"ERROR: Not a Prefixed File" with Macros

DocumentID: 617773
Revision Date: 29-Feb-96 1:37:43 PM

The information in this document applies to:
WordPerfect® 5.1 for DOS

Problem

The customer has macros that were created in WordPerfect 5.0. The customer installed WordPerfect 5.1 and copied the macro files to the WP 5.1 directory. Now, when the user tries to execute or edit the macros, the message "ERROR: Not A Prefixed File" displays. The user reinstalled WP 5.0 and tried to run the macros. The user received the error "Incompatible File Format".

Answer:

WP files have a prefix to tell WP the file type. When WP finds these files and detects there is no prefix, the error described above is reported. The macro files have become damaged, maybe by saving them as a DOS text file or some other user error. Apparently, the customer has done something else to the macros besides copying them to a different directory. The customer can try creating a new macro in WP 5.0 and editing it in WP 5.1.

Details:

Additional Issues on the same Error: The customer has a number of macro files which are restored from a tape backup system which now give her the error message, "Error: Not A Prefixed File." The customer would like to know if WordPerfect caused the problem or what caused the damage. This was either caused by the file server or the file server working with the tape system backup as it was restoring information. *This information is given strictly as a troubleshooting option.

Product specifications, packaging, technical support and information (*Specifications*) refer to theUnited States retail English version only. Specifications for other versions may vary. All Specifications, claims, features, representations, and/or comparisons provided are correct to the best of our knowledge of the date of publication, but are subject to change without notice.OUR MAXIMUM AGGREGATE LIABILITY TO YOU AND THAT OF OUR DEALERS AND SUPPLIERS IS LIMITED. IT SHALL NOTEXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU PAID TO ACCESS THE INFORMATION. SEE LEGAL DISCLAIMER.