Problem with Unicode text

  • Hi,

    We have some database in MS Access with data in Unicode (in Kannada language) data in multiple columns. With Access, these columns are readable easily. But when I port this database to MS SQL (either 2000 or 2005), these columns can not be read. Characters are shown as boxes. The data type for these columns is nvarchar only. What may be the problem here?How to enable the SQL server (either 2000 or 2005) to support Unicode data?

  • How did you port the data to SQL server?

    when inserting unicode data into SQL server you need to use a leading national 'N' on the query.

    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/239530

  • Hi steveb,

    Am using DTS service from SQL Server to port data from Access to SQL.

  • Since this is the SQL 2005 forum,

    can I assume that you are using SQL 2005 and SSIS rather than DTS?

  • Yes, am using SQL Serer Import and Export Wizard to port data.

  • Sorry i think i was pointing you in the wrong direction

    It seems like the problem is that Sql server does not support the Kannada characters by default.

    What service pack are you running?

    I am not able to get it working here, but I think the problem will have to do with the characters supported by SQL server, If you have SP3 and you are able to select Indic_General_90_CI_AS as the collation that should include the correct characters.

  • It appears the problem is not with the collation, though this is important to have for the correct sorting and comparisions of the data.

    The problem would be with the language settings in windows.

    To display Kannada and other 'complex' languages you will need to;

    -Go into control panel

    -Select Regional and Language Options

    -Click on the Languages tab

    -Tick 'Install files for complex script and rigt-to-left languages (including thai)

    Click OK and this will install the files from disk.

    Restart the computer

    and after this you will be able to display Kannada characters (and all other Indian Characters) instead of little boxes.

  • Thank you steveb, your last message has solved the problem. After enabling my system for supplemental languages, I can read the data from SQL server.

Viewing 8 posts - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)

You must be logged in to reply to this topic. Login to reply