I can't use the distribution database because it doesn't exist, and I can't create the distribution database because it already exists.
A failed replication set up had left a fat distribution database that caused the server CPU to peg 100%
when I tried to set up a new Transactional replication (halfway through the wizard).
I removed all replication objects from SMSS, but the only thing that fixed it was deleting the distribution
database with an ALTER to OFFLINE and a DROP, and restarting SQL.
Now, I'm unable to set up replication.
When I try, I get the error "Database 'distribution' does not exist. Make sure that the name is entered correctly."
In Distributor Properties, the Publisher is shown with a distribution database of 'distribution'. If I
untick that, SQL asks if I want to disable the Publisher. I say yes & get the error "Database
'distribution' does not exist.'
Ok, so let's create it. In the General tab of that window I create a new Distribution database and call it
'distribution'. Then I get the error 'Could not add the distribution database 'distribution'. This
distribution database already exists.
exec sp_helpdistributor shows distribution database as 'distribution'
SMSS doesn't show the distribution database at all.
Any ideas on how I can proceed?