BUG: Converting char to float Causes Arithmetic Overflow (87797)

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft SQL Server 4.2x

This article was previously published under Q87797

BUG# NT:  775 (4.2)

SYMPTOMS

When you convert from a nonnumeric character data type to floating point, you will receive the following error message 232:

Arithmetic overflow

WORKAROUND

Convert from char to real instead of char to float.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft SQL Server version 4.2. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION

You can reproduce this problem using the following command in ISQL:

convert (float, 'cat')

The complete error syntax is:

Msg 232, Level 16, State 2:
Arithmetic overflow for type varchar, value = 0.000000.
Arithmetic overflow occurred.

Modification Type:	Minor	Last Reviewed:	2/14/2005
Keywords:	kbbug kbother KB87797