Ever been completely blocked by a SQL Server error that you swore shouldn’t be happening? You’ve built your SSIS package, double-checked the data flow, and yet it fails with the cryptic ‘SSIS Error Code DTS_E_OLEDBERROR. Error code: 0x80040E14. An OLE DB record is available. Source: “Microsoft SQL Server Native Client 11.0” Hresult: 0x80040E14 Description: “An explicit column list is required for the target table.”‘
What gives? Contrary to popular belief, this isn’t an SSIS bug—it’s the database engine putting its foot down. Let’s unravel exactly why this happens and how to fix it for good. Let’s explore.
What Exactly is SSIS Error Code 469?
First things first: let’s clear up a common misconception. This error doesn’t actually originate from the SSIS engine itself. SSIS is just the messenger. The real source of the problem is the SQL Server Database Engine, which is enforcing its own rule (Error 469) and SSIS is faithfully relaying it back to you.
Think of it like this: Imagine SSIS is a delivery driver and the database is a secure warehouse. The driver (SSIS) tries to make a delivery, but the warehouse security guard (Database Engine) stops him because his paperwork (the T-SQL query) is missing a required signature (an explicit column list). The driver simply reports back to you: “Security guard rule 469 says no entry.”
The official rule from the SQL Server engine is: “An explicit column list must be specified for the target table when table hint KEEPIDENTITY is used and the table contains an identity column.”
The Root Cause: Why This Error Occurs
This error is a safeguard. It pops up when you’re trying to perform an insert operation, but the way you’re doing it makes the database engine nervous about data integrity. It typically happens in one of three scenarios:
| Scenario | The Mistake | The Result |
|---|---|---|
| Using KEEPIDENTITY Hint | Your INSERT statement (e.g., in an Execute SQL Task) uses WITH (KEEPIDENTITY) but is written as INSERT INTO TableName SELECT ... without listing the columns. | SSIS 469. The engine can’t trust you to handle the identity column safely without explicit instructions. |
| Implied KEEPIDENTITY | In a Data Flow Task, you’ve set the destination table’s “Keep Identity” property to True, which implicitly adds the hint, but your mappings are vague or the column list isn’t explicit. | SSIS 469. The same rule is violated, just through a GUI action instead of raw SQL. |
| Metadata Mismatch | The columns in your source query don’t perfectly align (in number, order, or data type) with the implicit expected structure of the target table. | SSIS 469. The engine’s rule is triggered to prevent a potential data integrity disaster. |
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing SSIS 469
Now for the good part: the solutions. The fix depends on where the error is occurring in your package.
1. Fixing an Execute SQL Task
If your error is coming from an Execute SQL Task, the fix is in your SQL code.
- Locate the SQL Statement: Open the task and find the
INSERT...SELECT...or similar statement that’s causing the issue. - Supply the Explicit Column List: This is the most robust fix. Rewrite your statement from this: sql
- INSERT INTO dbo.MySalesTable WITH (KEEPIDENTITY) SELECT * FROM myStagingTable;
- To this: sql
- INSERT INTO dbo.MySalesTable (SaleID, SaleDate, CustomerID, Amount) WITH (KEEPIDENTITY) SELECT SaleID, SaleDate, CustomerID, Amount FROM myStagingTable;
- Re-evaluate the Hint: Ask yourself: Do I really need
KEEPIDENTITY? This hint is only necessary if you are explicitly inserting values into anIDENTITYcolumn. If you are not and you want the database to generate new identity values automatically, simply remove theWITH (KEEPIDENTITY)hint altogether. This is often the simplest solution.
2. Fixing a Data Flow Task
If the error is happening in a Data Flow Task at an OLE DB or ADO NET Destination, follow these steps.
- Open the Destination Editor: Double-click your destination component.
- Check the “Keep Identity” Setting: Go to the connection manager page and look for this property. Is it checked?
- If you don’t need to insert into the identity column, uncheck this box. This removes the implicit
KEEPIDENTITYhint and is very often the fastest fix. - If you must keep it checked (because you are supplying identity values), you must ensure your mappings are explicit.
- If you don’t need to insert into the identity column, uncheck this box. This removes the implicit
- Verify Your Mappings: Go to the “Mappings” tab. Ensure the input columns from your source are explicitly and correctly mapped to the destination columns. The mere act of opening this tab often forces SSIS to revalidate the metadata and can resolve underlying issues.
- Test and Validate: Run the package again. The error should be resolved.
Wrapping Up and Next Steps
Taming the SSIS 469 error ultimately comes down to one thing: being explicit in your instructions to the database engine. By following the steps above, you can resolve this quickly and get your data moving again.
Here are 3 things to try the next time you see this error:
- Your First Check: Look for
KEEPIDENTITYin your SQL or the “Keep Identity” destination setting. Do you truly need it? - Your Go-To Fix: Add an explicit column list to your
INSERTstatement. It’s the most robust and professional solution. - Your Best Practice: Always use explicit column lists in production ETL processes. It prevents errors and makes your packages more resilient to schema changes.
What’s the most perplexing SSIS error you’ve ever encountered? Share your story below!
You May Also Read: What’s Hiding Behind That Mysterious Short Link? Decoding adsy.pw/hb3
FAQs
Is SSIS 469 a bug in SQL Server Integration Services?
No, absolutely not. It’s a protective error thrown by the SQL Server Database Engine itself. SSIS is just the messenger reporting the error back to you.
I’m not using KEEPIDENTITY anywhere. Why am I still getting this error?
Check your Data Flow Task destination component. The “Keep Identity” property might be set to True, which implicitly applies the hint. Set it to False if you don’t need to insert into the identity column.
The package works in Visual Studio but fails when deployed to the SSIS Catalog. Why?
This usually points to a metadata difference between your development and production environments. The production table might have a different schema (e.g., an extra column). Using an explicit column list insulates your package from these changes.
Can I just remove the KEEPIDENTITY hint to fix this?
Often, yes! If your process does not require inserting explicit values into the identity column (letting SQL Server generate them automatically), then removing the KEEPIDENTITY hint is the simplest and correct solution.
Why is the database engine so strict about this rule?
It’s a data integrity safeguard. The KEEPIDENTITY hint gives you powerful control to insert into an identity column. Requiring an explicit column list forces you to consciously define the data mapping, preventing accidental data insertion or type conversion errors.
