Outlook 2003 Forms - Creating Dropdown lists

[Michael Croy]

I'm having trouble. I'm adapting an existing form to gather information from
a number of folks on global sales pipeline opportunities. I'll then import
that data into a database.

I'm able to create a number of fields, but I'm confused about creating a
drop down list and 'binding' it so I can have users choose from a list of
values.

I've tried creating the combo box, but it asks for a formula; I have no idea
what the formula needs to be.

As an example, i want a dropdown list to come up under a field called
"submitted by," and a choice of 20 names come up. How do i define that
field, and where do I store the values so they can choose the correct name?

If i can figure out this drop down problem, I will be able to finish and
publish this form.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Sue Mosher [MVP-Outlook]]

A formula would be used to set the value of the property bound to the combo box. It has nothing to do with setting the combo box row.

You can set the rows either with the Possible Values box on the Value tab of the control's Properties dialog or by using the List propety or AddItem method for the control. See http://www.outlookcode.com/article.aspx?ID=32 for sample code.

 

[Michael Croy]

Thanks Sue. I guess I need to go buy the book because I'm missing a lot.
When I create the combo box to start it asks for a formula before i can do
anything. I dont know what that formula is, so I can't even create the box.
It tells me 'A formula can't be empty." So I can't even get to the next step
that you talk about.

 

[Sue Mosher [MVP-Outlook]]

On the Value tab of the control's Propeties dialog, clear the check box for "Set the initial value of this field to"

--
Sue Mosher, Outlook MVP
Author of Microsoft Outlook 2007 Programming:
Jumpstart for Power Users and Administrators
http://www.outlookcode.com/article.aspx?id=54

 

[Michael Croy]

Hi Sue

I guess I'm stupid. I really hate microsoft stuff, maybe that's the
problem. I'm happy to pick up your book when I get home, but I'm in Tokyo
now and haven't been able to find it. I can't seem to understand what you
say vs. what I see. Let me restate what I see:

-I want to create a new, drop down field, with 3 choices. APJ, Americas and
EMEA.
- I go the field chooser
- Select "User defined fields"
-Click new
- Type "region" in the field name
-Click on "combination" in "Type"
- Then a block comes up for "Formula"
- I don't have a formula, and if I hit OK i'm told that I'm a moron and "A
formula can't be empty"

So I can't get to the value tab because I can't create the field without a
formula. I can't understand why this is so complicated. I've been working
on this for more than a week and I'm no closer. Everything else is done, all
i need to do is add drop downs, and I'm ready to argue with the entire
corporation to switch to MAC. I'll take a look at your book when I'm back in
the states, but I'm astonished that it's this complicated to add freaking
choices to a field. Thanks for putting up with all of us who aren't rocket
scientists.

 

[Michael Croy]

Hi Sue

I finally figured out to add the box from the Toolbox and now I am adding
drop-down menus like nobody's foo! Thanks for being patient as a saint.

When I'm testing the form (running it) i am running into a problem when i
try to send it that says "a field on this form requires a value."

I've been through the properties of all the fields, and none require a value
in the validation tab. I deleted some previous fields, could that be the
problem? Any ideas?

 

[Sue Mosher [MVP-Outlook]]

Yes, the problem is probably that you removed controls that were associated with fields that had validation set for them. Even if you remove the control, the fields are still part of the form definition. You can delete unused fields on the All Fields page.

Another solution is to use the Field Chooser to add those fields you removed back to the form. Use a blank page for that, so that you don't have to worry about messing up your existing page designs. Check the Validation tab on each one, and remove any validation. Then remove the control. That's also the procedure you should use in the future so that you don't run into this problem again.

--
Sue Mosher, Outlook MVP
Author of Microsoft Outlook 2007 Programming:
Jumpstart for Power Users and Administrators
http://www.outlookcode.com/article.aspx?id=54