DOCUMENT:Q103090 23-OCT-1999 [foxmisc] TITLE :ERR: "File Does Not Exist" or "Syntax Error" on READ Command PRODUCT :Microsoft Fox Miscellaneous Products PROD/VER:MACINTOSH:2.01 OPER/SYS: KEYWORDS: ====================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The information in this article applies to: - Microsoft FoxBASE+ for Macintosh, version 2.01 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SYMPTOMS ======== The error message "File Does Not Exist" occurs on the READ command in a program after a VALID function is executed. This error may also occur in a format file after a VALID function is executed. In releases of FoxBASE+/Mac before June 1992, the error that results may be Syntax Error instead of File Does Not Exist. CAUSE ===== When a user-defined function (UDF) is called from the VALID clause of a GET, the UDF must return a value; otherwise, the error File Does Not Exist or Syntax Error will occur. RESOLUTION ========== To eliminate the error in the sample below, change the last line of MYVAL.PRG from "RETURN" (without the quotation marks) to "RETURN .T." (without the quotation marks). MORE INFORMATION ================ Steps to Reproduce Problem -------------------------- 1. Create a program called VALTEST.PRG as follows: USE :foxbase:tutorial:faculty.dbf CLEAR @ PIXELS 15,13 GET faculty->last VALID myval() SIZE 15,72 @ PIXELS 36,13 GET faculty->first SIZE 15,72 READ 2. Create another program called MYVAL.PRG as follows: WAIT "In faculty->last VALID function..press any key to continue" RETURN 3. In the Command window, type "do valtest" (without the quotation marks). 4. When the GET fields appear, press the TAB key to move to the second field and execute the VALID function. A WAIT message will appear; press any key to continue, as directed. The File Does Not Exist error will then occur and the highlighted line in the program is the READ command. Additional query words: format .fmt syntax ====================================================================== Keywords : Technology : kbHWMAC kbOSMAC kbAudDeveloper kbFoxproSearch kbFoxBASE201Mac kbFoxBASESearch Version : MACINTOSH:2.01 ============================================================================= THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY. Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1999.