PRB: Cannot Modify Table/Database Structure

• Microsoft FoxPro for Windows, versions 2.5, 2.5a, and 2.5b
• Microsoft FoxPro for MS-DOS, versions 2.0, 2.5, 2.5a, and 2.5b

SYMPTOMS

When you are attempting to modify the structure of a table/.DBF, a window is displayed in the upper-right corner with the message "Database not opened exclusively."

CAUSE

• The table/.DBF is opened with EXCLUSIVE set to OFF.

  -or-

• The table/.DBF is opened as shared (USE <filename> SHARED).

  -or-

• The table/.DBF files are read-only (marked with the MS-DOS Read-Only attribute or located on a network drive to which you have read-only access rights).

RESOLUTION

Verify That the Table Is Opened Exclusively

Open the table/.DBF again using the EXCLUSIVE clause of the USE command. For example, to open a table/.DBF called CUSTOMER in the current directory, type the following:

   USE customer.dbf EXCLUSIVE

Check If the Table Has Read-Only Attributes

To check if the MS-DOS Read-Only attribute has been set, use the MS-DOS ATTRIB command or the Windows File Manager.

To check if a network drive has read-only access rights, use the software provided with your network.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

To modify the structure of a table/.DBF, either open the database with the USE command and then choose Setup from the Database menu, or type "MODIFY STRUCTURE" (without the quotation marks) in the Command window.