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Informix Error -21600: Usage: mkmessage [-v] [-dMACRO] input_file output_file.

Cause and resolution

Usage: mkmessage [-v] [-dMACRO] input_file output_file.

This message indicates an internal error. You probably used incorrect syntax in the command line. Check the usage that the message indicates, and try again. If the error recurs, note all circumstances and contact IBM Informix Technical Support.

Oninit® Troubleshooting Guidance

Reasons / Common Causes

-21600 fires when mkmessage is invoked with incorrect command-line syntax — per the official guidance.

  1. Incorrect command-line syntax passed to mkmessage, per the official guidance — the direct, only cause.
Solutions / Resolution
  1. Check the usage the message indicates, and try again, per the official guidance.
  2. If the error recurs, note all circumstances and contact IBM Informix Technical Support, per the official guidance.
Examples
Correct invocation
$ mkmessage -v -dDEBUG input.msg output.msg
Diagnostic Checks
  1. Compare the actual command line against mkmessage [-v] [-dMACRO] input_file output_file, and correct any mismatched flags or arguments.
Related Errors / Related Topics
  • -21601 — "Source and object files the same, would overwrite 'filename'." A related mkmessage error, on identical input/output filenames rather than general syntax.

mkmessage was invoked with incorrect syntax — check the usage line and correct the command.