Unable to cast object of type System.DBNull to type System.String error occurs when you run the Synchronize with CRM function in the Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Outlook client

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This article provides a solution to errors that occur when you run the Synchronize with CRM function in the Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Outlook client.

Applies to:   Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011, Microsoft CRM client for Microsoft Office Outlook
Original KB number:   2715605

Symptoms

During synchronization of the Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 for Microsoft Office Outlook client, a user will receive the following error:

"Microsoft CRM has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience."

When reviewing the error details within the error dialog box by selecting What does this error report contain?, the following error will be shown:

"Unable to cast object of type 'System.DBNull' to type 'System.String'"

Cause

The error is caused by a field in a local SQL CE database that contains a null value.

Resolution

Use the following steps to resolve this issue on a Windows XP machine:

  1. Close Microsoft Office Outlook.
  2. Browse to C:\Documents and Settings\<Username>\Application Data\Microsoft\MSCRM\Client and delete the contents of this folder, which will include the local SDF files.
  3. Browse to C:\Documents and Settings\<Username>\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\MSCRM\Client and delete the contents of this folder, which will include the local SDF files.
  4. Start Microsoft Office Outlook.
  5. When you start Outlook for the first time after deleting the SDF files, you'll notice some slow performance. It's expected because the SDF files are being recreated.

Use the following steps to resolve this issue on a Windows Vista or Windows 7 machine:

  1. Close Microsoft Office Outlook.
  2. Browse to C:\Users\<Username>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\MSCRM\Client and delete the contents of this folder, which will include the local SDF files.
  3. Browse to C:\Users\<Username>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\MSCRM\Client and delete the contents of this folder, which will include the local SDF files.
  4. Start Microsoft Office Outlook.
  5. When you start Outlook for the first time after deleting the SDF files, you'll notice some slow performance. It's expected because the SDF files are being recreated.