Distributor Properties, General
The General page of the Distributor Properties dialog box allows you to add and delete distribution databases and set distribution database properties.
The distribution database stores metadata and history data for all types of replication, and transactions for transactional replication. In many cases, a single distribution database is sufficient. But if multiple Publishers use a single Distributor, consider creating a distribution database for each Publisher. Doing so ensures that the data flowing through each distribution database is distinct.
Options
Databases
The Databases property grid shows the name and retention properties of the distribution databases on the Distributor. Transaction Retention is the length of time transactions are stored for transactional replication (transaction retention is also known as distribution retention). History Retention is the length of time history metadata is stored for all types of replication. For more information about distribution retention, see Subscription Expiration and Deactivation.Click the properties button (...) in the Databases property grid to launch the Distribution Database Properties dialog box.
New
Click to create a new distribution database.Delete
Select an existing distribution database in the Databases property grid, and click Delete to delete the database. You cannot delete the distribution database if there is only one such database; each Distributor must have at least one distribution database. To delete all distribution databases, you must disable distribution on the computer. For more information, see How to: Disable Publishing and Distribution (SQL Server Management Studio).Profile Defaults
Click to access replication agent profiles in the Agent Profiles dialog box. For more information about profiles, see Replication Agent Profiles.