Saturday, July 13, 2024

SQL Server error 122 - The %ls option is allowed only with %ls syntax

 SQL Server error code 122 typically means that there's a syntax issue with the SQL command you're trying to execute. The error message "The %ls option is allowed only with %ls syntax" indicates that a specific option you are trying to use is only valid in conjunction with certain other syntax.

This kind of error usually arises when an option is used in an incorrect context. For example, you might be trying to use an option for a command where it is not applicable.

To provide a more specific solution, it would be helpful to see the actual SQL query or command that is generating this error. Here are some general steps to troubleshoot:

  1. Review the Syntax: Double-check the SQL command and ensure that all options and clauses are used correctly according to the SQL Server documentation.
  2. Check for Typographical Errors: Ensure there are no typos or misplaced keywords in your SQL query.
  3. Consult SQL Server Documentation: Look up the specific command and its valid options in the official SQL Server documentation.

If you can share the exact SQL command that caused the error, I can provide more targeted assistance.

SQL Error 117 - more than the maximum number of prefixes

 SQL Error 117The %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.