CALPADS error brief · FRMT
FRMT0009
Invalid column count for file type
Severity
Fatal
Error type
Input Validation
Record type
FRMT
Official CALPADS rule
What CALPADS is rejecting
Format for invalid column (fields) count based on file type
Focus fields
Fields validated
All SPRG fieldsRecommended correction path
Suggested resolution
Empty is a value position
| Situation | Correct structure | Failure |
|---|---|---|
| Optional field blank | Keep adjacent delimiters | Deleting the position shifts every later field |
| Legacy field unused | Leave its column empty | Removing the column shortens the row |
| Text contains delimiter | Prevent/handle according to file rules | An embedded delimiter creates an extra column |
Do not count only populated fields. Count the 26 declared positions from 3.01 through 3.26, including blank legacy positions.
Common causes
- Spreadsheet export omitted trailing blank columns.
- A manual edit deleted adjacent delimiters.
- Header/detail layouts were mixed.
- A name or local value introduced a delimiter.
- An older SPRG template with a different layout was reused.
Recommended correction path
- 1
Find the first malformed row
Compare its delimiter count with a known-good Version 18 row.
- 2
Map positions 3.01–3.26
Confirm empty and retired columns remain present.
- 3
Repair the generator
Fix export selection, quoting, trailing blanks, or template version.
- 4
Validate every row
Do not stop after correcting the first rejection.