Contents of README.TXT in FPD26 (2.6a) Directory

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft FoxPro for MS-DOS, version 2.6a

SUMMARY

Below is the complete FoxPro 2.6a for MS-DOS README.TXT file found in the main FoxPro directory (usually FPD26).

MORE INFORMATION

                       README.TXT

                   Release Notes for

    Microsoft(R) FoxPro(R) for MS-DOS(R) Version 2.6a

    (C)1994 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

CONTENTS

Part Description ---- -----------

 1     New Features in FoxPro 2.6
 2     Installation Notes
 3     New and Enhanced Commands and Functions
 4     Notes about the Catalog Manager
 5     Notes about Wizards
 6     Macro Key Support in FoxPro 2.6
 7     Differences Between FoxPro and dBASE Format Files
 8     Importing Microsoft Excel Spreadsheets to FoxPro
 9     International and Cross-Platform Recommendations
 10    Installation Questions and Answers
 11    Product Support Questions and Answers
 12    Note about the OBJVAR() Function

Part 1: New Features in FoxPro 2.6

Microsoft FoxPro version 2.6 includes the following new features:

   *  A Catalog Manager interface that provides convenient
      access to database files and functions, and enables you
      to convert dBASE(R) files easily.

      For more information on converting dBASE file:

      * Choose dBASE Help... from the Help menu.
      -OR-
      * Search for Switching from dBASE in online Help.

   *  A collection of wizards that simplify common database
      tasks.

   *  Language additions that provide dBASE IV(R) language
      compatibility.

Important: The FoxPro Catalog Manager is not available in the 16-bit Standard version of FoxPro. To convert dBASE III(R) and dBASE IV files in the 16-bit Standard version, select Convert dBASE files... from the Run menu. For more help converting files, press F1 while in this dialog.

Part 2: Installation Notes

There are three types of installation for FoxPro for MS-DOS: Normal Installation, Administrative Installation and Workstation Installation. Instructions for Normal Installation are in the FoxPro Installation and Configuration manual. For information about Administrative and Workstation Installation, see INSTALL.TXT on FoxPro for MS-DOS Disk 1.

Installing FoxPro on the Microsoft Windows NT(TM) operating system FoxPro for MS-DOS cannot install in an MS-DOS window within Microsoft Windows NT. To install FoxPro for MS-DOS, you must be able to boot to a separate MS-DOS partition.

Part 3: New and Enhanced Commands and Functions Several commands and functions are new to FoxPro 2.6, and some have been enhanced to provide additional compatibility with dBASE IV(R). For additional information about these commands and functions, see the New and Enhanced Commands and Functions Help topic.

New/Enhanced Commands

New/Enhanced Functions

New/Enhanced System Memory Variables

Part 4: Notes about the Catalog Manager

Reserved Names in the Catalog Manager

When you execute a program or procedure, FoxPro searches for the program or procedure in a specific order. This order includes the current file as well as programs that were executed prior to the current one, including the Catalog Manager itself.

Below is a list of procedure and program names that can cause errors if run from within the Catalog Manager.

ABORT ACTTHERM ADDALIAS ADDBS ADDFILE ADDTASK ANALYZE CLEANUP CONTROL DELUSER DUMMY ERRHAND ESCHAND EXECUTE EXPORT FILEEXT FINDFILE FORCEEXT GETSQL GETSTAMP GETWPARM IMPORT INDEX ISMAC ISSPR JUSTEXT JUSTFNAME JUSTPATH MENUPROC MIGRATE MODIFY MSGBOX ORDER PARSFIL PRINT REMOVE SAVEPREF SETTINGS SETTOPIC SHUTDOWN TOUCHED TRASHCAN UPDTHERM VRUN

API Library Routines and the Catalog Manager

The Catalog Manager opens and closes API libraries on these occasions:

* When the Catalog Manager is started, all API

  libraries are closed.

  Manager, all API libraries that were open before
  the Catalog Manager started are opened. When the program
  ends the API libraries are closed.

  libraries that were open before the Catalog
  Manager started are opened.

Part 5: Notes about Wizards

Running Wizards in the 16-bit Standard version of FoxPro

Memo and General Fields and the Label Wizard

Modifying Wizard-Created Items in Microsoft Windows NT(TM)

Part 6: Macro Key Support in FoxPro 2.6 In FoxPro 2.6, the key combinations ALT+1 to ALT+9 cannot be used to define macros. For a list of key combinations supported in FoxPro 2.6 see the ON KEY LABEL topic in Help.

