PRB: SYS(2012) Returns a Value Other Than 0

• Microsoft FoxPro for MS-DOS, versions 2.0, 2.5, 2.5a, 2.5b, 2.6
• Microsoft FoxPro for Windows, versions 2.5, 2.5a, 2.5b, 2.6

SYMPTOMS

According to the manual, the value returned by the SYS(2012) function should be 0 if the database open in the current work area does not contain a memo field. However, once a database with a memo field has been opened in FoxPro for MS-DOS and FoxPro for Windows, the value returned is 64 for any database.

CAUSE

On page L3-1079 in the FoxPro version 2.5 "Language Reference" manual and on page C3-887 in the FoxPro version 2.0 "Commands & Functions" manual, the return value is incorrectly documented for the SYS(2012) function when SYS(2012) is used on a database that does not contain a memo field.

These manuals incorrectly state that a 0 should be returned if the SYS(2012) function is issued for a database open in the current work area that does not contain a memo field. Instead, the value returned is 64, which is the default memo field block size. (NOTE: You can change the block size with the SET BLOCKSIZE command.)