BUG: sp_OAMethod Does Not Connect If Parameter Is a NULL Value

ID: Q151612

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft SQL Server version 6.5

SYMPTOMS

The sample in SQL Server Books Online shows how to make a standard security connection. However, if you attempt to pass a NULL value as the password or server name, the connection will fail and the following message appears:

Bad variable type

CAUSE

The sp_OAMethod stored procedure is not properly handling NULL values.

WORKAROUND

To correctly complete the sample, you must have a password and server name, or you can make an integrated connection.

The following modification makes an integrated connection:


-- Set the property
EXEC @hr = sp_OASetProperty @object, 'LoginSecure', 1
IF @hr <> 0
    EXEC sp_OAGetErrorInfo @object

-- Call the method to connect
EXEC @hr = sp_OAMethod @object, 'Connect', NULL
IF @hr <> 0
    EXEC sp_OAGetErrorInfo @object

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft SQL Server version 6.5. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

Keywords : kbbug6.50
Version : 6.5
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type :