Informix Error -4407: There is an unprintable character in the above line.

Cause and resolution

There is an unprintable character in the above line.

This source line contains an unusual character. 4GL suggests that the source file might be corrupt. Edit the file and remove the bad character. If you cannot see or select it with your editor, you may have to delete and retype the line.

Oninit® Troubleshooting Guidance

Reasons / Common Causes

-4407 fires when a source line contains an unusual (unprintable) character — per the official guidance, 4GL suggests this may indicate a corrupt source file.

A source line containing an unprintable character, per the official guidance — the direct, only cause.

Solutions / Resolution

Edit the file and remove the bad character, per the official guidance.
If the character can't be seen or selected with your editor, delete and retype the line, per the official guidance.

Examples

Removing an invisible bad character

Delete the entire flagged line and retype it manually if the offending character can't be located and removed directly.

Diagnostic Checks

Check the flagged line for an unprintable character, and remove or retype the line if it can't be located directly.

Related Errors / Related Topics

-4409 — "There is an invalid character in the above line." A closely related error covering essentially the same condition.

A source line contains an unprintable character, suggesting file corruption — remove it, or retype the line.