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Q126273: PRB: Columns Missing in .DBF File Created in Microsoft Excel

Article: Q126273
Product(s): Microsoft FoxPro
Version(s): MACINTOSH:2.6a,3.0b
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): 
Last Modified: 12-FEB-2000

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft FoxPro for Macintosh, version 2.6a 
- Microsoft Visual FoxPro for Macintosh, version 3.0b 
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SYMPTOMS
========

After you save a spreadsheet as type "DBF3" in Microsoft Excel, some of the
columns are missing when you open the file in FoxPro.

CAUSE
=====

The field name for one or more columns contains invalid characters. FoxPro is
unable to read the Excel column that contains an invalid field name, or any
column following the invalid name.

WORKAROUND
==========

Change the column heading to a valid FoxPro field name. A valid field name can
contain up to 10 letters, digits, or underscores, and it must begin with a
letter or an underscore.

STATUS
======

This behavior is by design.

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

Steps to Reproduce Behavior
---------------------------

1. Create a new spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel version 4.0 (or higer) for
  Macintosh.

2. In the first row of the spreadsheet, place the following information:

  Column A - CNO
  Column B - Company
  Column C - State
  Column D - <CredLimit
  Column E - Phone

3. Fill cells A2 through E4 with any data. Highlight the entire range A1 through
  E4, and name the range "database." The steps to do this will depend on the
  Excel version. In Excel version 5.0, for example, name the range by choosing
  Name from the Insert menu, selecting Define, and typing "database" in the
  Define Name dialog box below the Names in Workbook: prompt. The shortcut key
  to invoke the Define Name dialog is Command + L.

4. Choose Save As from the File menu, and save the file as TEST.DBF with a DBF3
  file format. The actual steps will depend on the Excel version.

5. Close Excel. Launch FoxPro, and issue these commands:

     USE <folder name>test.dbf
     BROWSE

Additional query words: VFoxMac FoxMac

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Keywords          :  
Technology        : kbHWMAC kbOSMAC kbVFPsearch kbAudDeveloper kbFoxproSearch kbFoxPro260aMac kbVFP300bMac
Version           : MACINTOSH:2.6a,3.0b

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