Hi, > > Not directly. I suppose you could create a view that converted the > > value to the right date on insert. > I think a trigger might make more sense. That was a very good idea! I tought it would solve my problem. Unfortunately it didn't: I still get the "invalid syntax" error (I ensured that the trigger worked by using other values). Apparently the syntax check is done, before the trigger is called: ---- create or replace function test() returns trigger as ' begin if NEW.datum = '''' THEN NEW.datum := ''01.01.1900''; end if; return NEW; end; ' language plpgsql; create trigger test before insert or update on foo for each row execute procedure test(); ---- Adding a default value will also not work, since the given date is not a correct timestampz when inserting. So the default value doesn't help. I know that inserting '' is wrong in the first place, and that Postgre works correctly at this point. But I can't help it - the application I have to port does it and I can't change it. Therefore I need a smart workaround for a sloppy programming in the application and a sloppy MS SQL. (This is not meant rude in any way, it's just the situation I was given in a task) Does anyone have any other suggestions or ideas? -- 10 GB Mailbox, 100 FreeSMS/Monat http://www.gmx.net/de/go/topmail +++ GMX - die erste Adresse für Mail, Message, More +++