You can synchronize a partial replica in the same way that you synchronize a full replica; however, a partial replica can be synchronized only with a full replica.
Whenever you create or change the filter for a partial replica, you must use the PopulatePartial method before you attempt to synchronize the replica. If you attempt to synchronize a partial replica that has a new filter without first using the PopulatePartial method, a trappable run-time error occurs.
Note that when you use the PopulatePartial method, all existing data is removed from the partial replica and new data is written into the replica.