topic Custom Format prevents opening data in SAS System Viewer 9.1 in SAS Programming

Custom Format prevents opening data in SAS System Viewer 9.1

texasmfp — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 07:41:57 GMT

I inherited a program that generates several permanent SAS datasets. All open in SAS System Viewer 9.1, except one file that has one variable with a custom format created by the program. I can open it in EG, but I love love love SAS System Viewer 9.1. Is there an easy solution so that I can open the file in my beloved Viewer? (Yes, I know SAS no longer supports this software. I believe it was Charlton Heston who said something about prying SAS System Viewer of of my cold dead hands :)). Thanks

Re: Custom Format prevents opening data in SAS System Viewer 9.1

Astounding — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 09:44:27 GMT

A couple of choices ...

Before trying to view it, run this statement:

options nofmterr;

This will let you display the data set. However, the formats defined in your custom format will not be available. You will see unformatted values for variables that use that format.

Another possibility:: run PROC FORMAT (re-creating the format) before using the viewer.

A third possibility: if your custom format has already been permanently saved, let SAS know where to find it. Take a look at the FMTLIB option. It's a little more difficult to implement, but it will let the viewer display the formatted values.

Re: Custom Format prevents opening data in SAS System Viewer 9.1

AllanBowe — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 13:48:11 GMT

It's not exactly what you are asking for, but my team have released a free (for 5 users) browser based tool that has some quite advanced capabilities for viewing SAS datasets.

https://datacontroller.io

It can be deployed onto a desktop, just send a PM if you need help with the setup.