BUG: Screen Program (.SPR) Error: ALIAS Name Already in Use

ID: Q114195

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft FoxPro for Windows, version 2.6
• Microsoft FoxPro for MS-DOS, versions 2.6

SYMPTOMS

A screen program (.SPR) created by the Screen Wizard or AutoScreen in Catalog Manager causes the following error message when it is run outside Catalog Manager:

   ALIAS name already in use.

CAUSE

The table/.DBF used in the screen begins with a nonalphabetic character.

RESOLUTION

To work around this problem, do one of the following:

• Rename the database so that it does not begin with a numeral.

  -or-

• In the Catalog Manager, use the Screen Builder option rather than the Screen Wizard to create the screen.

  -or-

• Create the screen using the Screen Builder from the Command window. Then return to the Catalog Manager and add the screen.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in FoxPro version 2.6 for Windows and FoxPro version 2.6 for MS-DOS. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to Reproduce Problem

1. Run the following code in the Command window or from a program:

   CREATE TABLE 1test (charfld C(20), numfld N(10))
   INSERT INTO 1test (charfld, numfld) VALUES ('Chris', 1234)

3. If you are prompted to select a catalog, choose New.

   If a catalog automatically opens, choose New Catalog from the File
   menu.

5. Select the Table tab. Choose Add.

6. Select 1TEST.DBF. Choose Add.

7. Choose Use.

8. From the Tools menu, choose AutoScreen.

9. After the screen is created and runs, choose Close.

10. From the File menu, choose Command window.

11. In the Command window, type the following:

    CLOSE ALL
    RUN 1test_1.spr   && 1test_1.spr was generated by AutoScreen

Last Reviewed: June 27, 1995