The format of a message during Web synchronization was invalid.

Question

 

Hi,

 

I have a problem with merge replication between SQL Server and SQL Server Express using web synchronization. When I synchronize, I get error:

 

The format of a message during Web synchronization was invalid. Ensure that replication components are properly configured at the Web server.

 

This happens only when the data to be synchronized is higher than some amount. If there were little changes at the subscriber, everything behaves normally.

 

I have searched for similar problems in forums and found this one to be related: http://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=1402689&SiteID=1

however, there is no .NET Framework 1 in Add/Remove programs in machine that is configured for Web Synchronization(Win2003 Server). And my web application which has replisapi.dll is explicilty configured to use .NET 2.0 framework. And the issue is still there.

 

What could be the problem?

Answer 1

Here's what is was for me:

 

I was using partitioning but was not automatically defining partitions and generating snapshots. 

 

I ended up with partitioning when I chose "A row from this table will go to only one subscription" on the Add Filter page of the New Publication Wizard.

 

To fix it, I had to manually check the box at the bottom of the Data Partitions tab of the Publication Properties window.

The check box says "Automatically define partitions and generate snapshots when a new Subscriber tries to synchronize"

 

If you aren't using partitions or you are defining partitions and generating snapshots some other way, this probably won't help.

 

I hope this helps.

Answer 2

I ran across the same error and like you I did not have .NET Framework 1.* installed.  My problem had to do with the -DownloadGenerationsPerBatch parameter for my merge agent.  My post is here:

http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/sqlreplication/thread/d4579eb0-65aa-42a2-bb55-2d7321222b4d

Hope this helps.