Informix Error -8017: An illegal (invisible, control) character has been found on line line-number, character char-number. It has been replaced by a blank in the listing, but it is still in the source (input) file, and should be removed before attempting to compile again.
Cause and resolution
An illegal (invisible, control) character has been found on line line-number, character char-number. It has been replaced by a blank in the listing, but it is still in the source (input) file, and should be removed before attempting to compile again.
Using a word-processing editor in document mode instead of text mode, striking nonprinting keys while you are editing the file, or data corruption can introduce illegal characters into files.
Oninit® Troubleshooting Guidance
Reasons / Common Causes
-8017 fires when a non-printing or control character is found in the report specification source — per the official guidance.
- A word processor used in document mode rather than plain-text mode, per the official guidance — the first named cause.
- A non-printing key pressed accidentally while editing the file, per the official guidance — the second named cause.
- File corruption during storage or transfer, per the official guidance — the third named cause.
Solutions / Resolution
- Remove the illegal character from the source file, per the official guidance, using the reported line/character position, before recompiling.
Examples
Locating the offending character
$ sed -n '<line-number>p' report.per | cat -A
Diagnostic Checks
- Use the reported line/character position to locate the illegal character, and confirm
with a tool that reveals non-printing characters (e.g.
cat -A).
Related Errors / Related Topics
No closely related error codes are cross-referenced for -8017 in this set yet.
A non-printing/control character is present in the source — locate and remove it using the reported position.