Microsoft reports bug that causes ODBC apps to lose access to databases

Microsoft has reported an issue that prevents apps that use Microsoft Open Database Connectivity and its associated SQL server from connecting to database management systems. The American company is currently working on a fix.

According to Microsoft The problems arose after installing security update KB5019980 for Windows, which was released in November, and the problems have been identified in different versions of Windows. The American company mentions versions of Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1 and Windows 7. The problem would also occur in Windows Server 2022, 2019, 2016, 2012 and 2008.

The bug in security update KB5019980 prevents applications that use Microsoft Open Database Connectivity connections, or ODBC for short, in combination with the Microsoft ODBC SQL Server Driver from connecting to databases. Microsoft Open Database Connectivity is a translation layer that allows applications to connect to different types of database management systems.

In the event of problems, Windows users will see an error message in the application, but can also check for themselves whether their programs are affected by the bug. This can be done by opening the program and then also opening command prompt. The following command must then be entered: tasklist /m sqlsrv32.dll.

The American company states that a solution is in the works. This will be rolled out via a future update. However, it is not clear when the update will be available.