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Informix Error -434

-434 Type decimal does not match size.

This internal error indicates a problem in the communication between the database server and the library functions that call it. Check that your program is at the same software level as the database server in use. If the error recurs, note all circumstances and contact IBM Informix Technical Support.

Oninit® Troubleshooting Guidance

Reasons / Common Causes

-434 is the DECIMAL-type counterpart of -430/-433: the same class of internal client/server communications error, here specifically about the DECIMAL type's encoded size not matching what the client library expects.

  1. A client library compiled/linked against a different server version than the one actually being connected to.
  2. A driver or client library bug in how the DECIMAL type (including its precision/scale metadata) is encoded/decoded across the wire protocol.
Solutions / Resolution
  1. Verify the program and database server are at the same software level, per the official guidance — the primary, most actionable check.
  2. Contact IBM Informix Technical Support if the issue persists, per the official guidance, after documenting the circumstances.
  3. Check for a client driver/library update if the error recurs consistently with a specific client.
Examples
Confirming client/server software-level alignment
-- Compare the client library's compiled/linked version against
-- the actual connected server version before assuming a deeper
-- bug is involved.
Diagnostic Checks
  1. Confirm client/server software-level compatibility.
  2. Check for available client driver/library updates.
  3. Confirm whether the error is a one-off or reproducible.
Related Errors / Related Topics
  • -430 — "Type integer does not match size." The same underlying class of internal communications error, for integer types.
  • -433 — "Type money does not match size." The same underlying class of internal communications error, for the MONEY type.

Same resolution as its type-size-mismatch siblings — check client/server software-level alignment first, then escalate to IBM Informix Technical Support if the mismatch persists.