Enabling IntelliSense and Refreshing IntelliSense Data in SQL SERVER Management Studio 2008

First let me explain you what is IntelliSense.

·         It is a feature which is provided in SSMS2008 by Microsoft.

·         When you are writing T-SQL statement in query window it will provide a list of available objects and properties. It actually reads internal metadata and provides the list.

·     Prior SSMS 2008 this feature was not available.

Sometimes when you are using SSMS 2008 and writing T-SQL statement this IntelliSense won’t work.

To make sure IntelliSense work do following steps:

1.   Open SSMS 2008 and check in following menu-

Tools > Options > Text Editor > Transact-SQL > IntelliSense

And make sure check box for enable intelliSense is being checked.

See below figure.

2.   Verify in following menu :

Query > IntelliSense Enabled

See below fig.

3.   If IntelliSense doesn’t work even after above two steps. Then you have to clear the cache.

a)   Shortcut from keyboard to clear the cache - (Ctrl+Shift+R).

b)   From Menu-

Edit>IntelliSense>Refresh local Cache

         See below fig.