InfoPath Dev

We have several forms filled out using a form template. We wish to remove the automation for a text box. If we were to remove the rules that affect the text box properties , for example if we were to change the read only properties of the text box and republish the form templates. Do we stand to lose the data filled out in the forms filled out using the earlier templates. Further, what would happen if this text box were changed to a drop-down box and this new form be published to the same document library. Do we stand to lose the data filled out in the forms filled out using the earlier templates.

You can change the rules on the text box and this won't affect the previous values stored in it.

If you change the text box to a dropdown, the previous values in the text box will likely get wiped out. Users would need t re-select a value based on what the dropdown offers.

In case of a form which already has a dropdown box, could I add another "option" for the dropdown box and republish the template. Will this maintain the earlier selections made on other forms. PS: The dropdown collects these options from a sharepoint list

You can add items to your SharePoint list and they will show as new options in your form dropdown. No template changes needed.

Now, if you delete an item from your list, and it was previously selected, when you open that XML, you'll see the original value in the field, but if you try to select another value, that value will no longer be available in the list of items...

thanks for the quick reply. If I were to add a new data connection (connection being to receive or query from a sharepoint list) to a form and republish the form, would that change any values in forms filled out using earlier templates?

That all depends on what the connection is used for. If you are just talking about adding a new connection to use for some new stuff, no issues.

But if I'd had an item selected that had a value of "1" and a display of "grape" and you change the data source for your drop down to a different list, and now the item with a value of "1" is equal to "brussels sprout" the next time you open your form, all your grapes will be hideous mini cabbages.

Scenario: When a button is pressed in a form, it runs certain rules. One of the rules fills the name of a person automatically from a SharePoint list based on a certain field (category) as was filled out in an earlier section of the form. Because of some addition of new members, for this action I might have to direct it to a different SharePoint list. "1" will still display "grape" but only thing is this list will have more people. ................................................................ The above is a change stands good on your 1-grape example above......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... That said, We have a Scenario 2, If now we wanted to query on the basis of some other field. Meaning 1 still corresponds to grape , but can we query on another field that corresponds to grape. Will that be ok.. Also, does the button need to be pressed again for each of those forms that have already been filled out. The thing is once this button is pressed there are other rules that do some other things like open new forms etc, as well. Any work around to solve this problem without losing any data? Thank you

It sounds to me as if you need two drop downs bound to the same field. On uses List A for the items, the other uses List B. Then use conditional formatting to display the correct drop down control.

But, at this point, I'm super confused as to what you are trying to do, so I may not be pointing you in the correct direction....