Error occurs when run instawdb.sql with SSMS

[seonminKim1122]

When I try to run instawdb.sql, it occurs '4864' error.

BULK INSERT fails cause of data conversion error.

[kfrural]

SQL Server BULK INSERT Error 4864 Troubleshooting Guide

Solutions

1. File Verification

   • Ensure file exists on the server, not locally

   • File path must be accessible by SQL Server service

   • Example error if file unavailable:

     Msg 4860, Level 16, State 1, Line 12
     Cannot bulk load. The file "C:\Temp\Books_Library.txt.txt" does not exist.
     

2. Data Type Compatibility

   • NULL values must be empty, not "NULL" text

   • Dates must match database format

   • Example type mismatch error:

     Msg 4864, Level 16, State 1, Line 12
     Bulk load data conversion error (type mismatch or invalid character 
     for the specified codepage) for row 8, column 7 (date_in)
     

3. Data Format

   • For CSV files with double quotes, use FIELDQUOTE option if supported

   • NULL values should be left blank

   • Date formats must match SQL Server expectations

4. Delimiter Configuration

   • Properly configure field and row terminators
   • Correct BULK INSERT command structure:

     BULK INSERT your_table
     FROM 'file_path.txt'
     WITH (
         FIELDTERMINATOR = ',',
         ROWTERMINATOR = '\n',
         FIRSTROW = 2  -- if header exists
     );

To provide more specific assistance, please share:

• Complete error message you're receiving
• First few lines of your instawdb.sql file
• Target table structure