sql 2005 force table rename that has dependencies

Question

How do you force a rename???

Rename failed for Table 'dbo.x. (Microsoft.SqlServer.Smo)

For help, click: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink?ProdName=Microsoft+SQL+Server&ProdVer=10.0.2531.0+%28%28Katmai%5FPCU%5FMain%29.090329-1045+%29&EvtSrc=Microsoft.SqlServer.Management.Smo.ExceptionTemplates.FailedOperationExceptionText&EvtID=Rename+Table&LinkId=20476

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An exception occurred while executing a Transact-SQL statement or batch. (Microsoft.SqlServer.ConnectionInfo)

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Object '[dbo].[x]' cannot be renamed because the object participates in enforced dependencies. (Microsoft SQL Server, Error: 15336)

For help, click: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink?ProdName=Microsoft+SQL+Server&ProdVer=09.00.4035&EvtSrc=MSSQLServer&EvtID=15336&LinkId=20476

Answer 1

Find the "enforced dependencies", then remove or disable them.

By "enforced dependencies", it means Schema binding, so you'll have to look specifically for that.

Here's a query to look for schema binding references to your object:

select o.name as ObjName, r.name as ReferencedObj
from sys.sql_dependencies d
join sys.objects o on o.object_id=d.object_id
join sys.objects r on r.object_id=d.referenced_major_id
where d.class=1
AND r.name = @YourObjectName

As I noted in the comments, there is no way to FORCE-ibly override Schema Binding. When you use Schema Binding, you are explicitly saying "Do not let me or anyone else override this." The only way around Schema Binding is to undo it, and that's intentional.

Answer 2

You may not be able to rename the object without first removing its dependencies (e.g., deleting FK constraints and recreating them afterwards). You can either do this manually, or use a tool like SQL Refactor from the Redgate SQL Toolbelt:

http://www.red-gate.com/products/SQL_Professional_Toolbelt/index.htm

I recommend these tools, they are extremely useful; however, they are also pretty expensive. You can do it using the free trial version, though. There is also a tool in this tools suite which will help you track down the object's dependencies (SQL Dependency Tracker).