FIX: Numeric Column in Oracle Causes Error 7354

ID: Q243027

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft SQL Server version 7.0

BUG #: 36489 (SQLBUG_70), 18722 (SQLBUG_70), 47131 (SQLBUG_70)

SYMPTOMS

Attempting to use an Oracle linked server using the Microsoft OLEDB Provider for Oracle (MSDAORA), which queries a table with a Numeric column, may cause an error similar to the following:

Server: Msg 7354, Level 16, State 1, Line 1 OLE DB provider 'MSDAORA' supplied invalid metadata for column 'columnname'. The data type is not supported.

The query may also fail if the Numeric column is not in the select list.

CAUSE

The column with the Numeric datatype has no Length specified (no Precision, no Default, allows NULL). The number datatype without a precision and scale is represented in Oracle by a variable-length numeric with precision of up to 255.

RESOLUTION

A supported fix that corrects this problem is now available from Microsoft, but has not been fully regression tested and should be applied only to systems experiencing this specific problem. If you are not severely affected by this specific problem, Microsoft recommends that you wait for the next SQL Server service pack that contains this fix.

To resolve this problem immediately, contact Microsoft Product Support Services to obtain the fix. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services phone numbers and information on support costs, please go to the following address on the World Wide Web:

Support Phone Numbers and Options http://support.microsoft.com/support/supportnet/default.asp

The English version of this fix should have the following file attributes or later:


   Date      Time    Version    Size        File name     Platform
   ---------------------------------------------------------------

   09/10/99  19:06   7.00.728    4,997.392  Sqlservr.exe  (x86)
   09/10/99  19:06   7.00.728   11.512.592  Sqlservr.exe  (Alpha)

NOTE: Due to file dependencies, the most recent hotfix or feature that contains the preceding files may also contain additional files.
NOTE: If this product was already installed on your computer when you purchased it from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and you need this fix, please call the Pay Per Incident number listed on the above Web site. If you contact Microsoft to obtain this fix, and if it is determined that you only require the fix you requested, no fee will be charged. However, if you request additional technical support, and if your no-charge technical support period has expired, or if you are not eligible for standard no-charge technical support, you may be charged a non-refundable fee.

For more information about eligibility for no-charge technical support, see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Q154871 Determining If You Are Eligible for No-Charge Technical Support

WORKAROUND

For more information about possible workarounds, see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Q221552 PRB: SQL Distributed Query with Oracle NUMERIC Column Gives Error

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in SQL Server 7.0.

MORE INFORMATION

An Oracle NUMERIC type is now mapped to NVARCHAR(384) if the precision is too large for a NUMERIC SQL Server type.

Additional query words:

Keywords : SSrvAdmin kbSQLServ700bug
Version : winnt:7.0
Platform : winnt
Issue type : kbbug