PRB: Unable to Modify Tables in Database Flagged as Read-only

ID: Q135117

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Visual FoxPro for Windows, version 3.0

SYMPTOMS

The tables in a database cannot be modified. Stored Procedures cannot be edited. Referential integrity cannot be accessed. Tables cannot be added or removed. Table indexes cannot be added or modified. In parentheses next to the name of the database it says "Read Only."

CAUSE

The database has been opened as SHARED not as EXCLUSIVE.

RESOLUTION

Use either of the following resolutions:

• Use the CLOSE ALL command followed by SET EXCLUSIVE ON command. Then re-open the database.

  -or-

• Close the database. Then on the Tools menu, click Options. Click the Data tab, and select the Open Exclusive check box. Then re-open the database.

STATUS

This behavior is by design. The Help file information for MODIFY DATABASE states that a database must be opened exclusively before it can be modified. To open a database for exclusive use, include EXCLUSIVE in the OPEN DATABASE command, or select the Open Exclusive check box in the Data tab of the Options dialog box.

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to Reproduce Behavior

1. On the Tools menu, click Options. Click the Data tab, and clear the

   Open Exclusive check box.

3. Notice that it says "Read Only" next to the name of the database. Also

   note that most choices under the Database menu item are grayed out
   (unavailable). If click a table using the right mouse button, you will
   also see that the Delete and Modify choices are grayed out (unavailable)
   as well.