Issues with Client copy from Production to DEV server ... as relates to WF

Hello,

This is probably one of the common problem that others have faced. I have not had a clean solution and am looking for suggestions and best way to handle this.

Our basis team performs client copy on specific interval or as requested into the production support Development box where we can simulate an issue with real data in the environment.

One issue we face is that, when the data is copied over to the non-prod box, all active workflow are also copied and remain active and get escalated, etc as they would in production. This causes a confusion with our business users since they get emails from the non-prod box saying they have a work item to complete.

Was wondering if there is any bettter options out there other than setting up some utility programs that will have to be executed in non-production after the client copy to delete all active work items, initialize email address of users to blank so that emails do not go to real users from non-prod box.

Any suggestions, ideas or pointers to other forums is much appreicated.

Thanks,

SG