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DB_E_DROPRESTRICTED
Meaning
Windows documents DB_E_DROPRESTRICTED as “Column or constraint could not be dropped because it is referenced by a dependent view or constraint”. In this case, a drop operation targets a column or constraint that still has dependent views or constraints.
Conditions that specifically lead to the result
- Cause 1: a view references the column.
- Cause 2: a foreign key or check constraint depends on the object.
- Cause 3: dependency metadata changed after the migration plan was generated.
Relevant contract
OLE DB DDL interfaces identify indexes, commands and constraints with provider-scoped DBIDs. Constraint descriptors also carry type, column arrays, match behavior, deferrability and update/delete rules that must agree as one structure.
Investigation of this result should start with the session performing DDL, target table metadata and the exact DBID or DBCONSTRAINTDESC supplied.
Diagnostic sequence
- Identify the exact failing stage: a drop operation targets a column or constraint that still has dependent views or constraints.
Evidence to collect
- Evidence 1: target object DBID.
- Evidence 2: provider dependency metadata.
- Evidence 3: ordered list of views and constraints referencing it.
Corrective actions
- Action 1: drop or alter dependents in a deliberate order.
- Action 2: refresh dependency metadata immediately before migration.
- Action 3: wrap compatible DDL in a transaction where supported.
Practical scenario
A migration drops a key column before its foreign key; reversing the dependency order prevents it.
Retry and recovery
Retry rule: retry after every blocking dependency has been removed or changed.
Difference from nearby HRESULT values
DB_E_ALTERRESTRICTED blocks alteration due to a constraint, while DB_E_DROPRESTRICTED blocks removal of a referenced object.
Official Microsoft references
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