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Informix Error -1303

Cause and resolution

You cannot use this editing feature because a picture exists.

This field is defined (in the form-specification file) with a PICTURE attribute to specify its format. You cannot use certain editing keys (for example, CTRL-A, CTRL-D, and CTRL-X) while you are editing such a field. Use only printable characters and backspace to enter the value.

Oninit® Troubleshooting Guidance

Reasons / Common Causes

-1303 is the 4GL-program equivalent of -1105: it fires when certain editing keys are used on a PICTURE-formatted field — per the official guidance, CTRL-A, CTRL-D, and CTRL-X aren't usable against a PICTURE field's fixed format.

  1. A CTRL-A/CTRL-D/CTRL-X editing key pressed on a PICTURE-formatted field, per the official guidance — the same direct cause as -1105.
Solutions / Resolution
  1. Enter values using only printable characters and backspace, per the official guidance — see -1105 for the full detail.
Examples
N/A

This is the 4GL-program wording of -1105's condition — see -1105's examples for the underlying PICTURE-attribute mechanism.

Diagnostic Checks
  1. Check whether the field has a PICTURE attribute in the form specification, per -1105's diagnostic approach.
Related Errors / Related Topics
  • -1105 — "You cannot use this editing feature because a picture exists." The non-4GL wording of this same PICTURE-field editing restriction.
  • -1154 — "Cannot use edit key." The 4GL/RF handheld-terminal wording of this same condition.

The 4GL-program wording of -1105's PICTURE-field editing restriction — see -1105 for the full detail.