Date:         Thu, 8 Apr 2004 08:40:52 -0400
Reply-To:     "Fehd, Ronald J. (PHPPO)" <rjf2@CDC.GOV>
Sender:       "SAS(r) Discussion" <SAS-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>
From:         "Fehd, Ronald J. (PHPPO)" <rjf2@CDC.GOV>
Subject:      Re: proc format: replacing old format with itself...
Comments: cc: Dubravko Dolic <dubro@DOLIC.DE>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

> From: Dubravko Dolic [mailto:dubro@DOLIC.DE]
> I tried to add a new line to a format by overwriting the old
> format with it's own values:
>
> I have a Format Catalog (sas7bcat) holding format SCHTM
> residing in library fmtlib. Now I try
>
> proc format library = fmtlib;
........................^^^^^^  <---<<<


>     value SCHTM . = "NA"        <---- This is a new entry to the
> format SCHTM
>                 other = [SCHTM10.];
> run;
>
> While there the log gives no warning (see details)
> NOTE: Format SCHTMV is already on the library.
> NOTE: Format SCHTMV has been written
> to U40384.FORMATS
.....^^^^^^ <---<<<

your log message does not agree with your code.
the above should be
> to fmtlib.FORMATS

> The FORMAT Catalog can't be used after this operation. Either
> there is a warning that the formats are not defined or SAS is
> quitting in an instance without further warning.
>
> How can I modify a format??

your code is correct, in theory.
your practice may be a little different.

I suspect that you may have some version differences.

check the libname engine:
libname FmtLib list;
and be sure it agrees with the SAS version you are using.
%Put SysVer<&SysVer.>;

review the formats you think you have:
proc format library = fmtlib FmtLib;Run;

Ron Fehd  the macro maven  CDC Atlanta GA USA RJF2@cdc.gov

If you always try to be logical,
you probably won't ever have much sorrow,
or much fun.
-- Ashleigh Brilliant pot-shot #4438