InfoPath Dev

The subject title may be confusing, so I will do my best to explain. I am trying to construct the following workflow: A user opens a form in Infopath. Some data is populated from a database while other data is entered by the user. All data is then submitted back to the database in addition to the form being emailled. Therefore the database now has a new, updated record. This database is also linked to a Sharepoint list. The list provides an online, overall view of the database table's content.

Here is the problem. I have linked Sharepoint and the access database table, however when I attempt to use the same table as a data source for infopath it is not recognised. The error message tells me that no active tables exist in the DB (to that effect). This only happens with the already linked table.

is there a way to get around this or achieve the same thing in a different way?

-- Jay Whittaker --

Hi Jay,
Good question! Can you design a simple repro scenario that we could test here? Just the steps you did to set things up?

Patrick Halstead [InfoPath MVP]
InfoPathDev

Thanks for your reply...

- I started with a sharepoint list and linked this to an access table (i did it this way as that is the only way sharepoint will allow - in fact the sharepoint list was created as an import from a spreadsheet to make things easier)
- The linkage was created by putting the list into datasheet mode, then opening the task pane. An option there starts a wizard that creates a new linked table in the selected database.

- Then I opened Infopath and chose to create a new form from a data connection. This data connection was to be the same access table as created by and linked to sharepoint.
- This was done via the standard way when creating the form. (i.e. through a wizard).

- It was at this stage that Infopath could not pick up the linked table. (In access the table appears with a different icon and warns that the properties are not able to be modified as it is linked).

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I have also been trialling a compromise solution if this doesn't work. However I am finding it challenging to get Infopath to edit and update the database content. (But thats another issue).

-- Jay Whittaker --

Hi Jay,

You could use the Database Accelerator for your compromise solution. It's a code-less solution.

Anyway, to respond to your original post ... thanks for the repro steps. I think you have a new scenario here. I have never heard of anyone binding to the data sheet in that way and I wonder if it is even supported. There's probably some issue with SharePoint. I will check with MS and let you know what I find. Should take a day or so.

Patrick Halstead [InfoPath MVP]
InfoPathDev