Resolving MSSQL_REPL55012 Error in
SQL Server 2019 Standard Edition
Replication
Introduction
The MSSQL_REPL55012 error typically appears during snapshot generation in SQL Server
Replication and is associated with ODBC driver issues. This guide covers the complete
resolution process for this error in SQL Server 2019 Standard Edition.
When Does This Error Occur?
The error usually appears in the Snapshot Agent with the following message:
The schema script '<path>' could not be propagated to the subscriber. The
process could not read file '<path>' due to OS error 3.
Error code: MSSQL_REPL55012
This indicates the process could not locate or access the required ODBC driver files or paths.
Most commonly, it happens when:
The required ODBC Driver for SQL Server is not installed.
The installed driver is not properly registered in the environment variables.
The path to the driver is missing or incorrect.
Step-by-Step Resolution
Step 1: Verify the Installed ODBC Drivers
1. Open Command Prompt (CMD) as Administrator.
2. Type the following command to list all installed ODBC drivers:
[Link]
Alternatively, use:
Get-OdbcDriver
3. In the ODBC Data Source Administrator window, go to the Drivers tab.
4. Look for ODBC Driver 17 for SQL Server or later.
✅ If the driver is not listed, proceed to the next step to install it.
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Step 2: Install the Latest ODBC Driver
1. Download the official Microsoft ODBC Driver for SQL Server:
o ODBC Driver 17 for SQL Server
2. Install the driver following the on-screen instructions.
3. Reboot the system after installation to ensure changes take effect.
Step 3: Check and Update Environment Variables
1. Right-click This PC > Properties > Advanced system settings.
2. Click on Environment Variables.
3. In the System Variables section, find the Path variable.
4. Click Edit and ensure the following path exists:
o For 64-bit systems: C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\Client
SDK\ODBC\170\Tools\Binn
o For 32-bit systems: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SQL Server\Client
SDK\ODBC\170\Tools\Binn
✅ If the path doesn't exist, click New and add it manually.
Step 4: Verify File System Path for Schema Script
Sometimes, the issue can be a result of missing schema script path during replication:
1. Open the Replication Monitor.
2. Click on the publication and view the Snapshot Agent details.
3. Check the path mentioned in the error message.
4. Navigate to that path manually to confirm the file exists.
5. Make sure SQL Server Agent account has read permissions on that folder.
Step 5: Restart SQL Server Agent and Snapshot Agent
After all the above checks:
1. Restart the SQL Server Agent service from SQL Server Configuration Manager or
Services.
2. Re-run the Snapshot Agent from SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
Step 6: Re-validate the Replication Setup
1. Open SSMS.
2. Right-click on the publication > View Snapshot Agent Status.
3. Monitor the snapshot process for errors.
4. Confirm that the snapshot is now successfully generated.
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Additional Checks (Optional but Recommended)
Ensure you are using a consistent collation between Publisher and Subscriber.
Verify network connectivity if replication spans multiple machines.
Confirm the SQL Server Agent account has permissions on:
o Publication database
o Replication snapshot folder
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