title: How to convert datetime string without delimiters in SQL Server as datetime?
body: <p>I am looking to convert a string like this: <code>20160520191959550</code> - that is actually date-time for <code>2016-05-20 19:19:59</code>. </p>
  
  <p>I tried using <code>CAST as datetime</code> in a SQL statement, but got this error: </p>
  
  <blockquote>
    <p>Conversion failed when converting date and/or time from character string. </p>
  </blockquote>
  
  <p>Here is the SQL:</p>
  
  <pre><code>Select Cast(vbon.DATE_INS As datetime) As DINS 
  From vbon 
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>I routinely use <code>CAST</code> on date strings without delimiters and am looking for a similar solution. Is there a simple way to get the job done without reverting to <code>LEFT</code>, <code>RIGHT</code> and <code>SUBSTRING</code>?</p>