=======================================+++++++++=========

Part 7: Differences Between FoxPro and dBASE Format Files

Please note these differences between dBASE and FoxPro 2.6 format files:

SET STATUS - A dBASE format file automatically contains a SET STATUS ON command. The FoxPro 2.6 BROWSE FORMAT command ignores it. Therefore, in order for messages to display in the FoxPro status bar after you issue an APPEND command, you should remove SET STATUS ON. Messages will then appear in the status bar or, if the status bar is turned off, in the WAIT window.

BROWSE FORMAT - In FoxPro 2.6, BROWSE FORMAT does not wait for a <space> before allowing the user to re-enter data. (In dBASE, after a user enters invalid information, both APPEND and BROWSE FORMAT require the user to press the Spacebar before re-entering data.)

In FoxPro 2.6, SAY output is displayed individually in its own column.

RANGE Clause - FoxPro 2.6 doesn't support RANGE clauses of Character type. If you have a RANGE clause on a Character field in your dBASE format file, you should remove it. Otherwise, FoxPro displays a syntax error when you issue a SET FORMAT TO command.

Part 8: Importing Microsoft Excel Spreadsheets to FoxPro

FoxPro can import spreadsheet files from Microsoft Excel version 4.0. To import spreadsheets from Microsoft Excel version 5.0, you must first save them as version 4.0 files. Columns from the spreadsheet become fields in the table, and rows from the spreadsheet become records in the table.

Part 9: International and Cross-Platform Recommendations See the International and Cross-Platform Features topic in Help for the latest information on code pages and collation sequences.

Tagging Code Pages to Tables in the Catalog Manager

To ensure that accented characters in a table are displayed correctly on the current platform, the table must be tagged with a code page. In Catalog Manager, to tag a code page to a table that does not have one, make sure the following are true:

1. SET EXCLUSIVE is ON. The exclusive setting can

       be set in the Catalog Manager Settings dialog.
   

    line CODEPAGE = AUTO

Part 10: Installation Questions and Answers

Overview of Questions

1 Why does the FoxPro installation sometimes stop before

    allowing the installation of optional components?

    specify during installation?

    for FoxPro for MS-DOS?

    Protected Mode Interface (DPMI)?

    How can I correct this problem?

    correctly on my computer, but when I load the 32-bit
    Extended version I receive the error message "Incompatible
    memory manager." What is causing this problem?

    How can I correct this problem?

    my disk?

    for MS-DOS within Windows, I get the error "Cannot
    Access File at this Time." This only happens when the
    version of FoxPro resides on my local drive.

    During Installation. How can I correct this problem?

    How can I correct this error?

    Running INSTALL /N. How can I correct this?

    How can I correct this problem?

    I receive a memory error. What can I do?

Question 1

Why does the FoxPro installation sometimes stop before allowing the installation of optional components?

Answer 1

Sometimes in low memory conditions the installation program is unable to determine whether to run the Standard (FOXPRO.EXE) or the 32-bit Extended (FOXPROX.EXE) version to complete the installation. If you're installing from within Windows, you can exit Windows to make more memory available. If you have any TSR programs residing in memory, removing them from memory may free additional memory. For information on installing optional components after you have installed FoxPro, see Question 2 in this section.

Question 2

How do I install additional files that I didn't specify during installation?

Answer 2

Restart FoxPro by typing FOX at the MS-DOS prompt and pressing Enter. Insert any one of the product disks into drive A and enter the following command in the FoxPro Command window:

DO INSTALL

You are prompted to insert the disk or disks that contain the additional files you want to install. If you are attempting to install from a drive other than drive A, you are instructed to select another source drive after the "Abort, Retry, Fail?" message.

Question 3

Why does FoxPro reboot during the installation process?

