SQL Loader mandatory ".dat" File extension

[rcurva]

I need your help guys.

I have a source file without any extension and I need this file to be loaded in my staging table. I have prepared a control file that looks like this:

LOAD DATA
INFILE "/source/dir/MYFILE"
INTO TABLE stage_tab
(
columns here ....
)

The problem here, after running the sqlldr there is this error.
SQL*Loader-500: Unable to open file (/source/dir/MYFILE.dat)

Obviously, the loader assumed that the file extension of my source file is ".dat" since I did not specify one.

Is there a way, a parameter maybe, to un-set this mandatory file extension? Otherwise, I'll just have to make some workarounds on my part. I could I either copy (add in my script) to another file with (*.dat) extension or request from my source to include .dat extension in their output file.

 

[SpiritOfLennon]

I think that if you add a period ( . ) to the end of the file name it prevents it using the default extension.
Check out

http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/orsqlloader/chapter/ch01.html

SOL
"If I'm talking c**p, I'm probably p****d"

 

[rcurva]

Actually, I am aware of this one too and have tried it but to no avail. Same error keeps popping out. Btw, I am loading to a 7.3.4 DB.

This could be a bug or something, but we are not in a position to upgrade now since a lot of work needs to be accomplished whe we do so.

Anyway, thanks.