Library /sys$common/syshlp/basichelp.hlb Run time errors, DEVOPEING  *Conan The Librarian (sorry for the slow response - running on an old VAX)

  Device and operation are incompatible (ERR=272)

  The operation you requested  cannot  be  performed  on  the  specified
  device.   For  example, output cannot be displayed on a device that is
  for input only.  Specify an appropriate device type for the  operation
  you  require.   Device types are listed in the manual Programming with
  VAX BASIC Graphics.