convert the datatype string to date

  • hi guys,

    i am using sql server 2005 to convert datatype string to date for that i create one new column(datetime) in my table and i did

    update tablename set newcolumn=oldcolumn

    but it shows following error

    Arithemetic overflow error converting to data type date time

    the statement has been terminated

    i am traying these for long 2 days

    any help appricated

  • Hello,

    I would guess it is an issue with the format that the data is stored in, in the old column.

    Is it always the same format e.g. mm/dd/yyyy? Can you post a sample of the data in the old column?

    Regards,

    John Marsh

    www.sql.lu
    SQL Server Luxembourg User Group

  • Hi john

    it is my sample data of old column

    primary key oldcolumn

    ----------- ---------

    023456781 20050428

    023456782 20040112

    023456783 20061228

    023456784 00000000

    023456785 20050428

    023456786 20060409

    023456787 00000000

    023456788 20060607

    023456789 20049718

  • I think the problem is those 00000000 values. They aren't convertable to datetime.

    Try this

    update tablename set newcolumn=CAST(oldcolumn AS DATETIME) WHERE ISDATE(oldcolumn)=1

    Gail Shaw
    Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
    SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

    We walk in the dark places no others will enter
    We stand on the bridge and no one may pass
  • Hello,

    Yes, "GilaMonster" is right. It is the zero filled values that cause the problem.

    There is the question of what you want to do in the case of zeros? Do zeros represent a non existent value for the row? In this case you might want the new column to contain a Null.

    Regards,

    John Marsh

    www.sql.lu
    SQL Server Luxembourg User Group

  • its working fine

    Thanks to GilaMonster and everyone who reply this qustion

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