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SQL Server Troubleshooting
Merge Agent: Only members of the sysadmin role may set server options.
Symptom:
A merge agent has failed, the full error message text being:
Only members of the sysadmin role may set server options.
the last command may be recorded as:
{call sp_MScreateglobalreplicat (,?,?,?,?,?,?)}
Cause:
The subscriber is causing the error, not the publisher. The subscriber is preventing the merge agent from functioning because it requires the sysadmin role, but lacks it.
Remedy:
On the subscriber grant the process used by the merge agent the 'System Administrator' role.
These notes are believed to be correct for SQL Server 7 and may apply to other versions as well.
About the author: Brian Cryer is a dedicated software developer and webmaster. For his day job he develops websites and desktop applications as well as providing IT services. He moonlights as a technical author and consultant.