FIX: After FLUSH, Loss of Power May Still Corrupt Table

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft FoxPro for Macintosh, version 2.5b

SYMPTOMS

Even after the FLUSH command is issued, if the system loses power, a table that has just been written to may become corrupted, causing the following error message to appear:

   Memo file is damaged.

   Not a table/DBF.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in FoxPro 2.5b for Macintosh. This problem was corrected in FoxPro 2.5c for Macintosh.

MORE INFORMATION

NOTE: In FoxPro 2.5c for Macintosh, the FLUSH command makes an additional system call that writes closed files to the volume (hard disk).

Steps to Reproduce Problem

CAUTION: TURNING OFF YOUR MACINTOSH IN THE MANNER DESCRIBED BELOW MAY DAMAGE OR CORRUPT DATA ON YOUR VOLUME (HARD DISK).

These steps assume the following:

• FoxPro is installed in a folder (directory) named "FoxPro".
• The volume (disk) name is "Macintosh HD".
• A folder named "TEST" exists on the volume.

1. Create a program containing the following code:

         USE "Macintosh HD:\FoxPro\Sample\Laser\DATA\LASER.DBF" NOUPDATE
         COPY TO "Macintosh HD:\TEST\test.dbf"
         SET DEFAULT TO "Macintosh HD:\TEST"
         USE test.dbf
         COPY TO test2.dbf
         APPEND FROM test2.dbf
         APPEND FROM test2.dbf
         APPEND FROM test2.dbf
         APPEND FROM test2.dbf
         APPEND FROM test2.dbf
         FLUSH
         USE
   

2. Run the program.

3. As soon as the program finishes, and the Command window becomes active (has the focus) again, turn off the power. If your Macintosh has an Off button, press it. Otherwise, disconnect the power cord.

4. Restart the Macintosh, and then start FoxPro.

5. Type the following in the Command window:

         SET DEFAULT TO "Macintosh HD:\TEST"
         USE test.dbf