topic Re: Failed to open SAS data sets in New SAS User

Failed to open SAS data sets

Wonder94 — Sun, 24 Sep 2023 18:23:05 GMT

Hello guys,

I'm attending an introductory SAS class. The instructor gave us 3 data sets to use during the class but I was not able to open them. I kept getting the error "ERROR: Tables with 0 columns are not supported by this object. TMP3.data3 cannot be opened. Do you want to select a different table to open?" The other members in the class were able to use them without any problem. I tried using the virtual computing lab, redownloading the data sets, and so forth, with the instructor to no success. Is there any one here who might know what the issue could be? I've attached one of the data sets here in case this helps.

Re: Failed to open SAS data sets

Tom — Sun, 24 Sep 2023 18:34:57 GMT

The most common cause of making a dataset with zero variables is that you accidentally run a data step like this that would make such a dataset.

data data3;
run;

So copy the files as instructed again (in case you have messed them up).

THen show the code you ran and the SAS log from that code.

So for example if the instructions say to put the files in a folder named XXXXX then the code you need to look at the datasets should look something like:

libname mylib 'XXXXX';
proc contents data=mylib.data3;
run;

Re: Failed to open SAS data sets

Wonder94 — Sun, 24 Sep 2023 18:37:11 GMT

I tried writing the data steps with the instructor. Have you tried using the data set I provided?

Re: Failed to open SAS data sets

Tom — Sun, 24 Sep 2023 19:03:26 GMT

Show the code you ran. (and the log) Your error message mentions DATA3 and the file you attached is named data1.sas7bdat. So there is an obvious disconnect there already.