Import Varbinary(max) data using SQL Server/SSIS Data Import Wizard?

Question

Is it even possible to import .csv flat file data into a SQL Server 2014 table using only the SSMS or SSIS Import/Export Wizards, if the table contains a varbinary(max) column?

I have searched hours and hours, and tried numerous configurations and different data types (e.g. DT_IMAGE) in both the SSMS and SSIS Import/Export Wizards to perform a simple, quick-n-dirty import of .csv file data into a four column table containing a varbinary(max) column in SQL Server.

I realize there are various other means to accomplish this by writing Trans SQL, using bulk-copy, adding column-import tasks, etc., but I find it hard to believe that I can't use the simple point-n-click configuration of the Import/Export Wizard, simply because the data happens to contain a varbinary(max) field, so I assume I must be doing something wrong.

Below are screen shots from the SSMS Import/Export Wizard...I get the same error in both SSMS and SSIS:

Hadi, thanks for responding. While the rest of the fields are relatively small, the "Model" field has over 4K chars. What is the best way to provide the sample? — TWebby
– TWebby, Commented Apr 23, 2017 at 21:28

observer · Accepted Answer · 2017-04-27 05:18:33Z

4

You can use DT_TEXT An ANSI/MBCS character string with a maximum length of 2^31-1 (2,147,483,647) characters. Integration Service Data types. It Will be varbinary(max) in database.

I have used the sample data provide by you and imported it in the database.

edited Apr 27, 2017 at 5:18

answered Apr 25, 2017 at 9:32

observer

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1 Comment

TWebby Over a year ago

I was prepared to respond that your answer didn't address my question because you stated: "It Will be varchar(max) in database" (Typo?), and my question was how to import the data into a table containing a varbinary(max) field. However, I decided to give it another shot, specifying DT_Text for the varbinary(max) field as you suggested, and changing the "Text Qualified" setting to True for all the input fields...All of which I would've sworn I had already tried. BUT, THIS time it worked! Strange, but in any case, Thank you very much! Edit Sorry not enough rep points for Upvote to display.

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