dCLIP versions 3.5x and above and eXPress++ versions 1.0 and above are certified to be compatible with dates up to and including the 21st century, however, you need to make a few changes in the way you use dCLIP and or eXPress++ to take advantage of this built-in feature. Also, if you own dCLIP version 4.02, it is recommended that you download Our Fix Library for any last minute fixes to the dCLIP libraries. 1. If you are using dCLIP.EXE as a database manager, then you should include the following statement in your DCLIP.SYS file: DATEFORMAT=mm/dd/yyyy This will insure that date fields include the four-digits for the year, otherwise, data entered into date fields may get saved in databases incorrectly. The default DATEFORMAT is. This means that a date entered as 01/01/00 will be stored in the database as January 1, 1900. If you want to continue to use 8-digits for date entry rather than 10-digits (as recommended), then you may leave DATEFORMAT set to the default setting and add the following statement to you DCLIP.SYS file: EPOCH=2000 The default for EPOCH is 1900. If it is changed to 2000, then a date entered as 01/01/00 will be stored in the database as January 1, 2000. This means that you can no longer input 20th century dates into your edit screens. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you do not change the EPOCH setting, but instead change the DATEFORMAT to accomodate 10-digit dates in your data-entry screens. This allows you to store and retrieve dates from any century. It will also require however, that you become more diligent and observant when entering dates in your data entry screens because you will be required to enter a 4-digit year instead of a 2-digit year. 2. If you are using the dCLIP libraries in a custom Clipper application, then dCLIP will follow the same compliance rules as any other Clipper application. If you are using the eXPress++ libraries in an Xbase++ application then eXPress++ will follow the same compliance rules as any other Xbase++ application. In this case, it is recommended that you add the following command to your startup program: SET DATE FORMAT TO mm/dd/yyyy NOTE: Your custom data-entry screens may need to be adjusted to accomodate the 10-digit entry field instead of the 8-digit entry field. Simply changing the DATEFORMAT will not insure that your screens will be properly organized, however, it WILL insure that the data will be entered and saved properly. Sincerely, Roger Donnay UpDated: 12/06/1999
