Informix Error -2100: Field field has validation string error, String = string.

Cause and resolution

Field field has validation string error, String = string.

One of the formatting or validation strings that is stored in the syscolval or syscolatt tables is improperly coded. The string is shown as is the field to which it applies. Use the Column Attributes Dictionary utility in Windows or the upscol utility in DOS and UNIX to update the string.

Oninit® Troubleshooting Guidance

Reasons / Common Causes

-2100 fires when a formatting or validation string stored in syscolval or syscolatt is improperly coded — per the official guidance, this is the same underlying storage the VALIDATE statement checks against (see -1321).

A malformed formatting/validation string in syscolval/syscolatt, per the official guidance — the direct, only cause; the message itself names the specific field and the offending string.

Solutions / Resolution

Use the Column Attributes Dictionary utility on Windows, per the official guidance, to update the string.
Use the upscol utility on DOS and UNIX, per the official guidance, to update the string.

Examples

Correcting a validation string with upscol

$ upscol

Use the utility's interactive interface to locate and correct the named field's validation string.

Diagnostic Checks

Identify the specific field and offending string from the -2100 message text, and correct it via the Column Attributes Dictionary (Windows) or upscol (DOS/UNIX).

Related Errors / Related Topics

-1321 — "A validation error has occurred as a result of the VALIDATE command." A related error, about a value failing a validation rule stored in syscolval, rather than the rule's own string being malformed.

A syscolval/syscolatt formatting/validation string is malformed — correct it via the Column Attributes Dictionary (Windows) or upscol (DOS/UNIX).