Works: Fields in dBASE Files Are Padded with Spaces (79484)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Works 2.0
  • Microsoft Windows 3.0
  • Microsoft Windows 3.1
This article was previously published under Q79484

SYMPTOMS

When you open a dBASE file in the Works for Windows Database module, all of the field entries are padded with spaces. This creates problems when you try to query, print labels, or print form letters.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem with Works 2.0 for Windows. This problem was corrected in Works 2.0a for Windows.

WORKAROUND

Below is a temporary solution that will work around the problem until you can get a copy of Works for Windows 2.0a.

Do the following to remove the extra spaces in the fields:

  1. Open the dBASE file into Works for Windows Database.
  2. From the File menu, choose Save As.

    1. Enter a temporary filename (eight-character maximum).
    2. Select Text & Commas from the Save File As list.
    3. Choose the OK button to save the file.
  3. From the File menu, choose Close.
  4. From the File menu, choose Open Existing File.

    1. Type the name of the file just saved.
    2. Choose the OK button.
    3. In the Open File As dialog box, select Word Processor.
    4. From the Select menu, choose Replace.
    5. In the Find What text box, type ^W".
    6. In the Replace With text box, type ".
    7. Choose the Replace All button.
  5. From the File menu, choose Save.
  6. From the File menu, choose Close.
  7. From the File menu, choose Open Existing File.
  8. Type the name of the file just saved in Word Processor.

    1. Choose the OK button.
    2. In the Open File As dialog box, select Database.
  9. From the File menu, choose Save As.

    1. Type a new filename (eight-character maximum).
    2. Select Works DB in the Save File As Type list.
    3. Choose the OK button.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/13/2003
Keywords:KB79484
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.