Informix Error -26160: Could not remove the external table file: errno, filename.

Cause and resolution

Could not remove the external table file: errno, filename.

An error occurred when the database server tried to remove the indicated file. Look for operating-system messages that might give more information. A likely cause is incorrect permissions.

Oninit® Troubleshooting Guidance

Reasons / Common Causes

-26160 fires when the server fails to remove an external table file — per the official guidance.

Incorrect file permissions, per the official guidance — a likely cause.

Solutions / Resolution

Check operating-system messages for more detail, per the official guidance, and correct the file's permissions to allow removal by the server process.

Examples

N/A

No specific triggering statement is documented beyond a remove failure.

Diagnostic Checks

Check the accompanying errno/OS message, and confirm the server process has permission to remove the file.

Related Errors / Related Topics

-26151 — "Could not write to external table file: errno, filename." A related external-table file-operation failure, on writing rather than removing.

The server couldn't remove an external table file, likely due to permissions — check the accompanying errno.