Auto Dialog Boxes a Thing of the Past in XP?

[MrTK]

Hello, My work just upgraded from 97 to 2003 (finally!). I'm finding that some of the features don't seem to work in 03, such as: "Fill-in", which I used to enable the dialog boxes to pop-up either when the form loaded or by clicking on the unprotect to protect button, and then I would fill-in my data and would place in my form, now it doesn't seem work unless I right click on each field and select "Update", then that individual dialog box pops up. How do I get all the dialog boxes pop up again? Any suggestions on fixing this?


Thanks

MrTK

 

[fumei]

Whoa. Please:

1. Describe the document step by step.
2. Describe your actions step by step.

For example:

such as: "Fill-in", which I used to enable the dialog boxes to pop-up either when the form loaded or by clicking on the unprotect to protect button,

makes me shake my head.

a) "Fill-in" enabled is one of the attribute of a Form Field - not a dialog box. Unless you have another meaning, which is cool, but...see #1 above. Now you did not mention the "enabled" - so you may in fact be talking about something else. That is the problem...don't get what you are talking about. "Fill-in" on a Form Field simply allows the user to, uh, fill-in. it has nothing at all to do with any dialog boxes.

b) dialog box to pop-up when the form loaded? Huh? Now it seems you are talking about a VBA UserForm....form loaded? If it is a bunch of Form Fields, then the document loads...but not the "form".

c) "or by clicking on the unprotect to protect button." Huh? Now it seems like you are talking about protected section Form Fields again. And normally, when protected, you would not keep the Forms Toolbar displayed. At least I sure would not, when the user is using it.

d) Could you detail what dialog boxes you seem to be missing, and what is on them?

So please. Describe in a bit more orderly detail, and I am positive we can help. I am sure it is very clear to you, but we can't see the document, only your description of it.

You can certainly update fields automatically, but a clearer understanding of what you want to happen would assist greatly.


Gerry

 

[MrTK]

Gerry, Thanks for the response. Sorry about the confusion, I'll try to give you a better explaination.

I have a couple of Form Word documents, I'm using them essentially as a template saved in .doc format. A couple of years ago I created these doc and I inserted fields under the "Fill-in" command. By doing this the form would open and a box would appear in front of the doc, I set it to ask questions for example "Enter your Name", It would take care of formatting and user simply typed in their data clicked "ok", and then the next box would prompt the user to respond to another question, until all the Fill-in boxes were responded to.

Some of the forms I had to click the Protect/Unprotect to initiate the boxes to pop up. I think when I saved to Word doc while the Fill-in box were up, the fill-in box would come up by itself when the form opened (not sure though).

Now when I open the doc in 03 format the Fill-in boxes do not come up, nor does the Protect/Unprotect have any effect. I have to right click on each field and select "Update", then and only then does the Fill-in box pop up and ask it's question and accept my response. Which is quite aggrevating.

Anyway, hopes this sheds light on my situation.

Thanks againg for your response.

MrTK

 

[fumei]

OK, if I understand correctly, the "fill-in" you are mentioning are {ASK} fields. These are not, strictly speaking, Form fields, nor formfields...I know, the terminology sucks.

You don't mention what version these older documents were created in. Although it may take a fair bit of work, you could go in and replace the older "fill-in" fields, with ASK fields. Although I suspect there may be another way around it. Have you tried selecing the entire document, and updating the fields. Oh, no, you mention that they do not even come up. Hmmmm. You may have to replace them with ASK fields.

Or, you could rework the process entirely. Maybe use a UserForm to ask all the questions, then fill in the document with the replies. That would be the way I would go.

ASK fields are individually fired. You could make it so ALL your questions, and all the user data ate on one UserForm. Once validated, just dump it in your document.

Gerry

 

[MrTK]

You mentioned a UserForm, and dumping the data onto the form. Do you mean like a template or do you mean something else?

"The way you'd go", sounds like the way to go! Quick, fast and efficient. That's what I'd like to do. What do I need to do?

MrTK

 

[fumei]

Uh, well. You need to learn how to make a UserForm. Check out Help. How many pieces of separate data entry do you need? I have a simple study of a UserForm that I use for a VBA course. If you want, I can share that with you. It should at least get you started. But look up Help, go find a decent VBA book, and do not hesitate to use that F1 key!

Basically, you need places to have the user input data, a commandbutton to both do some error trapping, and to dump the information.

If you need some suggestions, and when you get stuck (likely at some point) post here. This is a great place to get assistance. Just remember - this is not a Help Desk. People here are not getting paid to do work for those who should be doing their own work.

Gerry

 

[MrTK]

Cool! Thanks Gerry, I appreciate all your help and steering me in the right direction. I will take your advice and try the VBA thing. If you please share the simple study of a UserForm that you offered, that would be very much appreciated as well.

TK

 

[fumei]

OK, I can send a file. Tell me where to send it. But first, how starting are you? Have you used the Visual Basic Editor at all? I need to know how much basic stuff to include.

Gerry

 

[MrTK]

On a scale of 1-10, maybe a 3. Please send to sperk20_2000@yahoo.com

Thanks a million!

TK

 

[MrTK]

Hey Gerry... Hate to trouble you and all, but could you send that helpful VBE study file you mentioned, to sperk20_2000@yahoo.com


Thanks again!

TK

 

[fumei]

OK, I am heading out on a well deserved solo kayak trip in the wild. However, although the document is not complete (it is one module of as VBA course I am writing), i will try to dash into work, and get it to send you. I have about a four hour window to do so. I am in the midst of packing, and I take a lot of crap. If I possibly can, I will dash in and send it. But if I can't make it, soory but it will have to waut unitl ect Fridsy.

Gerry

 

[fumei]

Done, send today.

Gerry

 

[MrTK]

Thank you very much for your help!

TK