README How to create a bulk copy format file (ODBC)

This sample shows how to create a bulk copy format file.

Scenario

For more information on this sample, see How to: Create a Bulk Copy Format File (ODBC) in Books Online.

Languages

This sample uses Visual C++.

Prerequisites

Before running this sample, make sure the following software is installed:

  • SQL Server 2005 or SQL Server 2005 Express Edition (SQL Server Express) including Database Engine.
    You can download SQL Server Express from this Microsoft Web site.
  • The AdventureWorks database which is included with SQL Server 2005, and is also available at the SQL Server Developer Web site.
  • The SQL Server 2005 Database Engine samples. These samples are included with SQL Server 2005. You can download the latest version of the samples at the SQL Server Developer Web site.
  • .NET Framework SDK 2.0 or Microsoft Visual Studio 2005. You can obtain .NET Framework SDK free of charge. See Installing the .NET Framework SDK.
  • You will also need an ODBC data source called AdventureWorks, whose default database is the AdventureWorks sample database.

Building the Sample

  • This sample connects to your computer's default SQL Server instance. To connect to a named instance, change the definition of the ODBC data source to specify the instance using the following format: server\named_instance. By default, SQL Server Express installs to a named instance.

  • The sample requires you to execute the following Transact-SQL statements, which you can find in the sample's scripts directory:

    use AdventureWorks
    CREATE TABLE BCPDate (cola int, colb datetime)
    insert BCPDate(cola) values(1) 
    insert BCPDate(cola) values(2) 
    insert BCPDate(cola) values(3) 
    insert BCPDate(cola) values(4)
    

    In SQL Server Management Studio, load and execute the Scripts\setup.sql script or execute the following command in a Command Prompt window:

    sqlcmd -E -I -i Scripts\setup.sql
    
  • If you are using Visual Studio, load the BulkCopyWithFormat.sln file and build it.

  • If you are using MSBuild.exe, invoke MSBuild.exe in a Command Prompt, passing it the BulkCopyWithFormat.sln file:

    MSBuild BulkCopyWithFormat.sln
    

Running the Sample

  • From Visual Studio, invoke Start Without Debugging (CTRL+F5).
  • If you built with MSBuild.exe, invoke BulkCopyWithFormat.exe.

Change History

Release History

17 July 2006

Changed content:
  • Clarified and updated prerequisites including the Web site for downloading the samples.
New content:
  • Added information on connecting to a named instance.

See Also

Concepts

Data Access Samples

Help and Information

Getting SQL Server 2005 Assistance