PRB: "Error reading from file" When Logging into SourceSafe (153501)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Visual SourceSafe, 16-bit, for Windows 4.0
  • Microsoft Visual SourceSafe, 16-bit, for Windows 5.0
  • Microsoft Visual SourceSafe, 16-bit, for Windows 6.0
  • Microsoft Visual SourceSafe, 32-bit, for Windows 4.0
  • Microsoft Visual SourceSafe for Windows 5.0
  • Microsoft Visual SourceSafe for Windows 6.0
  • Microsoft SourceSafe for MS-DOS 3.1

This article was previously published under Q153501

SYMPTOMS

When you start the Visual SourceSafe Explorer, the following message may appear before or after you're prompted to log in:
"Error reading from file"

CAUSE

One possible cause is that the Names.dat file is corrupted. This file contains the long filenames of both projects and files in the SourceSafe database.

RESOLUTION

At the command prompt, type:
   analyze -f <path to data folder>
				
For example:
   analyze -f s:\\vss\data
				

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:7/6/2001
Keywords:kbprb KB153501