Has anyone implemented replication between SQL Server 2008 and MSDE2000? Does the merge replication work between these two databases?
A:
SQL Server 2000 and SQL Server 2005 can both participate in replication topologies with SQL Server 2008. For SQL Server 2000 the minimum version is Service Pack 3 (SP3).
Ref: Using Multiple Versions of SQL Server in a Replication Topology
When you replicate between or among different versions of SQL Server, you are usually limited to the functionality of the earliest version used. For example, if you upgrade a Distributor to an instance of SQL Server 2008, but you have a Publisher that is running an instance of SQL Server 2005 and a Subscriber that is running an instance of SQL Server 2000, you are limited to the general functionality and replication functionality of SQL Server 2000.
There are some breaking changes in the security model detailed here: Breaking Changes in SQL Server Replication
Mitch Wheat
2009-04-13 03:43:08