InfoPath Dev

I'm almost embarassed to say this, but as I've been away from any kind of programming for so long, I feel totally lost.  So I might as well start out small and work my way up. (This might take a while, please bear with me..)

I've created an Access database and designed the forms to work with it.  Now I will be translating them over to an SQL database, using a SharePoint server and InfoPath forms. (I'm not even sure I'm using the right TERMS!)

So please help me out by starting with something simple: As my InfoPath forms will be browser compatable, I know I can't use MS Access or a ComboBox control.  In Access I had two combo boxes 'linked' so the selection in the first one would limit the choices in the second one.

 How can this be done in InfoPath?

(as an example, suppose the choice in the first one is 'Civilian', 'Military'.  The second one is rank/title, so if I select military, I want to filter and choose from a list of military ranks.  If I select Civilian, I want to be restricted to  Mr.;Mrs.;Ms.;Miss and Dr.)

Oob-noob:

You are using the correct terms...

You can't use a browser form with SQL either - you'll need a Web Service that queries and submits to SQL. Get our free trial generic InfoPath Web Service by going to Qdabra dot com and looking for DBXL...

You can do cascading dropdowns in InfoPath without SQL or Access or World Peace ... just use filtering.... ah, it's cake and there is icing and it's zero calories (but a little chewy) ...

Search this forum for "cascading dropdowns".... may the Info-Force be with you ...

I have been running into compatibility issues, with InfoPath saying filters and xpath commands cannot be used on a web based form. (or something to that effect...)

So, I'm thinking you must be using IP 2007 & SharePoint 2007. Browser forms don't support filtering in drop downs in IP 2007.

This limits your options considerably. You can use an owssvr.dll connection (qRules can keep you from having to write code to use it) to get filtered data back. Here's a link to a blog post that explains the basics if you want to code it yourself.

Hilary,

you ARE good!  that is what I am using.  I will follow your link and give it a look-see.  Thank you, and I'll let you know how it goes.