Command delivery status in MSrepl_commands

I need to build some custom replication trouble shooter and I can't find
answers on couple of questions.
- How to determine status of command in MSrepl_commands? I mean status is
delivered this command to subscriber or not.
- How long delivered transactions reside in MSrepl_commands?
Have a look at the view msdistribution_status, which should be what you are
looking for. The code of the view is not encrypted and you could use it to
not do the group by and create your own version. If you want the actual
commands, then have a look at sp_browsereplcmds.
How long do commands reside in this table? If they have been read by all the
distribution agents involved and you don't have anonymous subscribers, the
commands will be removed by the cleanup agent. If a distribution agent isn't
synchronized or you have anonymous subscribers, they'll stay there until the
retention period is reached (72 hourd by default), and are then removed by
the cleanup agent.
Rgds,
Paul Ibison SQL Server MVP, www.replicationanswers.com
(recommended sql server 2000 replication book:
http://www.nwsu.com/0974973602p.html)