ODBC 2.0 Drivers Use the MID() Scalar Function (135796)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Excel for Windows 95
  • Microsoft Excel for Windows 5.0c
  • Microsoft Excel for Windows NT 5.0
  • Microsoft ODBC Desktop Database Driver Kit 2.0
This article was previously published under Q135796

SUMMARY

The ODBC 2.0 Help file, Odbcjet.hlp, incorrectly lists the SUBSTRING() scalar function as a supported function of the Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) drivers shipped in the Microsoft ODBC Desktop Database Drivers Kit, version 2.0. The MID() function replaces the SUBSTRING() function and should be listed instead of SUBSTRING() as a supported scalar function.

MORE INFORMATION

The ODBC 1.0 drivers shipped in the Microsoft ODBC Fulfillment Kit use the SUBSTRING() scalar function to return a specific number of characters from a text string, starting at a position you specify.

The ODBC 2.0 drivers now use the MID() function to perform the same function and it uses the same syntax as the SUBSTRING() function. The syntax for the MID() function is shown below: 
   MID(text,start_num,num_chars)
For example, assume we have the text string "Hello World." To return the "World" string, use the following function: 
   MID("Hello World",7,5)
If you try to use the SUBSTRING() function with an ODBC 2.0 driver, you may receive the following error message:
Undefined function 'substring' in expression.

REFERENCES

For more information on Scalar functions, click the Index tab in Jet Engine Error Help (open the Odbcjet.hlp Help file in the Windows\System folder), type the following text

scalar functions

and then double-click the selected text to go to the "Scalar Functions" topic.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:8/17/2005
Keywords:KB135796
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