BUG: .DBF-Style Help Causes Empty Window and Error Message

ID: Q114271

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft FoxPro for Windows, versions 2.5, 2.5a, 2.5b, and 2.6
• Microsoft FoxPro for Macintosh, version 2.5b

SYMPTOMS

Calling a .DBF-style Help file opens an empty Help window, then displays one of the following error messages:

   FoxPro for Windows
   ------------------

      Cannot open Help file.

   FoxPro for Macintosh
   --------------------

      Microsoft Help - This file is not a Microsoft Help file.

CAUSE

The Help file was opened with the USE command before being set as the Help file.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in FoxPro versions 2.5, 2.5a, and 2.5b for Windows and in FoxPro version 2.5b for Macintosh. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to Reproduce Problem

Assuming the default directory is set to the main FoxPro directory (usually FOXPROW in FoxPro for Windows and "FoxPro" in FoxPro for Macintosh), type the following commands in the Command window:

   SET HELP OFF
   USE foxhelp.dbf
   SET HELP TO foxhelp.dbf
   SET HELP ON
   HELP