sql server replication: According to books online for SQL 2000, it is possible to
use an attachable subscription database to create a new
pull subscription. However, when I go into the property
sheet for the publication (newly created, prior to any
subscriptions) , there is no option to allow copying.
The documentation on how to do this seems to be missing
from books online as well. Is it actually possible to
create a subscription this way? If so, then how?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

To Create an attachable subscription database, do the following:
1. In Enterprise Manager, Right click on the Database you want to copy.
2. Select All Tasks
3. Select "Copy Subscription Database"
4. Choose a location and save. An MSF file will be created.

Note that copying a subscription database is done on an existing subscriber
machine. (I usually use my development box for this purpose).
Also note that the msf file will expire if your replication is set up to
expire, so keep that in mind when distributing the MSF files.

To use an MSF file:
1. At the new subscriber, right click on Replication
2. Choose "Attach Subscription Database"
3. Specify a database name. (SQL will create the database for you)
4. Delete the existing subscription item created during this procedure, and
recreate it.
(If you don't do this, the subscriber isn't registered at the publisher,
which results in failed replication if you don't allow anonymous
subscribers)

Regards

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