BUG: Table Loses Order When Used Again

• Microsoft FoxPro for Windows, versions 2.6, 2.6a
• Microsoft FoxPro for MS-DOS, versions 2.6, 2.6a

SYMPTOMS

When a table is used again, the first instance of the table loses its order.

RESOLUTION

This problem occurs when an .IDX file is used to store the index. This problem does not occur when a .CDX file is used to store the index. The problem can therefore be avoided by storing index expressions in a .CDX file rather than in an .IDX file.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION

This behavior differs from that of dBASE IV. In dBASE IV, the original table will retain its order when another copy of that table is used again.

Steps to Reproduce Problem

The following code sample demonstrates this situation:

   * Create a table with

   CREATE TABLE test (myfld C(2))
   INSERT INTO test (myfld) VALUES ("BB")
   INSERT INTO test (myfld) VALUES ("AA")
   INDEX ON myfld TO test.idx

   CLOSE ALL
   SET EXCLUSIVE OFF

   USE test ALIAS one INDEX test IN 1
   SELECT one
   ? "1: "+ORDER()    && Display ORDER() before USE..AGAIN
   USE test AGAIN ALIAS two INDEX test IN 2
   SELECT one
   ? "2: "+ORDER()    && Display ORDER() after USE..AGAIN

NOTE: To run this code in dBASE IV, you must remove the CREATE TABLE and INSERT INTO code. You must also create a table and indices at the dot prompt before executing the code.