Works: Data Loss/Change When Saving a Database File as dBASE (96071)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Works 2.0
  • Microsoft Works 2.0a
  • Microsoft Works 3.0
  • Microsoft Works 3.0a
  • Microsoft Works 3.0b
  • Microsoft Works 4.5
  • Microsoft Works 4.5a
  • Microsoft Works for Windows 95, version 4.0
  • Microsoft Works for Windows 95, version 4.0 4.0a
  • Microsoft Money 2000 Business and Personal
This article was previously published under Q96071

SYMPTOMS

Data may be lost or changed when you save a Microsoft Works for Windows database file in the dBASE III or dBASE IV format. This occurs if the individual fields in the database are formatted incorrectly or are empty.

You do not receive an error message.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in Works for Windows versions 2.0 and 3.0.

This problem was corrected in Microsoft Works versions 4.0 for Windows 95 and later.

MORE INFORMATION

Data in formatted or empty fields is affected differently.

Empty Fields

If any individual fields are empty, they will be changed as follows:

  1. Empty fields formatted as General will be filled with special characters as the file is saved. Works for Windows will not display these characters even if you reopen the file; however, you can see them in other applications such as Microsoft Excel for Windows.

    NOTE: This problem was corrected in Works for Windows version 3.0.
  2. Empty fields formatted as True/False will be saved as FALSE.

Formatted Fields

If text fields are formatted as anything except General, they are changed as follows:

  1. Text fields formatted as anything except General, Text (Works version 3.0, 4.0, 4.5, and 4.5a), and True/False are saved blank.
  2. Text fields formatted as True/False are saved as FALSE.

    NOTE: Works 4.0, 4.5, and 4.5a do not format fields as True/False.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/15/2004
Keywords:kbfix kbprb KB96071
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.