BUG: Structural Changes to a Shared Dimension Fail to Write-Disable Cubes

ID: Q231357

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft SQL Server OLAP Services version 7.0

BUG #: 469 (plato7x)

SYMPTOMS

When you change the structure of a shared dimension (in the Library folder) used in a write-enabled cube (for example, you add or delete a level), the cube stays write-enabled and you do not get any warning. If you process this cube, it remains write-enabled. This situation is problematic because:

After processing the cube's data does not reflect the write-back data.

The cube's write-back table is inconsistent with the revised shared dimension.

WORKAROUND

To prevent this problem, before making structural changes to a shared dimension, write disable the write-enabled cubes that include the dimension. Use one of the following procedures to do that:

If you are using OLAP Service Enterprise Edition, you can convert the write back data to a partition that will incorporate the write-back data into the cube and make the cube write disabled. To do that right-click the cube, point to Write-Back Options, and click Convert to Partition. Next, use the Convert to Partition dialog box to convert the write-back data to a partition. NOTE: This option is not available with the Standard Edition.

If you are using the Standard Edition, you will have to delete the write back data before write disabling the cube. To delete the write-back data, right-click the cube, point to Write-Back Options, and click Delete Data. This will write disable the cube.

NOTE: The following procedure will delete the cube's write-back table.

If you have already made structural changes to a shared dimension, right-click the write-enabled cube that includes it, point to Write-Back Options, and click Delete Data. This action write-disables the cube.

Repeat the preceding procedure for each write-enabled cube that includes the shared dimension.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in SQL Server version 7.0.

MORE INFORMATION

Also note that whenever a structural change is to be made to a write-enabled cube, it must be write-disabled first because its structure is no longer consistent with its write-back table. If you make any structural change within a write enabled cube, for example add a dimension, a dialog box opens in OLAP Manager that contains a warning message with the caption 'Delete Write-Back Data':

This will delete the data in the write-back table and convert your cube to a read-only structure.

Caution: All write-back data will be deleted.

Are you sure you want to proceed?

If you click Yes, the cube is write disabled and all read/write permissions for the cube are disabled.

If the user makes a nonstructural change, such as changing a measure's Data Type property in the cube, the cube remains write-enabled. This situation is normal.

Additional query words:


Keywords          : SSOSdso SSOSmgr 
Version           : winnt:7.0
Platform          : winnt 
Issue type        : kbbug

Last Reviewed: July 30, 1999