cannot convert string to datetime using ParseExact

Question

I have a string like this (in 12 hr clock) in my XML config data file:

expires="10/27/2014 2:42:57 PM"

I want to assign that value as a (datetime) member of a class like this:

 Common.SOExpiries = 
     DateTime.ParseExact(gSet.Attribute("expires").Value, "MM/dd/yyyy hh:mm:ss",    
     CultureInfo.InvariantCulture);

but I am getting the error 'String was not recognized as a valid DateTime'

what am I doing wrong here?

This is in the UK btw, so the CultureInfo should be ok

why in gods green earth someone down graded the question!?!? — Liran, Nov 04 '14 at 14:51
I'm guessing either it's my repuation that precededs me, or (more likely) it could be that it looks like I didn't do enough research to find out what was wrong...this isn't the case, I did the research, but didn't get the part about the 12 hours clock! — Our Man in Bananas, Nov 04 '14 at 14:54

Konrad Kokosa · Accepted Answer · 2014-11-04T14:37:47.380

5

It should be:

"MM/dd/yyyy h:mm:ss tt"

as you forget about ttto indicate AM/PM, and h because you have 1-12 hours, not 01-12 hours format. Consider if your seconds and minutes should be also s and m.

edited Nov 04 '14 at 14:37

answered Nov 04 '14 at 14:32

Konrad Kokosa

16,563
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it still throws the same error even if I do this: `Convert.ToDateTime(DateTime.ParseExact(gSet.Attribute("expires").Value, "MM/dd/yyyy hh:mm:ss tt", CultureInfo.InvariantCulture));` – Our Man in Bananas Nov 04 '14 at 14:36

score 1 · Answer 2 · answered Nov 04 '14 at 14:32

1

You need to parse the AM / PM portion as well.

Common.SOExpiries = 
 DateTime.ParseExact(gSet.Attribute("expires").Value, "MM/dd/yyyy hh:mm:ss tt",    
 CultureInfo.InvariantCulture);

answered Nov 04 '14 at 14:32

Brian Dishaw

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cannot convert string to datetime using ParseExact

2 Answers2