How do I handle the "Invalid field size for datatype" error?

• Rod at work

  SSC-Dedicated

  Points: 34008

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  September 6, 2018 at 12:02 pm

  #362725

  I'm trying to copy some data from a test database server to local database on my PC. I've been using bcp to get this done. It's worked fine with all of the tables, except one. That table has NVARCHAR(MAX) columns in it. From PowerShell I issued this command to perform the extract:

  bcp CoreFramework.APP.ExampleTable  OUT .\ExampleTable.bcp -T -w -n -S OURDEVSERVER

  Then I issued this command to try and import that data:

  bcp CoreFramework.APP.ExampleTable in .\ExampleTable.bcp -T -w -n

  But that only results in the error Invalid field size for datatype.

  I do not know how to get around this. Could use some help, please.

  Kindest Regards, Rod Connect with me on LinkedIn.

• Joe Torre

  SSChampion

  Points: 10248

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  September 7, 2018 at 11:29 am

  #2004929

  Try creating a BCP format file for the import.
  https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/relational-databases/import-export/create-a-format-file-sql-server?view=sql-server-2017