss.

Caution Severe problems can result from the direct manipulation of the system catalogs. Do not modify the system catalogs unless instructed to do so by your primary support provider.

Action

If you are aware of the danger and have a specific reason to enable the allow updates option (for example, you have been instructed to do so by your primary support provider), follow these steps:

1. Enable the allow updates option:

   sp_configure 'allow updates',1
   go

2. After making the necessary changes to the system tables, disable the allow updates option:

   sp_configure 'allow updates', 0
   go
   RECONFIGURE WITH OVERRIDE
   go

Caution Always perform step 2 to prevent ad-hoc queries on the system tables, which might result in unrecoverable database corruption or data loss.

.

3. Restart SQL Server so the changes will take effect.