BL_KEEPNULLS= Data Set Option

Indicates how NULL values in Microsoft SQL Server columns that accept NULL are handled during bulk loading.

Valid in: DATA and PROC steps (when accessing DBMS data using SAS/ACCESS software)
Categories: Bulk Loading
Data Set Control
Default: LIBNAME option value
Restriction: This option affects values in only Microsoft SQL Server columns that accept NULL and that have a DEFAULT constraint.
Requirement: To specify this option, you must first specify BULKLOAD=YES.
Data source: OLE DB
See: BL_KEEPNULLS= LIBNAME option, BULKLOAD= data set option

Table of Contents

Syntax

BL_KEEPNULLS=YES | NO

Syntax Description

YES

preserves null values that the OLE DB interface inserts.

NO

replaces null values that the OLE DB interface inserts with a default value, as specified in the DEFAULT constraint.

Last updated: February 3, 2026