Answer 3

You could have an anti-virus program running, a memory conflict, or an old video driver. Disable any anti-virus program or old video driver and retry the installation of optional components as described in Question 2, above. Make sure you are excluding areas of memory required to load video drivers or network cards. For example, if you are loading EMM386 in your CONFIG.SYS file, the "X=D800-DFFF" parameter in the following device driver load command in MS-DOS will reserve those memory segments:

   DEVICE=C:\WINDOWS\EMM386.EXE RAM 2048 X=D800-DFFF

If you are installing from within Windows, try using a different video driver (for example, the generic VGA driver, VGA.DRV) and run with no old video drivers loaded in the AUTOEXEC.BAT or CONFIG.SYS files.

Question 4

What MS-DOS BUFFERS and FILES statements are appropriate for FoxPro for MS-DOS?

Answer 4

For best performance with FoxPro when the SMARTDRV device driver is loaded, set BUFFERS to 10 in the CONFIG.SYS file. Anything more is redundant, taking up valuable memory that FoxPro could use for processing.

If you don't use a disk cache program such as SMARTDRV, you should allocate enough MS-DOS buffers to hold all of the directory entries in the subdirectory where you will be working. Setting BUFFERS to 40 is usually sufficient as long as the number of files in a subdirectory remains below 250.

The FILES statement should always be at least 10 more than the greatest number of files that you will have open at one time. We recommend that you set FILES to 40 or greater.

Question 5

Can I run the FoxPro 32-bit Extended version in Enhanced Mode Windows or with EMM386 with the NOEMS option?

Answer 5

Yes. FoxPro works with DPMI-compliant memory managers, such as Microsoft Windows and EMM386. If you use a DPMI memory manager, you can control the physical memory that FoxPro uses by specifying the MEMLIMIT option in your CONFIG.FP file. For more information on the MEMLIMIT option, refer to the Update manual and to "Changes to Documentation Since Printing" in Help.

Question 6

What factors influence FoxPro startup speed?

Answer 6

The time required to load and start FoxPro relates to the physical size of FoxPro, the length of the path in effect, the number of items FoxPro has to locate at startup, and other factors. You can control many of these items. For a complete discussion of this issue, refer to "Optimizing Your System" in the Installation and Configuration manual.

Question 7

I'm receiving the error message "Too many files open." How can I correct this problem?

Answer 7

If you receive this error message, use one or more of the following strategies:

* Increase the FILES setting in the CONFIG.SYS file. * If you are using a Novell network, increase the FILE

  HANDLES setting in the SHELL.CFG file.

  number of files and locks. For example, you could use
  SHARE /F: 4096 /L:500 in the CONFIG.SYS file.

Question 8

The Standard version of FoxPro for MS-DOS runs correctly on my computer, but when I load the 32-bit Extended version I receive the error message "Incompatible memory manager." What's causing this problem?

Answer 8

When you configure your memory manager, verify that it can use extended memory, and that the proper switches are set. For further information on the 32-bit Extended version of FoxPro, refer to "Optimizing Your System" in the Installation and Configuration Guide.

Question 9

I'm receiving the error message "RUN/! command failed." How can I correct this problem?

Answer 9

Make sure your CONFIG.SYS file contains this line:

  SHELL = C:\<path>\COMMAND.COM C:\<path>\ /P /E:1024

If the SHELL line shown here is already in your CONFIG.SYS file, then you've received this error because FoxPro doesn't have enough conventional memory to execute the RUN command. If this is the case, use RUN /0 DIR instead of RUN DIR. RUN /0 automatically loads FoxSwap, which makes all available conventional memory accessible to FoxPro. For more information on the RUN command and FoxSwap, refer to "RUN|! Commands" in Help.

Question 10

Why do I have several files with the extension .TMP on my disk?

Answer 10

Every time you load FoxPro, it creates temporary (.TMP) files. These files are automatically deleted when you exit FoxPro with a normal shutdown. However, .TMP files still exist if you reboot the machine from within FoxPro, or if you don't have delete rights in the directory where the files reside. Exit FoxPro and acquire the rights to delete all these files. One caution: Other programs, such as Windows, also create .TMP files. To be safe, make sure no other applications are active when you delete .TMP files.

Question 11

When I try to start up a second instance of FoxPro for MS-DOS within Windows, I get the error "Cannot access file at this time." This only happens when the version of FoxPro resides on my local drive.

Answer 11

The MS-DOS SHARE program is the most common cause of this problem. Current workarounds include marking the FoxPro FOXPRO.EXE and FOXPROX.EXE files read only, running under Windows for Workgroups, or running a copy of FoxPro from a network location.

