FIX: Report Writer Left-Aligns Numeric Fields Added w/ Toolbar

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Visual FoxPro for Windows, versions 3.0, 3.0b

SYMPTOMS

When a numeric field or variable is added from the Controls toolbar, the field is formatted to be left-aligned (left-justified).

WORKAROUND

To return to the behavior observed in FoxPro for Windows 2.6, either delete the '@B' from the format template box or select the three-dot button after the Format box and clear the Left Justify check box from the Editing Options in the Format dialog box.

NOTE: In FoxPro for Windows 2.6, if the data type was changed to numeric, the Left Justify check box was disabled (grayed out).

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article. This problem has been fixed in Visual FoxPro 5.0 for Windows.

MORE INFORMATION

If the field is dragged from the data environment or added with the Quick form option, it aligns correctly.

Steps to Reproduce Problem

1. Create or modify a report.

2. Click the Field control button on the Controls toolbar, and add the field to the report.

3. In the Report Expression dialog box, click the three-dot button after the Expression box.

4. In the Fields box, double-click the name of the field in Fields list or the variable in the Variables list.

5. Click OK.

6. In the Report Expression dialog box, click the three-dot button after the Format box.

7. In the Format dialog box, ensure that the data type selected is Numeric.

8. Enter 999,999 (for an example) in the format template box.

9. Click OK two times to return to the Report.

10. Preview the report. Notice that the numeric fields are now left-aligned

        (left-justified). Close the preview.
    

11. Double-click the Field control. The Format template box will now have

        an @B 999,999. The "B" is the Picture clause indicating it has been
        left-aligned.
    

12. Choose the three-dot button after the Format box. Look at the Editing

        Options. The Left Justify box is now checked.
    

REFERENCES

Visual FoxPro for Windows "User's Guide," version 3.0, Chapter 9, "Designing Reports and Labels."

Additional information can be found by searching for "Format Template" and @...SAY in the Visual FoxPro Help file.