how to search Sql Server 2008 R2 stored procedures for a string?

Question

I'm migrating a legacy SQLS2k to 2008R2, and it seems all data access was done through stored procs, and any custom queries use the legacy *= =* outer join syntax. There are upwards of a hundred procs so I don't want to open each one individually to see if it uses that syntax (most wouldn't), is there a way I can query the metadata for a list of procs/functions/views/triggers, then loop through searching for the *= or =* strings, printing out the name of the offending object?

My background is oracle, I know how to find the metadata views there, but I'm a bit new to Sql Server. Downgrading the compatibility version is not an option.

thanks!

Answer 1

Free Red Gate SQL Search?

Or query sys.sql_modules

SELECT OBJECT_NAME(object_id)
FROM sys.sql_modules
WHERE definition LIKE '%=*%' OR definition LIKE '%*=%'

Note: INFORMATION_SCHEMA views and syscomments truncate the definition so are unreliable.

Answer 2

Problem with using queries is that these don’t work if stored procedure is encrypted unless you’re running DAC connection type.

This is where third party tool come in handy because they help you do this without too much hassle. I’m using ApexSQL Search that’s free but I guess you can’t go wrong with Red Gate or any other tool out there.