I have DataWriter 6.7, the Y2K version, why are my dates not displaying the century?

The default setting for Data Writer Y2K is to print dates without the century, in order to preserve report formatting as much as possible. Adding the keyword 'CENTURY ON' to any individual report will cause (MOST) dates to print with centuries. The exception occurs in the use of the USERDATE format, where the user specifies the style of output date selected. If they specify a format that does not include a century, i.e. YYMMDD then we follow there instructions and print YYMMDD. Should they wish to include the century , the format is CCYYMMDD.

How do I delete a line within DataWriter?

Ctrl+Y will delete the current line.

How do I insert a line within DataWriter?

Ctrl+N will insert a new line.

Why does my totaled field give me incorrect values?

If the field being totaled is a calculation you also have to include any fields used in the calculation in the totaled step.

What is the best way to view my UNIX data under windows?

Creating a comma delimited file is the most common format used for importing data into spreadsheets. To create a comma delimited file in DataWriter just add the keyword OFFICE <filename> to either the Options step or the print options step.

Why do some of my fields not print?

Generally this occurs when DW has filled the print line, and there is no room for more information. By default DataWriter does not generate an error message. A quick fix is to increase the print line width with the command WIDTH <nnn>, <nnn> being the new width, in the Options step. One can generally go up to 256 characters on most printers.

Why do I get a message "WARNING, fields too large to print"?

This usually occurs with DEFINE variables, and sometimes with DataDictionary variables that are COMP-1 or COMP-4. It means that the available print size is smaller than the number to be printed. If it occurs only at a subtotal, use TSPACE <nn>, otherwise increase the length of the field.

Why do I get the message "dwl: not found"?

After the DataWriter installation finishes copying files, you must add the usr/bin directory of your dw installation to your PATH environment variable. If you installed DW to /u/dw then you would need to add /u/dw/usr/bin to your PATH variable. Alternately, you can copy all of the scripts from dw/usr/bin to any active directory, such as /usr/bin

Why do I get the message " Program called without Argument : Improper access "?

There are two files in a DataWriter installation that are named dwl, de, ddm, etc.... One of the files is a script which makes some preparations before the second dwl, which is a executable/ binary file, is called. When you are displayed this message it means the executable was called first and not the script. Under most circumstances it means that the PATH to you DataWriter installation is incorrectly pointing to the executable. Check your PATH variable and make sure that it points to the directory containing the scripts.

How come none of my fields show up in DataWriter Library?

Many times this comes about because DataWriter's installation directory does not have rwxrwxrwx permissions. Changing the permissions for the directories allows DataWriter to manage its temporary files needed for operation.

Why do I get Sort error 127?

Either the temp directory identified in dw/workfiles does not exist, or the permissions are incorrect.

Why do I get the message "?????^M not found"?

If you used ftp in binary mode to move installation files between different computer, it will leave ^M in the text files depending on the operating systems involved. To remove the ^M's transfer all of the text files in ASCII mode, and everything else in binary mode.

Why do I get the multiple messages of unprintable characters when I access Data Writer?

You installed the wrong version for your operating system, and the O/S does not recognize the application. You will need to get the correct version. If you have the correct version, then you may have transferred it as an ASCII file, rather than as a binary file. Repeat the transfer, making certain to transfer as binary.

Can I bring over my reports from a previous release?

Yes. The file report.lib should be copied over as a binary file, and the report specification files may be copied over as text files. If you are migrating from one UNIX platform to another UNIX platform, the files may be copied in binary mode.

Why are my report numbers wrong on my library report?

If you migrated between CPUs processor types, the numbers may be in the wrong format. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it with your new platform, and we can provide a fix program.