Question 12

I get Cannot Create <Path>\FOXPRO.EXE" Error During Installation. How can I correct this problem?

Answer 12

One possible cause is that FOXPRO.EXE or FOXPROX.EXE already exists in that directory and it is marked read-only.

For the Setup program to be able to perform a successful install, the .EXE file must be either renamed or marked as read/write. The command ATTRIB -R <path>\FOXPRO.EXE will remove the Read-Only attribute from the file.

Question 13

What are the minimum files required to run FoxPro?

Answer 13

Not all files placed on the hard disk during installation of FoxPro are absolutely required for operation of the product. FoxPro for MS-DOS can be started with only two files: FOXPRO.EXE and FOXPRO.OVL. For the extended (32 bit) version, these two files can be replaced by only one, FOXPROX.EXE.

The minimum files needed to run FoxPro, use the menu and screen generators, and set printer drivers are listed below.

NOTE: Upon startup, FoxPro will create FOXUSER.DBF and FOXUSER.FPT files, and upon screen or menu generation, it will create the appropriate .FXP files.

Versions 2.6 (MS-DOS)

   Filename         Bytes      Comments
   ------------------------------------------------------

   DRIVER2.PLB      14029
   FOXSWAP.COM       5971      Only needed for standard version.
   GENMENU.PRG      57109
   GENPD.APP       374351
   GENSCRN.PRG     292613
   GENXTAB.PRG      29246      Only needed for cross tabulation.
   PSAPI.PLB        24451
   FOXPRO.EXE      411599
   FOXPRO.OVL     1424976

Question 14

A "CRC Error" Occurs During Setup. How can I correct this error?

Answer 14

When reading a disk, MS-DOS performs a cyclical redundancy check (CRC) to verify disk sectors. The CRC is a sophisticated parity check of the data in each sector and will detect most data errors, such as lost or scrambled bits.

To determine if there is a problem with the disks:

1. Attempt the installation a second time.

2. Install on a "clean" (minimal) configuration.

3. Install on another machine to verify there is not a hardware problem.

4. Copy the floppy disks to a temporary directory on the hard disk and run the Setup program from this temporary directory.

Question 15

The following error occurs File 'ADDUSER.APP' Does Not Exist" Running INSTALL /N. How can I correct this?

Answer 15

The INSTALL /N command was not issued from the directory containing the Administrative Installation (INSTALL /A) of FoxPro.

After a Workstation Installation completes the Basic portion of its installation, it calls the FoxPro program ADDUSER.APP to configure the workstation for the network environment. In order for FoxPro to load and run ADDDUSER.APP, the current directory must be the Administrative Installation directory.

Even if the Administrative Installation directory is on the MS-DOS search path, allowing FoxPro itself to start, because ADDUSER.APP is not an MS-DOS executable program (.COM or .EXE), it cannot be located on the path, thus causing the error message.

RESOLUTION

Go to the drive and directory containing the Administrative Installation of FoxPro, and type "INSTALL /N" (without the quotation marks).

Question 16

The Configuration Portion of INSTALL /N Fails. How can I correct this problem?

Answer 16

The command, "INSTALL /N" (without the quotation marks) was not issued from the directory containing the Administrative Installation (INSTALL /A) of FoxPro.

Go to the drive and directory containing the Administrative Installation of FoxPro, then reissue the INSTALL /N command.

After a Workstation Installation completes the Basic portion of its installation, it calls the FoxPro program ADDUSER.APP to configure the workstation for the network environment. In order for FoxPro to load and run ADDDUSER.APP, the current directory must be the Administrative Installation directory.

The error received depends on which directory you started INSTALL /N from, and whether you are running it from an MS-DOS prompt in Windows, or at MS-DOS itself.

Question 17

Why does INSTALL /N Prompt for a Floppy Disk?

Answer 17

The INSTALL /N command was not issued from the Administrative Installation directory.

To avoid this problem, use one of the following workarounds.

Workaround 1: Go to the Administrative Installation Directory

Go to the Administrative Installation directory, and then type the command "INSTALL /N" (without the quotation marks).

