PRB: "SQL Column '<Memvar>' Not Found" and Empty RQBE Window

• Microsoft Visual FoxPro for Windows, version 3.0
• Microsoft FoxPro for Windows, versions 2.5, 2.5a, and 2.5b
• Microsoft FoxPro for MS-DOS, versions 2.0, 2.5, 2.5a, and 2.5b
• Microsoft FoxPro for Macintosh, version 2.5b

SYMPTOMS

When you are opening or modifying a previously saved query, the error message "SQL Column '<variable name>' Not Found" appears. After the error message is displayed, the query will open, but everything except the table(s) used will be lost (including selected fields and WHERE conditions).

CAUSE

This behavior is caused by referring to a variable in a query and then opening or modifying the query when the variable is not in memory.

RESOLUTION

Make sure the variable is defined in memory before opening or modifying the query. Make sure not to save the changes to the query after it opens up empty. The error message will indicate the variable that needs to be in memory.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to Reproduce Behavior

1. Type x="CA" in the FoxPro command window.

2. USE the SALESMAN database found in the TUTORIAL subdirectory.

3. Create a new query using the RQBE window.

4. Set up the Selection Criteria as follows:

         Field Name: Salesman.state
         Operator: LIKE (the default)
         Example: x
   

5. Run the query to make sure it works. It should select four records if the SALESMAN database has not been modified since installation.

6. Save and close the query.

7. In the command window, type "RELEASE x" (without the quotation marks).

8. Open or modify the query. The error message "SQL column 'x' not found" will be displayed.

   Clicking the error message will clear the message and the query will open with only the table(s) used remaining. The information under Selection Criteria, Selected Fields, Order By, Group By, and Having will be cleared.

9. Don't save the empty query. If you do, the missing information will be permanently lost.