T-SQL Tutorial

Msg 208 Level 16 - Invalid object name


SQL Server Msg 208, Level 16, is an error message that you might encounter while working with Microsoft SQL Server. This error message is quite straightforward: Invalid object name. It indicates that SQL Server cannot find the object specified in your query. Let's delve deeper into what this error message means and how to resolve it.


Object Name

The "object" in question refers to a database object like a table, view, stored procedure, function, or synonym. When you run a SQL query, you reference these objects by name.


Invalid Object Name

The error message is telling you that the object name you've used in your SQL statement is not recognized by SQL Server. This can happen for several reasons:

Typo: There may be a typo in the object name, such as a misspelling, incorrect case sensitivity, or an extra space.
Object Doesn't Exist: The object you're trying to reference does not exist in the database you're querying. It might not have been created, or it could reside in a different schema or database.
Insufficient Permissions: You may not have permission to access the specified object. In this case, SQL Server will treat it as if the object does not exist.

Let's see an example to illustrate this error. Suppose you have a database called "SampleDB," and you attempt to select data from a table that doesn't exist or has a different name:

SELECT * FROM NonExistentTable;
-- Error: Msg 208, Level 16, Invalid object name 'NonExistentTable'.

To resolve this error:

Check for Typos: Double-check the object name for any typos or case-sensitivity issues. SQL Server object names are typically case-insensitive, but the database collation settings can affect this.
Ensure Object Existence: Make sure that the object you're referring to exists in the correct database and schema. You can use the sp_help or sp_tables system stored procedures to list objects within a database.
Verify Permissions: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to access the object. You might need to contact your database administrator to grant the appropriate permissions.
Database Context: Verify that you are in the correct database context using the USE statement.

Here's an example of resolving the error:

SELECT * FROM CorrectTableName;
-- Assuming CorrectTableName exists

In summary, SQL Server Msg 208, Level 16, "Invalid object name," is a common error message indicating that SQL Server couldn't find the specified object. By carefully checking for typos, ensuring the object exists, and verifying your permissions and database context, you can resolve this error and successfully run your SQL queries.


Other error messages: