Problem:

You receive this error when compiling a PL/I program:

MFPLI00229S – MAIN parameter DFHP_PTR must be a scalar of CHAR VAR type without star-extents

Resolution:

Change the PL/I system from MVS to CICS or IMS:  Project -> Properties -> Micro Focus --> PL/I Compile Settings --> System

Detail:

The message is saying that because SYSTEM was set to MVS, it was expecting a CHAR VARYING type.  The CICS application used POINTERS, which are used by IMS or CICS, so changing MVS to CICS resolves it.