PRB: Cannot Modify Table/Database Structure

ID: Q111252

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft FoxPro for Windows, versions 2.5, 2.5a, and 2.5b
• Microsoft FoxPro for MS-DOS, versions 2.0, 2.5, 2.5a, and 2.5b

SYMPTOMS

When you are attempting to modify the structure of a table/.DBF, a window is displayed in the upper-right corner with the message "Database not opened exclusively."

CAUSE

• The table/.DBF is opened with EXCLUSIVE set to OFF.

  -or-

• The table/.DBF is opened as shared (USE <filename> SHARED).

  -or-

• The table/.DBF files are read-only (marked with the MS-DOS Read-Only attribute or located on a network drive to which you have read-only access rights).

RESOLUTION

Verify That the Table Is Opened Exclusively

Open the table/.DBF again using the EXCLUSIVE clause of the USE command. For example, to open a table/.DBF called CUSTOMER in the current directory, type the following:

   USE customer.dbf EXCLUSIVE

Check If the Table Has Read-Only Attributes

To check if the MS-DOS Read-Only attribute has been set, use the MS-DOS ATTRIB command or the Windows File Manager.

To check if a network drive has read-only access rights, use the software provided with your network.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

To modify the structure of a table/.DBF, either open the database with the USE command and then choose Setup from the Database menu, or type "MODIFY STRUCTURE" (without the quotation marks) in the Command window.

Additional reference words: FoxDos FoxWin 2.00 2.50 2.50a 2.50b errmsg err msg multi-user KBCategory: kbprg kberrmsg kbprb KBSubcategory: FxprgMultiuser

Last Reviewed: June 27, 1995