  Using the DCL f$search lexical function? 
 The Question is:
 
In a dcl program:
I am searching for files to process, all of which have the same name and a file
 extension of ".dat". The search is done using the lexical f$search. The
 problem is that the f$search returns an "" every other time the dcl loops.
We have tried adding a ".dat;*" to the search file, we have tried adding a
 stream number, we have tried adding a search for a dummy file (so as to force
 a "" finding. Is there something we are missing to this search.
 
Thank you!
 
Rich Burdette
 
 
 The Answer is:
 
  That the f$search returns a null string indicates that the search
  operation has completed, and all files that match the target string
  have been returned.
 
  Please contact the Compaq Customer Support Center directly.  Expect
  to be asked for an example of the failing DCL code involved here,
  for details of the particular search required, and for the filenames
  contained in the target directory (or directories) involved.  (Without
  having this detail, the OpenVMS Wizard is unable to determine what has
  happened here.)
 
  An example of using the DCL lexical f$search is contained in Ask
  The Wizard topic (4006).
 
