Software⏱️ 4 min read📅 2026-06-10

How to Fix: Attempting to check in code through TFS results in "Value was either too large or too small for a UINT32" error message

Error message when checking in code through TFS in VS 2012/2013

Quick Answer: Check the file size limit for TFS, which is typically around 2GB. Reduce the file size or split large files into smaller ones to resolve the issue.

📋 Table of Contents

  1. 💡 Why You Are Getting This Error
  2. 🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps
  3. 💡 Conclusion

When attempting to check in code through TFS in Visual Studio 2012 or 2013, users may encounter an error message that reads 'Value was either too large or too small for a UINT32'. This issue affects developers who are trying to synchronize changes in their local copies of the code with the central version control system.

This error can be frustrating as it prevents users from successfully checking in their changes, leading to delays and inefficiencies in the development process. However, by following the steps outlined below, you should be able to resolve this issue and get back to working on your project.

💡 Why You Are Getting This Error

  • The primary cause of this error is related to the way TFS handles large values. In Visual Studio 2012 and 2013, the 'Check in' dialog box uses a UINT32 data type to store the number of items to be checked in. If the value exceeds the maximum limit of UINT32 (which is 4294967295), it will result in this error.
  • An alternative cause could be related to the version control system's configuration or the way the code is being checked in. However, this is less likely and may require further investigation.

🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps

Resolving the issue by adjusting the 'Check in' dialog box settings

  1. Step 1: To resolve this issue, you can try reducing the number of items to be checked in or using a different approach to check in your code. One possible solution is to use the 'Check in' dialog box's 'Add all changes and new files' option instead of selecting individual files.
  2. Step 2: Another solution is to adjust the 'Check in' dialog box settings by going to 'Tools' > 'Options' > 'Source Control' > 'Team Foundation Server' > 'Version control' > 'Checkin', and reducing the value of the 'Maximum number of items to checkin' field.
  3. Step 3: Alternatively, you can also try using the 'TFS Power Tools' which includes a feature to automatically adjust the 'Maximum number of items to checkin' field based on the number of files being checked in.

Resolving the issue by modifying the code

  1. Step 1: If reducing the number of items to be checked in or adjusting the 'Check in' dialog box settings does not resolve the issue, you may need to modify your code to avoid the problem. One possible solution is to use a different data type that can handle larger values.
  2. Step 2: Another solution is to break down large files into smaller ones and check them in separately. This may require reorganizing your code structure or using a different version control system.

💡 Conclusion

By following the steps outlined above, you should be able to resolve the 'Value was either too large or too small for a UINT32' error message when attempting to check in code through TFS in Visual Studio 2012 or 2013. Remember to always back up your work and test new changes thoroughly before checking them in.

Did this fix your problem?

If not, try searching for specific error codes.

🔍 Search Error Database

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🛠️ Related Fixes

How to Fix: Pc crashes shortly after launching game (rainbow

Fix Pc crashes shortly after launching game (rainbow six siege). Compl

How to Fix: Installing an APK on a locked down phone

Installing an APK on a locked down phone: Try using a rooted device, e

How to Fix: New PC build- no signal and no clue

Fix New PC build- no signal and no clue. Complete troubleshooting guid