Changing a varchar datatype to datetime

[djtom2000]

I have a varchar datatype within a table that is storing a date. Due to a problem the field had to be varchar. I have now got round the problem and need to change the datatype to datetime. When I try this it will not let me and I get the error 'Unable to convert char to datetime'. How do I get round this?

Thanks

 

[fluteplr]

What format is the date in your varchar field?

 

[djtom2000]

DD/MM/YY, e.g 16/02/01

 

[tlbroadbent]

Use the Convert function and a style number to convert a varchar column from a specific date style to datetime data type.

Convert(datetime, chardate, 3)

3 is the dd/mm/yy style (British/French)

See details in SQL BOL under the topic Cast and Convert. Terry L. Broadbent
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[djtom2000]

Thanks, will give this a try.