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RefreshLink fails with "Primary Key already exists" (Fixed)

Updated: Mar 13


Description

When using the RefreshLink method for a linked SQL Server table in version 2312 build 17126.20190, you get error 3283 "Primary Key already exists". The affected build was rolled out to the Monthly Enterprise Channel (MEC) starting on February 13, 2024.


There are a few forum discussions about this problem, e.g. on Microsoft Answers.


Cause

Regression.


Status

The problem is fixed with the MEC update to version 2401 build 17231.20290 released on March 12. If you don't receive it automatically, you should be able to get it by choosing "Update Now".


Until you get the fix, there are some workarounds:


Workaround 1

Use error handling to suppress error 3283. This will allow the links to refresh successfully with no messages.


Workaround 2

Use the Linked Table Manager to refresh the links.


Workaround 3

If you are in the Monthly Enterprise Channel then try not to install version 2312 build 17126.20190 or roll back to an older build like 17029.20178 if you have already done so.


Workaround 4

You could (possibly only temporarily) change the update channel. Either to the slower Semi Annual, where the problem does not yet exist, or to the Current Channel, where the problem has already been fixed.


Note: This bug affected Current Channel version 2312 in January and was fixed for this channel without a new build (see Colin Riddington's detailed article). However, the problem remained active in the Monthly Channel.

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