I have verified that the files were differential backups. I understand it seems very odd, however, these were all generated from a standard maintenance plan...bizzarre!

Agree wth George...go through the Wizard to set up a small test replication (shouldn't matter which type), replicate one table. After you've done that, undo it all. This...

Can you post the execution plans for both queries?

100% Agree with Ninja, the locking hint would be useless (and is generally frowned upon)

At our company we have a lot of reporting running off data from MSSQL and...

I'd recommend Idera's SQL Diagnostic Manager, very configurable and has a BUNCH of great tools

Gail, I have to ask...

Say I...

I assume you're using a linked server....can you post the SQL statement please?

Thanks Gail, I will remember this going forward

Yes I had copied them all but it would let me restore the latest one as it was created after a new full backup, so I only restores the diffs...

I believe this has been resolved. Thanks to everyone who helped with the solution...just another reason why I simply LOVE this website...you guys (and gals) ROCK 😀

I pulled the...

Gail, yes, if that were an option I would have done that before placing this post :hehe:

About 300 miles

Again, it will take 18 hours to copy a full backup up to the our DR location (due to it's size - 88GB compressed via Hyperbac)...during this time a FULL...

I understand but still seeking clarification on:

If I restore the full backup, then apply the last differentials to the secondary server AND a new full backup occurs on the primary...

You mean restore the latest differential backup over the secondary DB, right?