Have you ever encountered the error message “Syntax error converting datetime from character string” while working with SQL Server? If so, you’re not alone. This error is quite common and can be frustrating to deal with. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this error and provide a simple solution to resolve it.

One of the main causes of this error is when an incorrect date is being inserted into a datetime column. For example, let’s say you have an ASP application using the OLE DB provider for SQL Server, and you try to insert the following script:

INSERT INTO TestTable (ID, MyDate)
VALUES (1, '01- Septeber -2013')

In this case, the error occurs because the word “September” is misspelled as “Septeber”. By correcting the spelling, you can successfully insert the value without encountering the error.

However, incorrect values or typos are not the only reasons for this error. Issues with casting or converting can also lead to similar errors. For example, if you try to execute the following code:

SELECT CONVERT (datetime, '01- Septeber -2013', 112)

You will encounter a similar error. The reason here is that any conversion attempt or operation on an incorrect date/time string can result in the error message. It’s important to double-check the values and formatting of your date strings before attempting any conversions.

It’s worth noting that this error can occur not only in embedded dynamic code within your application language but also when attempting similar operations on incorrect datetime strings directly in SQL Server. In such cases, you may see the following error message:

Msg 241, Level 16, State 1, Line 2
Conversion failed when converting date and/or time from character string.

To avoid encountering this error, always ensure that your date values are correct and properly formatted before attempting any conversions or operations. Taking the time to validate and verify your date strings can save you from unnecessary headaches and troubleshooting.

In conclusion, the “Syntax error converting datetime from character string” error in SQL Server can be easily resolved by carefully checking your date values and ensuring they are accurate and correctly formatted. By doing so, you can avoid encountering this error and ensure smooth execution of your SQL queries.