upsize_ts column in legacy database - what does it mean?

Question

We have to work with legacy database and many tables have a column called upsize_ts of datatype timestamp not related to the data stored.

What is its purpose? Is this some sort of rowversion column? Can we delete that column?

Answer 1

I have found, that "upsize_ts" column is created when upgrading MS Access database to MSSQL using Upsizing wizard:

Upsizing is the process of migrating some or all database objects from a Microsoft Access database (.mdb) to a new or existing Microsoft SQL Server database or new Microsoft Access project (.adp).

The upsize wizard documentation mentions following:

Timestamp Columns By default, the Upsizing Wizard creates new columns with the data type of timestamp in SQL Server tables generated from Microsoft Access tables that contain floating-point (single or double), Memo, or OLE fields.

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Can we delete that column?

This field should not be deleted if database will still be used by MS Access (which is case for our app).

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More About Upsizing Wizard:

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/access-help/use-the-upsizing-wizard-HP005273009.aspx

Answer 2

Is this some sort of rowversion column?

Yes, it is. In versions of SQL Server before 2008, TIMESTAMP is the equivalent to ROWVERSION.

Can we delete that column?

No one can answer that for you - you need to find out if it really is not used anywhere.