Informix Error -3752: You cannot use this editing feature because a picture exists.

Cause and resolution

You cannot use this editing feature because a picture exists.

This field is defined (in the form-specification file) with a PICTURE attribute to specify its format. You cannot use certain editing keys (for example, CTRL-A, CTRL-D, and CTRL-X) while you are editing such a field. Use only printable characters and backspace to enter the value.

Oninit® Troubleshooting Guidance

Reasons / Common Causes

-3752 fires when certain editing keys are used while editing a field defined with a PICTURE attribute — per the official guidance, keys like CTRL-A, CTRL-D, and CTRL-X aren't available on PICTURE-formatted fields.

A restricted editing key used on a PICTURE-attributed field, per the official guidance — the direct, only cause.

Solutions / Resolution

Use only printable characters and backspace to enter the value, per the official guidance.

Examples

Entering a value in a PICTURE field

ATTRIBUTES
  phone = phone_num, PICTURE = "(###)###-####";

Enter digits directly, using backspace to correct mistakes — avoid CTRL-A/CTRL-D/CTRL-X.

Diagnostic Checks

Check whether the field carries a PICTURE attribute, and use only printable characters and backspace when editing it.

Related Errors / Related Topics

-2952 — "In order to use a picture, the picture length must be the same as the display field length." A related PICTURE-attribute rule, about length agreement at compile time rather than restricted editing keys at data-entry time.

Certain editing keys aren't usable on a PICTURE-formatted field — use only printable characters and backspace.