DTS - Export to fixed width text file - Define Columns Crash

Question

DTS - Export to fixed width text file - Define Columns Crash

Mark P. Broeckel

SSC Rookie

Points: 38
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March 15, 2005 at 10:30 am

#163971

I am attempting to get information from SQL Server 2000 out into a fixed width text file with no headers. I have tried exporting directly from a table vs sql statement, added the headers into it, csv file w/ headers and still keep crashing every time I hit the "Define Columns..." button.
Once I hit the button EM crashes with no prompts. I can't execute the Data Pump task in DTS without being able to get to the transformation tab.
Any ideas?
Thanks,

MPB

Viewing 5 posts - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)

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Brian Laws SSCommitted Points: 1556 More actions · Answer 1

Let me guess: you have many columns or they are wide? This happens to me when I'm trying to export a table with many columns. I thought there was a KB article about it, but I can't find it.

Anyway, I've gotten around this problem by using EM's import/export wizard and saving the package. For some reason, it can do it successfully if you use the wizard. You can set basic transformation in there. You can then use that saved package as a basis for your package.

Unfortunately, though, you won't be able to modify the data pump task (it will still do the crash). If you need to change the dump, you need to go back through the wizard to recreate the dump. It's a pain in the butt, but that's the only way I've been able to get it to work.

Mark P. Broeckel SSC Rookie Points: 38 More actions · Answer 2

No, pretty much 5 columns. I do have some CASE statements and subqueries within the select statement but nothing to fancy. I even tried a basic select table from only one table and still get the error. This happens on multiple machines as well so not isolated to one workstation.

I saw the posts above column size but mine is happening regardless if I select one column or fifty columns.

MPB

Brian Laws SSCommitted Points: 1556 More actions · Answer 3

Can you give us the table structure and the select statement? That may help.

Kemp Davis Ten Centuries Points: 1067 More actions · Answer 4

As a work around you may try adding a SQL Task that creates a table and populates it with your complex SELECT statement. Your data pump task can just directly export from that table. Then add a SQL Task to drop the table after the export.

Kemp