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
Network Administrator – Dragon LNG Ltd
“We recently installed a new application which ran on Oracle but was unsure how to correctly license the environment. As a result, we engaged with Xynomix to advise on how best to do so. Xynomix ran an Independent Oracle License Review, which gave us full visibility on our license compliance. They highlighted the restrictions around various license types, whilst also detailing how to avoid any pitfalls moving forward.”
IT Manager – Manufacturing Industry
“A good on-site DBA team, optimised database systems and 24×7 Oracle Support from Xynomix mean that not much goes wrong for us. We are confident enough to make promises of excellent availability to our clients and employees, and they always get it.”
IT Manager – Trade Union
“Since 2003 Xynomix have provided support and consultancy for our Oracle and SQL Server databases. We’ve found their knowledge to be extensive and they’ve ensured that our databases run smoothly with very little downtime. The flexibility and creativity that Xynomix show when working with us enables us to meet budgets and hit our project timescales.”
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.”
