(AI KB) PCS KB: How to Enable Change Tracking

Summary:
Explains how change tracking operates in PCS, why VIEW_SERVER_STATE is required, and how to configure necessary permissions.

Configuring Change Tracking & VIEW_SERVER_STATE in PCS

PCS uses SQL Server change tracking to monitor and record data modifications. Enabling change tracking, and ensuring users can access PCS, requires attention to specific database permissions—especially VIEW_SERVER_STATE.

Key Settings & Permissions

• AutoGrant_VIEW_SERVER_STATE_Privilege in the ChangeLogSettings table controls whether PCS manages this permission automatically or needs DBA intervention.
  • If set to true (the default):
    • PCS attempts to automatically grant VIEW_SERVER_STATE to all PCS users.
    • This action requires SysAdmin privileges.
  • If set to false:
    • Users with db_owner at the database level can control change tracking.
    • The DBA must manually assign VIEW_SERVER_STATE to all PCS users.
    • Without this permission, users cannot log into PCS when change tracking is active.
      
      

Why is VIEW_SERVER_STATE Required?

All PCS users need the VIEW_SERVER_STATE permission because PCS queries the SQL Server dynamic management view sys.dm_tran_current_transaction to retrieve the current Transaction ID—this links each user’s changes to an auditable transaction.

How to Grant VIEW_SERVER_STATE in SSMS

If you must grant the permission manually (for example, if running with AutoGrant_VIEW_SERVER_STATE_Privilege = false):

1. Open SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
2. Connect to your database server.
3. Execute the following command for each PCS user (replace [username]):
   GRANT VIEW SERVER STATE TO [username]

Important:
If VIEW_SERVER_STATE is not granted to all PCS users, those users will not be able to log into PCS after change tracking is enabled.

After this is complete, make sure whoever is going to check the Change Tracking box within PCS has the db_owner permission and go to Tools > Options to see if it is available to be checked. If it's available, check the box and you're done-- a button for change tracking will appear in the data grids and reports.

For Further Assistance Please Submit a Technical Support Ticket