1. I'd use CHAR for < 20 characters. I think I saw something about > 20 characers not really providing any benefits.

2. Use integers. They join quicker. I'd use...

from BOL:

data_type

Is the parameter data type. All data types, including text, ntext and image, can be used as a parameter for a stored procedure. However, the cursor data type can...

I'd agree with Brian. The firewall is the best place. If this is not possible, I am not sure what you can do. Profiler does not get this (the client...

Have you checked all the data for anomolies? Can you return the individual rows directly with a select?

Steve Jones

steve@dkranch.net

It is resource intensive (relatively), but it works if you are not under a heavy load. It's also simple.

Steve Jones

steve@dkranch.net

see other post

Steve Jones

steve@dkranch.net

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/adminsql/ad_impt_bcp_9yat.asp

Steve Jones

steve@dkranch.net

If you are querying through ADO, you can use sp_help 'procedurename' and see the 2nd recordset for the parameters.

Steve Jones

steve@dkranch.net

It be complex, but you can do it.

Here's a start:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/dtsprog/dtspapps_2e5f.asp

This gets you setup in VB. From there, you could have to create each part of the package, connections, tasks,...

Those are so crappy error descriptions. Not much better on technet, but you could try there.

Steve Jones

steve@dkranch.net

Thanks.

Steve Jones

steve@dkranch.net

There are some differences in the way the languages compile (they generate different ILS). However, you don't need to learn them. If a C# app runs faster than a VB/NET...

AFAIK, the only DTS competitors are expensive tools from 3rd party vendors. That was one of the big hits with DTS.

Steve Jones

steve@dkranch.net

I like Andy's method. In the past, when I haven't wanted to keep the same name, I have used BCP out/in which worked amazingly well (used scripts).

My method has usually...

Thanks for the followup. Was this an instance? Is this a startup parameter? Where was -s used?

Steve Jones

steve@dkranch.net