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Informix Error -26180: Missing external column type column-name.

Cause and resolution

Missing external column type column-name.

The CREATE EXTERNAL TABLE statement is missing the external-column- type information. This information is required for tables that describe FIXED format files.

Add the column-type information and resubmit the statement.

Oninit® Troubleshooting Guidance

Reasons / Common Causes

-26180 fires when a FIXED-format external table's column has no external-type information — per the official guidance.

  1. A FIXED-format table's column has no external-column-type information, per the official guidance — the direct, only cause; required for FIXED format.
Solutions / Resolution
  1. Add the external-column-type information for the named column and resubmit, per the official guidance.
Examples
N/A

No specific triggering statement is documented beyond a missing external type on a FIXED-format column.

Diagnostic Checks
  1. Check every column of a FIXED-format external table for external-type information, and add it where missing.
Related Errors / Related Topics
  • -26176 — "Cannot use SAMEAS for FIXED format tables." A related FIXED-format restriction, on SAMEAS usage rather than a missing external type.
  • -26178 — "Incorrect external column type column-name." A related external-type error, on the type being incorrect rather than missing.
  • -26179 — "FIXED or DELIMITED columns must be external CHAR type column-name." The general rule this specific "missing" case is one instance of.

A FIXED-format table's column was missing external-type information — add it.