I have linked SQL Server 7 to an Informix 7 Database server. I can see all the informix database tables in Enterprise manager within SQL Server 7 Linked Server Table. However when I run the script below

SELECT sort_code FROM CS3LINK..INFORMIX.BCBSSUPM

WHERE sort_code = FIELD NAME WHERE CS3LINKS = LINKED SERVER NAME WHERE INFORMIX = SCHEMAX WHERE BCBSSUPM = OBJECT NAME (TABLE)

I receive an error:

Server: Msg 7347, Level 16, State 1, Line 1 OLE DB provider 'MSDASQL' returned an unexpected data length for the fixed-length column '[CS3LINK]..[informix].[bcbssupm].sort_code'. The expected data length is 7, while the returned data length is 6.

I NEED URGENT HELP.

Thank you (Lawrence)

-- Anonymous, November 15, 1999

Answers

Lawrence,

You are ahead of the curve.

I suspect that this is a Microsoft bug. I see a report of bug involving error message 7347 at:

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q198/5/20.ASP

(Note that the date of the fix file mentioned in this article is 11/19/1999, four days after you posted your question!)

I suggest you call Microsoft PSS (this stands for Priority Support Services, I think). If this error is caused by a Microsoft bug, you will not be charged for the call.

Good Luck,

Eric

-- Anonymous, November 27, 1999