CPF0864: End of file detected

What it means

CL reads database files with DCLF and RCVF. DCLF declares the file and gives the program a CL variable for each field. Each RCVF reads the next record into those variables. When there are no more records, RCVF ends with the escape message CPF0864.

In a read loop that's the normal way to finish. IBM's own RCVF example monitors for CPF0864 and branches to an end label. If the program doesn't monitor for it, CPF0864 is unhandled. The program then gets a function check (CPF9999), and the job usually stops with an inquiry message such as CPA0701 asking whether to cancel.

When RCVF hits end of file, the file is closed. Another RCVF against the same file after that fails. To read the file again in the same program, close it first with the CLOSE command, available from IBM i 6.1, and then RCVF opens it again from the start.

Common causes

• The read loop reached the last record, which is normal.
• The program has no MONMSG MSGID(CPF0864) after RCVF, so normal end of file becomes an error.
• The file or member was empty, for example because an earlier step that builds it with DSPFD, DSPOBJD or a query wrote no records.
• An override (OVRDBF) points the program at a different member than expected, and that member is empty.
• The program reads the file a second time without closing it first.

How to find the problem

1. Run DSPJOBLOG and find CPF0864. Its text names the file and library. A CPF9999 or CPA0701 right after it means nothing handled it.
2. Look at the CL source for the RCVF that reads that file, and check for a MONMSG straight after it.
3. Check how many records the file has with DSPFD FILE(lib/file) TYPE(*MBR) or DSPPFM. Zero records means CPF0864 on the first read.
4. Check for overrides with DSPOVR while the program runs, or look for OVRDBF in the calling program.

How to fix it

• Add a monitor right after the RCVF, as in RCVF then MONMSG MSGID(CPF0864) EXEC(GOTO CMDLBL(EOF)), or leave a DOWHILE loop with LEAVE.
• If an empty file is possible, decide what the program should do in that case and handle it on the first read.
• To read the file again, issue CLOSE before the next RCVF.
• Check that any OVRDBF selects the member you expect.

DSPMSGD MSGID(CPF0864) MSGF(QSYS/QCPFMSG)

Technical reviewer: Albert Joseph, WND Software.

Last reviewed 2026-10-18 by the WND Software team. Written in our own words. For the full reference, check IBM’s documentation for your IBM i release.