PRB: Error "File c:\.dbc does not exist" in Visual FoxPro (165306)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Visual FoxPro for Windows 3.0
  • Microsoft Visual FoxPro for Windows 3.0b
  • Microsoft Visual FoxPro for Windows 5.0
  • Microsoft Visual FoxPro for Windows 5.0a
  • Microsoft Visual FoxPro for Windows 6.0
  • Microsoft Visual FoxPro for Macintosh 3.0b
This article was previously published under Q165306

SYMPTOMS

The error "File c:\.dbc does not exist" occurs when an exclamation point (!) is used as the first character in the name of the directory that a table is located in. On the Macintosh the error is as follows:
File 'Hardrivename:.dbc' does not exist
If the exclamation point is at the end of the folder name the error is as follows:
File c:\<foldername>.dbc does not exist

CAUSE

An exclamation point is used in the folder or directory containing the table. When opening a table the name of the database may be used. The exclamation point is used as the separator between the database name and the table name. 
   USE C:\Vfp\Samples\Data\Testdata!Customer
FoxPro is looking for a DBC with the same name as the folder or directory.

RESOLUTION

Do not use exclamation points in folder or directory names.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to Reproduce Behavior

  1. Create a folder or directory with an exclamation point in the name like test! in the Visual FoxPro directory.
  2. Place the customer table in that folder.
  3. Issue the command USE C:\Vfp\Test!\Customer.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:5/12/2003
Keywords:kbprb kbprogramming kbusage KB165306
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