When you have moved or renamed an InfoPath form template (XSN), the associated XML files become orphaned from their associated template. The Qdabra Modify PI Tool for InfoPath (QdModifyPI) modifies the InfoPath processing instruction (“HREF”) attribute of an XML file to point to the new template’s location.
This document will guide users on how to install and use the tool.
Requirements
- Microsoft Windows XP
- Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0
Installation Instructions
- Double click on the Modify InfoPath PI.msi file.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install the tool.
- Click Close to finish the Installation Wizard.
USAGE
A. Single XML file
1. In Windows Explorer, right-click on an XML file and select Modify InfoPath PI from the menu.
2. The Modify InfoPath PI tool will launch, showing the current PI of the selected XML file.
a. Enter a new PI – that is, the location of the new form template (XSN) which you wish to associate your XML file with.
b. (Optional) Check the box to open the XML file in InfoPath after modifying its PI.
c. Click OK when done.
3. If you have checked the box in Figure 2b above, the modified XML will open in InfoPath:
Otherwise, you can manually open the file at any time.
B. Multiple XML files
This method assumes that you have multiple XML files stored in a directory. Note that the directory should not contain other file types other than XML. Also note that all these files should have the same PI (i.e. they all point to the same location where the associated form template is stored).
1. Navigate to the directory where you installed the QdModifyPI tool (By default, it is installed in C:\Program Files\AutonomySystems\Modify InfoPath PI.)
2. Launch the tool by double-clicking the Modify InfoPath PI.exe file.
a. Click on the browse icon and select the directory where your XML files are stored. Alternatively, you can type in the path in the Target Folder field.
b. Enter a new PI – that is, the location of the new form template (XSN) which you wish to associate with your XML files.
c. Click OK when done.
3. To verify that the modification succeeded, open any of the XML files in the selected directory. The file should open with the new InfoPath form template specified. You can also open any XML file in a text editor such as Notepad and verify that the HREF has changed.
Notes:
- If you wish to modify the PI for forms stored in SharePoint using the Qdabra Modify PI tool, you should first download the XML files to a location accessible via Windows Explorer. Once you’ve completed the modification, upload them to SharePoint.
- If you are using Windows Vista, this tool will only allow you to modify the PI for multiple XML files in a directory.
Purchase the Qdabra Modify PI Tool for InfoPath here.