For example, assuming the Administrative Installation is located in a directory named N:\ADMIN, type the following commands at the MS-DOS prompt:

   N:
   CD\ADMIN
   INSTALL /N

If, for reasons such as testing, you require that the Administrative Installation be located on a local hard disk and you do not want to issue the INSTALL /N command from the Administrative Installation directory, use the MS-DOS SUBST command to reassign the directory containing the Administrative Installation to another drive letter.

For example, assuming the Administrative Installation is located in a directory named C:\ADMIN and you want to create a Workstation Installation in a directory named C:\WORKSTA, type the following at the MS-DOS prompt:

   SUBST N: C:\ADMIN
   C:
   CD\WORKSTA
   N:\INSTALL /N

When I type INSTALL /N at an MS-DOS prompt within Windows I receive a memory error. What can I do?

Answer 18

In some instances, an Administrative Installation will not work from an MS-DOS prompt within Windows. To run a Network installation from an Administrative Installation directory, you might need to exit Windows and use the main MS-DOS prompt.

Part 11: Product Support Questions and Answers

Overview of Questions

1 Where can I go for additional pre-sale information

    on Microsoft Fox products such as pricing, upgrade
    policies, release dates, and so on?

    Forum, what information should I include?

    additional FoxPro product support?

    Microsoft Fox products. Where can I direct these
    comments?

Question 1

Where can I go for additional pre-sale information on Microsoft Fox products such as pricing, upgrade policies, release dates, and so on?

Answer 1

In the United States, call 800-426-9400.

Question 2

Where can I go for additional FoxPro product support?

Answer 2

Call *Microsoft FastTips* to hear recorded responses to common questions about Microsoft FoxPro. You can also order technical notes that will be sent to your fax machine. FastTips is available seven days a week, 24 hours a day. For assistance with FoxPro, dial 800-936-4300.

[Editor's note: The README.TXT file originally said to call 425-635-7190, which is the former number for this service.]

Use the *Microsoft Download Service* to access technical notes and supplementary files covering common Microsoft product support issues. This service is available via modem 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 425-936-6735.

Call *Microsoft Technical Support* between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Pacific time, Monday through Friday. For assistance with Microsoft Fox products for MS-DOS or for Windows, call 425-635-7191. For assistance with Microsoft Fox products for the Macintosh, call 425-635-7192.

Microsoft support services are subject to Microsoft prices, terms, and conditions that are in place at the time the service is used.

Question 3

If I call for support or post a message on the FoxForum, what information should I include?

Answer 3

When you call, you should be at your computer and have the appropriate product documentation at hand. Be prepared to give the following information:

* The version number and platform of the Microsoft Fox

  product you are using.
  This can be obtained by typing ?VERSION(1) in the Command
  window for FoxPro.

  hardware if applicable; and the operating environment
  that you are using.

   CONFIG.SYS, AUTOEXEC.BAT, and any network
  configuration files.

  screen.

  when the problem occurred.

  steps?

Question 4

I have a hearing impairment. Where can I go for additional FoxPro product support?

Answer 4

Microsoft Technical Support is available for the hearing impaired. Using a special TDD/TT modem, dial 425-635-4948 between 6 A.M. and 6 P.M. Pacific time, Monday through Friday.

Microsoft support services are subject to Microsoft prices, terms, and conditions that are in place at the time the service is used.

Question 5

I have some specific comments and suggestions on Microsoft Fox products. Where can I direct these comments?

Answer 5

We'd like to hear your comments about Microsoft Fox products and services. Help us make future versions of Microsoft Fox products even better by calling, sending a fax, dropping us a note, or sending electronic mail. Your feedback will be considered in developing future versions of Microsoft FoxPro.

Call 425-936-9474 and leave your comments using a touch-tone phone 24 hours a day.

Fax 425-936-7329 and provide detailed comments 24 hours a day.

Send a note to:

Microsoft FoxPro WishLine One Microsoft Way Redmond, WA 98052

If you have access to the Internet, send electronic mail to:

   foxwish@microsoft.com.

Part 12: Note about the OBJVAR() Function

In its current implementation, OBJVAR() may not return correct values under the following circumstances:

* When used in conjunction with a Radio or Push button set,

    OBJVAR() will return only the variable name for the
    object number that corresponds to the first button in the
    set. OBJVAR() won't return correct values for objects
    subsequent to the button set.

    including arrays. When you use OBJVAR() to determine the
    name of an array, you must first remove the appended "m."
    before attempting to reference an array member.

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