How to alter SQL in "Edit Top 200 Rows" in SSMS 2008

If you right click on any result of "Edit Top 200 Rows" query in SSMS you will see the option "Pane -> SQL". It then shows the SQL Query that was run, which you can edit as you wish.

In SMSS 2012 and 2008, you can use Ctrl+3 to quickly get there.

You can also change the pop-up options themselves, to be more convenient for your normal use. Summary:

1. Run the SQL Management Studio Express 2008
2. Click the Tools -> Options

3. Select SQL Server Object Explorer . Now you should be able to see the options

   • Value for Edit Top Rows Command
   • Value for Select Top Rows Command

4. Give the Values 0 here to select/ Edit all the Records

Full Instructions with screenshots are here: http://m-elshazly.blogspot.com/2011/01/sql-server-2008-change-edit-top-200.html

Very quick and easy visual instructions to change this (and the select top 1000) for 2008 R2 through SSMS GUI

http://bradmarsh.net/index.php/2008/04/21/sql-2008-change-edit-top-200-rows/

Summary:

• Go to Tools menu -> Options -> SQL Server Object Explorer
• Expand SQL Server Object Explorer
• Choose 'Commands'
• For 'Value for Edit Top Rows' command, specify '0' to edit all rows