SQL Error 117 - more than the maximum number of prefixes

 SQL Error 117 : The %S_MSG name '%.*ls' contains more than the maximum number of prefixes. The maximum is %d

The SQL Server error message 117 typically occurs when a table or column name includes more prefixes than SQL Server allows. In SQL Server, you can only have up to three parts in a qualified name: server.database.schema.object. If you exceed this limit, you will encounter error 117.

Example Scenario

Consider the following query:

SELECT * FROM server.database.schema.table.column

In this example, server.database.schema.table.column has five parts, which exceeds the maximum allowed number of four (including the server name).

Explanation

In SQL Server, the fully qualified names can have the following structure:

• server.database.schema.object

For example:

• MyServer.MyDatabase.dbo.MyTable
• MyDatabase.dbo.MyTable
• dbo.MyTable
• MyTable

The error occurs when you try to use more than the allowed number of parts.

Solution

Ensure you are not exceeding the four-part naming convention. Here are a few ways to correct the issue:

Option 1: Correct the Naming Convention

Adjust your query to use the correct number of parts:

-- Correct way with four parts
SELECT * FROM MyServer.MyDatabase.dbo.MyTable

-- Correct way with three parts
SELECT * FROM MyDatabase.dbo.MyTable

-- Correct way with two parts
SELECT * FROM dbo.MyTable

-- Correct way with one part
SELECT * FROM MyTable

Option 2: Simplify Your Query

Sometimes, you may include extra prefixes by mistake. Simplify your query to use the correct qualified names.

Example

If you have the following incorrect query:

SELECT * FROM server.database.schema.table.column

Correct it to:

SELECT column FROM server.database.schema.table

OR

SELECT column FROM database.schema.table

Summary

To resolve SQL Server error 117, ensure your object names do not exceed the four-part naming convention: server.database.schema.object. If you find yourself using more than four parts, revise your query to fit within this structure.