Home/ Troubleshooting/ Comix Error 1021 - Data Width Error

Comix Error 1021 - Data Width Error

Problem

You receive the following error message:

COMIX/1021: Data Width Error: XXX_XXX.DBF

This error typically occurs during paycheck entry, particularly when entering YTD (year-to-date) information.

Cause

The error indicates a mismatch between the data being entered and the expected field size in the database structure. This commonly happens when:

  • Entering very large YTD amounts
  • Database structure is outdated or corrupted
  • Pay rate values are entered incorrectly (e.g., annual salary instead of per-period rate)

Solution

Follow these steps to resolve the error.

Step 1: Convert file structures

  1. Go to Client Functions > Miscellaneous > Convert File Structures on the ProPay Main Menu.
  2. Select Convert file structure for all clients.
  3. Wait for the conversion to complete.
  4. Try entering the paycheck again.

If the problem is resolved, you're done. If not, continue to Step 2.

Step 2: Check employee pay rate

  1. Go to Employees > Change Employee on the Payroll Main Menu.
  2. Select the employee who triggered the error.
  3. Review the employee's Pay Rate field.
  4. Verify that the pay rate is for the pay period, not the annual salary.

Example:

  • Incorrect: $52,000 (annual salary entered as pay rate)
  • Correct: $1,000 (if paid bi-weekly: $52,000 ÷ 52 weeks × 2)
  1. Correct any pay rate errors.
  2. Save your changes.

Step 3: Re-index all files

  1. Go to Client Functions > Miscellaneous > Re-Build Index Files on the ProPay Main Menu.
  2. Wait for the re-indexing to complete.

Step 4: Review and delete erroneous records

  1. Go to the Reports menu on the Payroll Main Menu.
  2. Select the Check Register.
  3. Review entries under the paydate that caused the problem.
  4. Note down any erroneous records.
  5. Delete the erroneous records:
    • Go to Employer > Edit Database on the Payroll Main Menu.
    • Locate and delete the incorrect payroll records.

    Step 5: Recalculate YTD

    1. Go to Employer > Recalc YTD on the Payroll Main Menu.
    2. This will recalculate all year-to-date totals based on the corrected payroll records.

    Step 6: Verify corrections

    1. Go to the Reports menu on the Payroll Main Menu.
    2. Print the YTD Detailed Report.
    3. Verify all employees' YTD information is correct before proceeding with further payroll processing.

    Prevention

    To avoid data width errors in the future:

    1. Always enter pay rates per period - Not annual amounts
    2. Use Convert File Structures - Run periodically when updating ProPay versions
    3. Validate YTD entries - Double-check large YTD amounts before saving
    4. Keep ProPay updated - Download the latest version regularly
    5. Backup before YTD entry - Always backup before entering year-end or large YTD amounts

    Related Topics

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