PRB: Opening Database Named IN.DBC as a Table Causes Error (156582)


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 6.0
This article was previously published under Q156582

SYMPTOMS

Attempting to open a .dbc file named In.dbc as a table with the USE command causes the following error message to appear:
Expression is not valid outside of With/EndWith.

CAUSE

The USE command has an IN clause. In this case, Visual FoxPro cannot determine whether the word "In" is a clause of the command or the file name.

WORKAROUND

The following syntax successfully opens the .dbc file as a table: 
   USE "In.dbc"

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

In this case, the syntax of the USE command is ambiguous. The USE IN <exp> command closes a table located in the specified work area. Since it is not clear that "In" is a file name, FoxPro treats it like a clause of the USE command.

When FoxPro interprets the USE command, it attempts to evaluate the .dbc file as a property. Since no such property exists, the error message appears.

Steps to Reproduce Behavior

  1. In the Command window, type the following code: 
          CREATE DATABASE In
      CLOSE DATABASE
      USE In.dbc
  2. After the above error appears, click the Cancel button.
  3. Type the following line in the Command window to open the database as a table: 
          USE "In.dbc"
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:12/3/2003
Keywords:KB156582 kbAudDeveloper
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