How to fix Error 4157 on Windows Server 2025 / Windows 11

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Why This Error Happens

Error 4157 typically occurs when a T-SQL statement references a property name (commonly in sp_dbmmonitorupdate, fn_listextendedproperty, extended properties, or SSIS/replication configuration calls) that does not exist or is misspelled in the current SQL Server 2025 schema. This often happens after an in-place upgrade from an older SQL Server version where deprecated property names were removed, or when a script/tool was written against a different SQL Server build with a mismatched metadata catalog. It can also surface due to corrupted or outdated system stored procedures following an incomplete patch/update installation on Windows Server 2025.

Step-by-Step Resolution Guide

Step 1: Identify the Exact Property Name Causing the Error

  • Capture the full error message text, including the property name inside the quotes (e.g., "REPLICATION_STATE").
  • Run the failing script manually in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) 21 to isolate the exact line/procedure call.
  • Cross-reference the property name against Microsoft’s official SQL Server 2025 system catalog documentation to confirm it is valid or deprecated.

Step 2: Validate and Correct Extended Properties or System Function Calls

  • Open Object Explorer in SSMS, navigate to the target database, and check Properties > Extended Properties for mismatched or renamed entries.
  • If the error originates from sp_addextendedproperty, sp_updateextendedproperty, or fn_listextendedproperty, verify the property parameter matches supported values exactly (case-sensitive in some collations).
  • Update any legacy scripts (e.g., replication or monitoring jobs) to use the renamed property supported in SQL Server 2025, such as replacing deprecated monitoring properties with their current equivalents.

Step 3: Repair System Metadata and Reapply Service Pack/CU

  • Close SSMS and stop the SQL Server service via services.msc or net stop MSSQLSERVER.
  • Run sqlservr.exe -c -m from an elevated Command Prompt to start SQL Server in single-user maintenance mode.
  • Execute DBCC CHECKDB('YourDatabaseName') WITH NO_INFOMSGS, ALL_ERRORMSGS; to rule out catalog corruption.
  • Reinstall the latest Cumulative Update for SQL Server 2025 from the Microsoft Update Catalog to restore any missing or corrupted system stored procedures.

Step 4: Rebuild Affected Jobs or Monitoring Scripts

  • If the error comes from a SQL Server Agent job or replication monitor, open SQL Server Agent > Jobs, locate the failing job step, and edit the T-SQL command.
  • Remove or replace any obsolete property references with current ones listed in sys.extended_properties or the updated replication stored procedure documentation.

Alternative or Verification Steps

  • Re-run the original script or job after corrections; confirm no Error 4157 appears in the SQL Server Error Log (EXEC xp_readerrorlog 0, 1;).
  • If the issue persists, restore a known-good backup of the msdb database (where job/property metadata resides) and compare extended property definitions against the current script to locate the discrepancy.