Q103090: ERR: "File Does Not Exist" or "Syntax Error" on READ Command

Article: Q103090
Product(s): Microsoft Fox Miscellaneous Products
Version(s): MACINTOSH:2.01
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): 
Last Modified: 23-OCT-1999

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft FoxBASE+ for Macintosh, version 2.01 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SYMPTOMS
========

The error message "File Does Not Exist" occurs on the READ command in a program
after a VALID function is executed. This error may also occur in a format file
after a VALID function is executed. In releases of FoxBASE+/Mac before June
1992, the error that results may be

  Syntax Error

instead of

  File Does Not Exist.

CAUSE
=====

When a user-defined function (UDF) is called from the VALID clause of a GET, the
UDF must return a value; otherwise, the error

  File Does Not Exist

or

  Syntax Error

will occur.

RESOLUTION
==========

To eliminate the error in the sample below, change the last line of MYVAL.PRG
from "RETURN" (without the quotation marks) to "RETURN .T." (without the
quotation marks).

MORE INFORMATION
================

Steps to Reproduce Problem
--------------------------

1. Create a program called VALTEST.PRG as follows:

        USE :foxbase:tutorial:faculty.dbf

        CLEAR
        @ PIXELS 15,13 GET faculty->last VALID myval() SIZE 15,72
        @ PIXELS 36,13 GET faculty->first SIZE 15,72
        READ

2. Create another program called MYVAL.PRG as follows:

        WAIT "In faculty->last VALID function..press any key to continue"
        RETURN

3. In the Command window, type "do valtest" (without the quotation marks).

4. When the GET fields appear, press the TAB key to move to the second field and
  execute the VALID function. A WAIT message will appear; press any key to
  continue, as directed.

The

  File Does Not Exist

error will then occur and the highlighted line in the program is the READ
command.

Additional query words: format .fmt syntax

======================================================================
Keywords          :  
Technology        : kbHWMAC kbOSMAC kbAudDeveloper kbFoxproSearch kbFoxBASE201Mac kbFoxBASESearch
Version           : MACINTOSH:2.01

=============================================================================

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1986-2002.