title: SQL Server return code -6, what does it mean?
body: <p>I have a stored procedure that works with no issues, that is the return code is 0.  In some cases I RAISERROR a user defined error (> 50000).  In those cases the return is -6.  I am just curious, what does -6 mean?  I do not set the return code in the procedure, so this number is SQL Server (system) generated.</p>
  
  <p>I found this statement:</p>
  
  <blockquote>
    <p>Whether these negative numbers have any meaning, is a bit difficult to
    tell. It used to be the case, that the return values -1 to -99 were
    reserved for system-generated return values, and Books Online for
    earlier versions of SQL Server specified meanings for values -1 to
    -14. However, Books Online for SQL 2000 is silent on any such
    reservations, and does not explain what -1 to -14 would mean.</p>
  </blockquote>
  
  <p>Does anyone know the "hidden" meanings to these return codes?</p>
  
  <p>I am using SQL Server 2008 R2.</p>