How to: Specify a Merge Article Resolver (SQL Server Management Studio)
Merge replication allows the following types of article resolvers:
The default resolver. The behavior of the default resolver depends on whether the subscription is a client subscription or a server subscription. For more information about specifying subscription type, see How to: Specify a Merge Subscription Type and Conflict Resolution Priority (SQL Server Management Studio).
A custom resolver you have written, which can be a business logic handler (written in managed code) or a custom COM-based resolver.
A standard COM-based resolver, which is included with Microsoft SQL Server.
To use a resolver other than the default resolver, you must copy the resolver to the computer on which the Merge Agent runs and register it (if you are using a business logic handler, it must also be registered at the Publisher). The Merge Agent runs at:
The Distributor for a push subscription
The Subscriber for a pull subscription
The Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS) server for a pull subscription that uses Web synchronization
For more information on registering a resolver, see How to: Specify a Merge Article Resolver (Replication Transact-SQL Programming).
After the resolver is registered, specify that an article should use the resolver on the Resolver tab of the Article Properties - <Article> dialog box, which is available in the New Publication Wizard and the Publication Properties - <Publication> dialog box. For more information about using the wizard and accessing the dialog box, see How to: Create a Publication and Define Articles (SQL Server Management Studio) and How to: View and Modify Publication and Article Properties (SQL Server Management Studio).
To specify a resolver
On the Articles page of the New Publication Wizard or the Publication Properties - <Publication> dialog box, select a table.
Click Article Properties, and then click Set Properties of Highlighted Table Article.
On the Article Properties - <Article> page, click the Resolver tab.
Select Use a custom resolver (registered at the Distributor), and then in the list, click the resolver.
If the resolver requires input (such as a column name), specify it in the Enter information needed by the resolver text box.
Click OK.
Repeat this process for each article that requires a resolver.