Works: Cannot Cut Empty Database Fields (124166)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Works 3.0
  • Microsoft Works 3.0a
  • Microsoft Works 3.0b
This article was previously published under Q124166

SYMPTOMS

In the list view of a Works for Windows database, you cannot cut an empty field. However, after you attempt to cut an empty field, the Undo Cut command is enabled (even though Works did not appear to cut the field). If you choose Undo Cut, Works inserts a blank column with no field name in the database.

Similarly, if you choose the Undo Delete Field command after you have deleted an empty field, a blank column is added to the database.

NOTE: You do not receive an error message warning you that you cannot cut or delete an empty field.

CAUSE

You can cut or move an empty field in Works 3.0 only if it once contained data or if data exists in a field to the right of it.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Works version 3.x. This problem was corrected in Works 4.x for Windows 95. In Works 4.x, empty fields can be cut, and if you Undo the Cut command, it will restore the empty field with its field name.

WORKAROUND

To avoid this problem in Works 3.0, enter data into the field before you attempt to cut it.

MORE INFORMATION

When you perform these same steps in Works 2.0 you receive the "Cannot delete empty field" error message.

For more information about moving fields in list view of the Works database, query on the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

79376 Works: How to Move Fields in Works Database List View

Steps to Reproduce Problem

  1. Create a new database containing three fields: Test1, Test2, and Test3.
  2. In list view, click the field name Test2, highlighting the entire column.
  3. From the Edit menu, choose Cut.

    Note that no error message appears, and that the column does not disappear as you would expect when you choose Cut.
  4. From the Edit menu, choose Undo Cut.

    Although nothing was actually cut, a blank column is inserted between fields Test1 and Test2.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:9/25/2003
Keywords:kbbug KB124166
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.