SQL Server Error Message: Invalid length parameter passed to the substring function
Error Message:
Server: Msg 536, Level 16, State 3, Line 1 Invalid length parameter passed to the substring function.
Causes:
This error is caused by passing a negative value to the length parameter of the SUBSTRING, LEFT and RIGHT string functions. This usually occurs in conjunction with the CHARINDEX function wherein the character being searched for in a string is not found and 1 is subtracted from the result of the CHARINDEX function.
LEFT(@String, CHARINDEX(' ', @String) - 1)If the character is not found in a string, a space in this example, the CHARINDEX function will return a value of 0. Subtracting 1 to this will become -1 and using this as the length parameter in the SUBSTRING or LEFT functions will result to this error.
Need Additional Assistance?
Xynomix and we'll assess your issue and help to action a fix.
Contact Us
On submitting this form, Xynomix will store your details and may contact you in relation to your request. For more information on how we process data, please see our privacy notice.
Testimonials
Data Systems Manager – Media Industry
“Xynomix investigated the performance bottlenecks that we were experiencing after updating our data warehouse application. After investigating the system, Xynomix concluded that the database server’s cache-hit rates and available memory were both low, which was impacting negatively on performance. The technician rectified this and we are now very happy with the function of the application.”
Lead Database Administrator – Retail Sector
“My team are always flat out ensuring that the Oracle database system is up and running without any problems. Sometimes when there is a larger issue we need a helping hand. Xynomix give us that option.”
Lead Database Administrator – Manufacturing Industry
“We have been running Microsoft SQL Server for around two years now and the systems have been supported by Xynomix. Their SQL DBAs are competent and very customer-facing.”
Business Operations Manager – Manufacturing Industry
“In the manufacturing sector, we need flexibility and immediate assistance when things go wrong. Xynomix have achieved this brilliantly, and make sure that at least one DBA is available when we call with a problem at any time of the day or night.”
