Informix Error -4409: There is an invalid character in the above line.

Cause and resolution

There is an invalid character in the above line.

This source line contains some character other than printable text and normal white space. Remove the invalid characters (which may be invisible under normal editing). If you cannot see or select the invalid characters with your editor program, you might have to delete the line and retype it.

Oninit® Troubleshooting Guidance

Reasons / Common Causes

-4409 fires when a source line contains a character other than printable text and normal white space — per the official guidance, such characters may be invisible under normal editing.

A source line containing an invalid (non-printable, non-whitespace) character, per the official guidance — the direct, only cause.

Solutions / Resolution

Remove the invalid characters, per the official guidance.
If they can't be seen or selected with your editor, delete the line and retype it, per the official guidance.

Examples

Removing an invisible invalid character

Delete the entire flagged line and retype it manually if the offending character can't be located and removed directly.

Diagnostic Checks

Check the flagged line for a non-printable, non-whitespace character, and remove or retype the line if it can't be located directly.

Related Errors / Related Topics

-4407 — "There is an unprintable character in the above line." A closely related error covering essentially the same condition.

A source line contains an invalid character — remove it, or retype the line.