InfoPath Dev

I need to store and retrieve a single value each time an InfoPath Form is opened. The value is the next number to be utilized for a purchase Order. My first thought was to save a dummy InfoPath form in addition to the real form with a consistent name and rewrite the value to be utilized. I tried making a data connection to an existing InfoPath XML form that was submitted, but the data connection always fails and gives me an error upon launching the form.

My environment is locked down and we cannot add code to InfoPath forms, so using any C# or VB code is out of the question.

Is there a way to write a Value to an XML file or to a SharePoint List WITHOUT USING CODE?

This would be one of the rare occasions when I'd say to use CAML and a Submit connection to the UpdateListItems method of the SharePoint Lists service. Normally, I'd say "use qRules!" because it is much easier if the scenario is complex, but you want to save a single value.

Here's a nice blog post on this site with some additional information for setting this up. You may want to follow the example all the way through, then try implementing in your form.

Thank you Hillary, I will try to get this working. - Brian -

Hilary,

This seems to be designed to work for a List. Do you know of a way to do the same for an XML file?

Thanks,

Brian

Nope, I don't know of a codeless way to write to an XML file from an InfoPath form. Your title said XML file or SharePoint List, so I thought this woule be an acceptable solution?

Yes, that should be an acceptable solution. I was just curious and wanted a backup in the event I could not get it to work with my application. Thank you for taking the time to respond to my questions, you have been a BIG help!!! :)

Hilary, I did in fact get this to work. The problem I have now is that I need to use a Rule to populate the repeating table which writes information to the SharePoint List and this functionality does not seem to be supported. Do you know of a way to set the value of a textbox in a repeating table using a Rule? I have another post related to this here: http://www.infopathdev.com/forums/p/17887/62384.aspx#62384 Many Thanks for you help. Brian

Hi -- what field do you need to populate? With what value? I grabbed a sample of your form from the other thread...

Hi Hilary,

There is a repeating table at the bottom left of my infopath form (under a textbox with the List ID#) with two columns called Name and Field. I need to write data into the Field column. When the form is opened the Name Column Contains 3 rows (Column Names in the SharePoint List it is linked to): ID, Title, LastPONumber. I need to write a value into the corresponding Field Column for all three Name Columns.

Thanks,

Brian

Hi Brian,

Use an action in your rule that set's one of those values. When you set the value, use the filter button to only set for the row that has the correct row (ID, Title, LastPONumber). If that doesn't work, you may need to manually edit the manifest. Give it a try and let me know if you have trouble. Also, note that our qRules library of common functions can do this quite easily using Set Value command...

Best,