Default 1st field on a form

[sonomaenterprises]

I have a form (based upon the contact form) that when I create a new item and
just start typing the field I am in is on a tab that is not the one that is
shown. Does anyone know how to change this so that the first field on the
visible tab is what has focus when the item is opened or created?

 

[Sue Mosher [MVP-Outlook]]

Have you used the Layout | Tab Order command to set the tab order on the page?

 

[sonomaenterprises]

Yes, the tab order seems to just apply the current tab, I have not seen
anything to set the default field/tab that is selected when the form is
opened.

 

[Sue Mosher [MVP-Outlook]]

Each page has its own tab order.

--
Sue Mosher, Outlook MVP
Author of
Microsoft Outlook Programming - Jumpstart for
Administrators, Power Users, and Developers

 

[sonomaenterprises]

I understand. The problem that I have is when the form opens the field that
has focus is on a tab other than the one that is shown. So if a person
begins typing the text is entered into that field on one of the hidden tabs.

Jack

 

[Sue Mosher [MVP-Outlook]]

I'm afraid that doesn't make any sense. It almost sounds like you have the field present on both pages and set to be the first field in the tab order on the starting page.

--
Sue Mosher, Outlook MVP
Author of
Microsoft Outlook Programming - Jumpstart for
Administrators, Power Users, and Developers

 

[sonomaenterprises]

The field that it enters data in to does not exist on the general tab.

A copy of the forms is in this pst:
http://www.sonomaenterprises.com/outlook/taborder.pst

Thanks,

Jack

 

[Sue Mosher [MVP-Outlook]]

I'd be happy to look at an .oft file, but not a .pst file.

--
Sue Mosher, Outlook MVP
Author of
Microsoft Outlook Programming - Jumpstart for
Administrators, Power Users, and Developers

 

[sonomaenterprises]

I uploaded the oft to:
http://www.sonomaenterprises.com/outlook/taborder.oft

To see the behavior you need to publish and then create a new item from
within outlook.

Thanks,

Jack

 

[Sue Mosher [MVP-Outlook]]

Thanks. That is certainly one of the weirdest things I've seen in a while. My guess is that your form is too complex and, therefore, is starting to show problem signs. If that it indeed the case, it will only get worse.

A workaround for the focus issue might be to use Inspector.SetCurrentFormPage and control.SetFocus to try to force the focus, but SetFocus isn't always reliable on Outlook forms.

--
Sue Mosher, Outlook MVP
Author of
Microsoft Outlook Programming - Jumpstart for
Administrators, Power Users, and Developers