Well the V in the VAM means variable length record. So the build of that
file could look like REC=-4200,1,A,V or it could look like REC=-10,420,A,V
which MPE translates and makes into one record of 4200 bytes. But the key is
the variable length. Just because the LISTF so 4200B does not mean that
there will be 4200B in the file. Now that that is said, the real problem
appears that there is no data at all in the file. Look at your documentation
about messages files and set the proper controls to what you want. If you
are a reader what do you want to do if there are writers and when there are
no writers. If you are a writer, what do you want to do if there are no
readers and when there are readers? These questions pertain to an empty file
error, or end of file error.

James

> -----Original Message-----
> From: HP-3000 Systems Discussion [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
> Behalf Of Born, Ken
> Sent: Wednesday, May 17, 2000 12:07 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: END OF FILE error on FREAD
>
>
> Hi Guys,
> Will the following error be produced if my buffer is too small on
> my FREAD?
> read_length := -4106;
> length_read := fread(almginbd_msgf,in_port_record,read_length);
>
> ALMSGH - Unable to Read ALMGINBD.MSGF.CJISII
> ALMSGH - END OF FILE  (FSERR 0)
>
> My message file is:
> ALMGINBD*        4200B  VAM          0        503   1      256  1  *
>
> I don't understand if I am reading 4106 bytes, how do I go past a message
> file of 4200B?  or could this be another problem I don't know about.
>