Problem with zero-length attributes in .dbf files

[mchris]

I regularly use .shp files from the Tiger Line product from the Census Bureau. In several of the file groupings in the most recent release, there are attributes in the .dbf files that feed the attribute table that have a length of "0".  When I use an input tool to try and read the file, Alteryx returns an error saying it can't handle zero-length attributes. I've been able to correct the problem on individual files using a database program and changing the lengths manually, but I will be working with thousands of files (one per county) so this isn't a practical solution.  Is this something I need to report to Alteryx as a bug?  In the interim, is there a 3rd-party program that would allow me to make the necessary modifications to the .dbf files in batch?

Error:

[CharlieS]

I agree, using an intermediary software should not be necessary. I would definitely send this to support@alteryx.com to put in on their radar.