Informix Error -21406: program: Cannot open file.

Cause and resolution

program: Cannot open file.

The file might not have been transferred correctly from media. Reload the product from the media and reinstall. If the error recurs, note all circumstances and contact IBM Informix Technical Support.

Oninit® Troubleshooting Guidance

Reasons / Common Causes

-21406 fires when the installation program can't open a file it expects — per the official guidance, likely because the file wasn't transferred correctly from installation media.

The file not having transferred correctly from the installation media, per the official guidance — the direct, only cause.

Solutions / Resolution

Reload the product from the media and reinstall, per the official guidance.
If the error recurs, note all circumstances and contact IBM Informix Technical Support, per the official guidance.

Examples

N/A

No specific triggering statement is documented beyond a missing/untransferred file.

Diagnostic Checks

Confirm the expected file exists, and reload from media if it doesn't.

Related Errors / Related Topics

-21401 — "brand: Cannot open file -- file probably not in current directory." The same class of file-open error, specific to the branding step rather than the general installation program.
-21413 — "Cannot open file; system error number." A related file-open error, one that carries an operating-system error number.

The installation program couldn't open an expected file — reload the product from media and reinstall.