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Description

SQL Server error 208 indicates that the database engine cannot find the specified object (table, view, stored procedure, etc.). This typically occurs due to a misspelling, incorrect database context, or the object simply not existing.

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Error Message

Invalid object name '%.*ls'.

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Known Causes

4 known causes

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Typographical Error

The object name is misspelled in the SQL query or stored procedure. Double-check the spelling against the actual object name in the database.

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Incorrect Database Context

The query is being executed against the wrong database. Ensure that you are connected to the correct database containing the object.

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Object Does Not Exist

The specified object has not been created in the database, or it has been dropped. Verify that the object exists in the database.

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Insufficient Permissions

The user account executing the query lacks the necessary permissions to access the object. Grant the user the required SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, or EXECUTE permissions.

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Solutions

4 solutions available

1. Check Object Name Spelling easy

Verify table/view name is spelled correctly

1

Search for the correct object name

-- Find tables with similar names:
SELECT name, type_desc
FROM sys.objects
WHERE name LIKE '%employee%'
ORDER BY name;

2

Check exact case if using case-sensitive collation

-- Check database collation:
SELECT name, collation_name
FROM sys.databases
WHERE name = DB_NAME();

-- If collation contains 'CS' (case-sensitive):
-- 'Employees' and 'employees' are different!

2. Use Schema Prefix easy

Object may be in different schema

1

Find the correct schema

-- List all objects with that name:
SELECT SCHEMA_NAME(schema_id) AS schema_name, name, type_desc
FROM sys.objects
WHERE name = 'Employees';

2

Use fully qualified name

-- Instead of:
SELECT * FROM Employees;

-- Use schema prefix:
SELECT * FROM dbo.Employees;
-- Or:
SELECT * FROM hr.Employees;

3. Check Database Context easy

Ensure you're in the correct database

1

Check current database

SELECT DB_NAME() AS CurrentDatabase;

2

Switch to correct database

USE YourDatabaseName;
GO

SELECT * FROM Employees;

3

Use three-part name

-- Access table in different database:
SELECT * FROM OtherDB.dbo.Employees;

4. Check Temp Table Scope medium

Temp table may not exist in current session

1

Verify temp table exists

-- Check if temp table exists in session:
IF OBJECT_ID('tempdb..#MyTempTable') IS NOT NULL
    SELECT 'Exists';
ELSE
    SELECT 'Does not exist';

2

Temp table scope rules

-- #table - local temp, visible only in creating session
-- ##table - global temp, visible to all sessions
-- @table - table variable, visible only in batch/procedure

-- Temp tables are dropped when session ends
-- Or when explicitly dropped:
DROP TABLE IF EXISTS #MyTempTable;

SQL Server Error 208