I have a complex view joining several tables
I don't want the data, just a row that will give me the structure and allow me use the mapping to create a datatable in a dataset.

I've been using this technique for zillions of views, but something about this view is odd and I got the following:


When I run:
SELECT TOP 1 * FROM myview
the server times out.


When I run:
SELECT TOP 1 PERCENT * FROM myview
I get a result in a few milliseconds.


I tried ORDER BY 1 and got the same result

So, of course I used TOP 1 PERCENT

My question is.. does anyone know why there's such a difference between TOP 1 and TOP 1 PERCENT?

Or, is the a better way to get the mapping into a datatable?