Update a form due to changes in the SQL data source

[Nick Monsour]

Hi Again,

I am trying to learn how to update an InfoPath form that is built from
a SQL Server data source. In this case I have a form that I have
created from created from an SQL db and every time i make a change in
the structure of a table (like adding or deleting a column) the form
will no longer render. How do I fix this problem? My company will only
use SQL data source so they can use the SQL reporting so I am stuck.
Thanks,
Nick

 

[Michelle]

When the DB structure changes you will need to update the InfoPath DOM in the
form to reflect the same changes so the form and the DB are synchronized.

Michelle

 

[Nick Monsour]

Sorry Michelle but I don't know what a DOM is or how or where to update
it.

Nick

 

[Michelle]

When you design the form go to Data Sources. The data source will show Main
(maybe a different name) and then a tree like structure that represents the
XML. That datasource structure is the DOM (Data Object Model).

Depending on how you created the form, you can edit the structure directly
within that tree view OR you will have to extract the form files from the xsn
and edit the XSD (XML Schema Definition) manually.

Are you using SP1? If you are then there is also the option of using the
Convert Main Data Source option under the Tools menu.

 

[jb]

For clarity, what Michelle is saying is that every time your SQL db column
definitions change, yes, you have to go back into InfoPath and
"redesign"/"reconnect" your form to the db, then resave/republish the changed
form for your users.

You should find (I think) it preserves your unchanged controls/columns;
marks controls which are bound to now-deleted columns with a red asterisk
error (you need to delete the controls); and offers newly-added columns for
binding if you want them.