InfoPath Form with XML Datasource

[NikV]

Hi;
I have two tables in a database. I've created triggers to each table that
will run anytime a change is made to the table. The trigger will spit out a
XML file from each table. I want my InfoPath template to use the new XML
file as a data source so that the user will always have "fresh" data.
Everytime the XML file is generated it will overwrite the old XML files.

Since InfoPath templates are cab files can this be done? Hope someone can
help. Thanks!

 

[Scott L. Heim [MSFT]]

Hi,

I am assuming the XML file you are referring to is setup as a "secondary
data source" for your InfoPath solution - is this correct? If so, when you
setup this data source, the last screen of the wizard asked if you wanted
to include this file as a "Resource" file. If you clicked Yes to this, then
no - InfoPath is going to use the data from the Resource file. However, if
you clicked No to this option, then InfoPath is looking to wherever this
file resides for the data so it will automatically pickup the changes.

I hope this helps!

Best Regards,

Scott L. Heim
Microsoft Developer Support

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.

 

[NikV]

Scott;
Thanks again...seems like I always get you. Anyway, if I am understanding
this correctly I don't need to make my XML a Resource file when setting the
Data Source? So if I just point it to where ever...it should work and update
the infopath form when my XML file updates?

 

[Scott L. Heim [MSFT]]

Hi,

Exactly...with the understanding that unless you implement a method to
allow the user to "query" to see if there is new data, it will reflect the
updated data the next time the form is opened.

Best Regards,

Scott L. Heim
Microsoft Developer Support

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.

 

[NikV]

Scott,
Maybe I'm doing something wrong here. I point the XML file to the correct
location and did not make it Resource File as you recommened. But when I go
back and change something in the XML file and then I run the Infopath form
the data does not get updated. It will still show the "old" data.

As usual can you please walk me through on how to make it that XML will
update the form at all times with fresh new data?

 

[Scott L. Heim [MSFT]]

Hi,

Test these steps:

- Create a new XML file using the following:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<companies>
<company>
<companyName>A</companyName>
</company>
<company>
<companyName>B</companyName>
</company>
</companies>

- Save this as: CompanyList.XML
- Create a new, blank InfoPath form
- From the Tools menu choose Data Connections
- Click Add
- Select Receive Data and click Next
- Select XML Document and click Next
- Click the Browse button, select CompanyList.XML and click Next
- Click Finish
- When prompted about adding the file choose No
- Click Close on the Data Connections window
- Add a drop-down list to the form
- Right-click on the drop-down list and choose Properties
- From the List Box entries section choose the option "Look up values in a
data connection..."
- From the Data Connection box choose Company List
- Click the Select XPath button next to Entries, highlight Company and
click OK
- Click OK to get back to your form
- Save and close the XSN
- Double-click this file to open a new form, click on the drop-down list
and you should see 2 companies: A & B
- Close this form
- Open the XML file with Notepad (or an XML editor of your choice)
- Add a new "company" element as follows:

<company>
<companyName>C</companyName>
</company>

- The XML file should now appear as:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<companies>
<company>
<companyName>A</companyName>
</company>
<company>
<companyName>B</companyName>
</company>
<company>
<companyName>C</companyName>
</company>
</companies>

- Save and close the file
- Double-click this file to open a new form, click on the drop-down list
and you should now see 3 companies: A, B & C

Does this work for you?

Scott L. Heim
Microsoft Developer Support

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.

 

[NikV]

Scott;
Dang it! I was clicking when InfoPath prompted me to: "prompted about
adding the file choose No". Thanks for everything Scott, again you are the
best!

 

[Scott L. Heim [MSFT]]

It's always the little things in life...isn't it!

Glad to hear this is working for you!!

Take care,

Scott L. Heim
Microsoft Developer Support

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.

 

[NikV]

Scott;
One more question:

I have two XML files that contain data for my drop down box, text boxes,
etc. I have an SQL Database that will store my data after clicking Submit on
my InfoPath form. The primary key is ProjectNumber.

The data types for all the tables are char, varchar, date, and numeric.
What is the best way to create a Submit function in InfoPath with the above
resources? Is it best to create a Main Data connection with the SQL database
and add secondary data sources with the XML files? This way I can use the
built-in Submit function? Thanks in advance Scott.

 

[Scott L. Heim [MSFT]]

Absolutely - if you eventually want to store your data in SQL Server, then
you will want to create your InfoPath solution from SQL Server and simply
add the XML files as secondary data sources.

Best regards,

Scott L. Heim
Microsoft Developer Support

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.

 

[NikV]

Scott;
I have a question that I cannot find in any text book. Let's say that I
have a "HyperLink" in an infoPath form. Everytime a user hits that link it
show them a "hidden text box". Can this be done in InfoPath?

 

[Scott L. Heim [MSFT]]

Hi,

Although someone else may have found a way to do this, I don't see where
this is possible since there are no "events", conditional formatting
options, etc. that would let you know this has occurred.

Scott L. Heim
Microsoft Developer Support

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.

 

[NikV]

Darn. Thanks Scott!