SAS libname assign error when url has special characters.

[MM88]

Hi experts,

I am struggling assigning a SAS libname because the url has special character '&' . The code truncates and attend to assign '\\myserver\folder1\folder2\01_' url which does not exists.

LIBNAME sample "\\myserver\folder1\folder2\01_&folder3\";

How to handle url with special characters in this case?

Thanks in advance.

[yabwon]

If it's URL, maybe try %26

LIBNAME sample "\\myserver\folder1\folder2\01_%26folder3\";

?

Bart 

[MM88]

Hi @yabwon,

I tried the ascii code of '&' as you suggest, but libname is not making a correct interpretation of '%26'. It treat this text as part of the url.

It continue giving me the same error.

LIBNAME sample "\\myserver\folder1\folder2\01_%26folder3\";
'Library sample does not exist.'

Thanks.

[yabwon · Accepted solution]

OK, try:

LIBNAME sample %nrstr("\\myserver\folder1\folder2\01_&folder3\");

Bart.

[Kurt_Bremser]

The & character has special meaning for operating systems (e.g. send a command to the background in UNIX), therefore it has NO PLACE AT ALL in file or directory names. Correct that three days before yesterday.

Otherwise, simply use single quotes to prevent SAS from attempting to resolve a macro variable.

[MM88]

Hi @Kurt_Bremser,

It also work with single quotes, thanks.

We use Windows and '&' character is allowed as part of directory name. We cannot change user directory name.

Regards.