Microsoft Fixes ODBC Database Problem For Windows Apps

Microsoft has released a temporary fix for a connectivity issue affecting Windows applications that use ODBC databases. The error occurred after Patch Day in November 2022 and affects all Windows versions from Windows 7 onwards.

About a month ago, Microsoft publicly confirmed the problem and promised a quick solution. This known issue affects both client and server Windows platforms, from Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 SP2 to the latest versions of Windows 11 and Windows Server 2022.

The Windows team investigated the reports that applications, that require an ODBC database connection (Open Database Connectivity) no longer worked reliably. Now there is a temporary solution.

The temporary workaround is available

First, one can check if there are any problems with the ODBC connection for applications and therefore data cannot be retrieved. To do this, open the app and start the command “tasklist /m sqlsrv32.dll” in a command prompt window. Microsoft stated that it is currently working on a permanent solution. This means that there will likely be an update coming soon that will address the issue. Users affected by this issue can use one of two methods to mitigate the effects and restore corrupted applications.

Microsoft has published instructions on this in the Windows Release Health Dashboard.

Critical Information on Dashboard

• If your app already uses or can use the data source name (DSN) to select ODBC connections, install Microsoft ODBC Driver 17 for SQL Server and select it for use with your app using DSN. Note: We recommend the latest version of Microsoft ODBC Driver 17 for SQL Server as it is compatible with apps currently using the older Microsoft ODBC SQL Server Driver (sqlsrv32.dll) than Microsoft ODBC Driver 18 for SQL Server.
• If your app cannot use DSN, the app must be modified to allow DSN or to use a newer ODBC driver than Microsoft ODBC SQL Server Driver (sqlsrv32.dll).

Affected platforms:

• Client: Windows 11, version 22H2; Windows 10 version 22H2; Windows 11 version 21H2; Windows 10 version 21H2; Windows 10 version 21H1; Windows 10 version 20H2; Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019; Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2016; Windows 10 Enterprise 2015 LTSB; Windows 8.1 ; Windows 7 SP1
• Server: Windows Server 2022; Windows Server 2019; Windows Server 2016; Windows Server 2012 R2; Windows Server 2012; Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1; Windows Server 2008 SP2