FIX: Packing a Table Causes a "File Does Not Exist" Error

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft FoxPro for Macintosh, versions 2.5x, 2.6a

SYMPTOMS

Packing a table that contains deleted records causes the following error message:

   File <name> does not exist.

CAUSE

The folder that contains the table has a period at the end of its name.

RESOLUTION

Remove the period from the end of the folder name. For example, change the folder name so that it becomes "TEST", not "TEST."

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article. This problem was corrected in Visual FoxPro 3.0b for Macintosh.

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to Reproduce Problem

1. Create a folder on the Macintosh Desktop called "test" followed by a period ("test.").

2. In the Command window, type:

        CREATE TABLE ;
        "macintosh harddrive:desktop folder:test.:sample.dbf" (name c(20))
   

   NOTE: The path may vary depending on the hard disk drive name. You will also not be able to set the DEFAULT to the "TEST." folder. Doing so will generate an "Invalid Path or Filename" error message.

3. In the Command window, issue the following commands:

         APPEND BLANK
         DELETE
         PACK
   

   The "File Does Not Exist" error will occur after you issue the PACK command.

4. In the Command window, issue the following command:

        BROWSE