PRB: "Invalid File Format" with dBASE IV Screen File

ID: Q112318

The information in this article applies to:

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

SYMPTOMS

When you issue the MODIFY SCREEN <filename> command on a dBASE IV screen file, the following error message occurs:

   Invalid file format. If this is a dBASE file, use the Catalog Manager.

RESOLUTION

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

From the Run menu, choose Convert dBASE Files, and then convert the .SCR file to an .SCX file.
-or-
Run the Catalog Manager and add the dBASE screen to the catalog. The file will automatically be converted when you choose the Modify or Run button.

MORE INFORMATION

NOTE: The error message does not mention that you can migrate the screen to FoxPro by choosing Convert dBASE Files from the Run menu or by running the Catalog Manager and adding the dBASE screen to the catalog.

Steps to Reproduce Behavior

1. In the current directory, create a dBASE IV screen file named

   ADDBOOK.SCR.

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

      SET COMPATIBLE DB4

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

      MODIFY SCREEN addbook.scr

      -or-

      MODIFY SCREEN addbook

Additional reference words: FoxDos FoxWin 2.60 errmsg err msg KBCategory: kbprg kberrmsg kbprb KBSubcategory: FxinteropDbase

Last Reviewed: June 28, 1995