InfoPath Dev

 Yes, I double-checked to be sure: I've published again, and the only rule I have set is the one for the section I don't want to show up (the one that has PersonName, it has the "count(preceding-sibling::my:SharePointListItem_RW) > 0" rule to hide it) - since it works in preview mode (and even submits the data properly in the list) it's kind of confusing (and frustrating) that it doesn't work in the sharepoint list in browser, since that's where my audience will need to be using it.

If you can think of anything to try that'd be great, thanks in advance!

I'd use a helper field in a XML data connection as a work around - I'll put together a sample later today.

 thanks so much, appreciate it! curious to see what you come up with :)

I added an XML file & data connection with a field for the person name. I put that on the form instead of the main data source field. I then added a form load rule to populate the field if the data in the form had that already (i.e. - you are editing an existing item). I changed your submit to use rules, and added a rule prior to submit to set the main DS from the secondary data source field - hopefully this works, since I can't really test it - but it should at least give you the general approach. :)

 Hi Hilary,

Most importantly, I had a test and it works now! (both in preview and by adding a new document). Thank you so much for your assistance, you're a life saver :)

Too be honest though your description of what you did is still went a little over my head, but will have a look to see if I can track down what you did in the settings (so I can do the same for any other fields I might need besides PersonName).

Thanks again so much, and kind regards!

P.s.: will check this in a few hours since it's past midnight in my timezone ;), but will definitely report back (hopefully to say I've been successful :) ) 

 Hi Hilary,

So back again if that's alright - trying to add more fields to our header that includes person name (the one we want to only need filling in once), but unsure of how to do that.

Am I right to believe we can add those fields to the same xml file and secondary data connection, instead of having to create a new one for each field we need? If so, how can we add new fields? Specifically there are some person lookup field that I need to link to our directory...

And is it correct that I need to add form load and form submit rules for each field? I think I can manage this by copying your example, but I just need to get the xml and secondary connections up and running first for all our fields.

 

Thanks again so much for your help, and kind regards,

Tom  

Go to the data tab in the ribbon, and find the button for resource files - then from there you can export the XML file & add fields as needed. Then add the resource file back, and under the data connections, walk through the wizard again to update the schema in the data connection. You will need to add to your form load and form submit to handle the new fields the same way - let me know if you get stuck or need a hand. :)

 Hi Hilary, thanks again for your quick response and help - happy to say I've found what you're looking for (was kind of playing around with that already if I'm honest) - and I think I can manage to get most of my form working as soon as I set up individual form load and form submit rules for each field :)

The only thing I am still unclear about is how to create a people picker field (that would link to our company directory) in the XML file, and how to then connect it - maybe you know how?

I promise that I'm nearly there, so soon all the technical issues will be behind me I hope :)

Thanks again,

Tom

You won't be able to bind a people picker to the XML file, I'm afraid.

 Ah that's a shame: I'd ask why, but I'm sure there is a good (and likely complicated) reason for it...

I might try to add a people picker in a separate repeating section that's not backed by the secondary data connection then, just in case - will report if I get anywhere.

Otherwise will have to settle for a text field I guess, in which case I'm optimistically expecting I'll be ok from here!

Thank you so much for your help, you've really been incredible!

Have a nice day+weekend!

Glad I could help, let me know if you get stuck. :)

 Hi again Hilary, first of all thanks again for all your help - by now the form is pretty much where it should be, and we've managed to solve all our (old and new) problems along the way.

Regarding the people picker though, if we cannot put it in the secondary XML file, do you know if it is at least possible to have it populate with the previous entry each time there is an additional skill added? (so people only have to enter it once)

I am trying to figure out how to set the default value to the preceding sibling, but can't figure out the syntax unfortunately, and can't seem to find it.

 

So perhaps you can help me out with this by giving an example of the Xpath I need to enter? thanks a lot!

Maybe ../../../preceding-sibling::my:SharePointListItem_RW/my:Editor/pc:Person/pc:AccountId for the account ID?

 thanks again as always for your quick response Hilary, I had tried ../preceding-sibling::my:SharePointListItem_RW/my:/pc:Person/pc:AccountId, but not ../../../preceding-sibling::my:SharePointListItem_RW/my:Editor/pc:Person/pc:AccountId  (so with the editor and extra syntax)


I will give it a go as soon as I can (hopefully tomorrow) and update! :)

 

thanks again! 

[SOLVED - I just found out that all I need to do to prevent losing information is by unchecking the "Refresh value when formula is calculated" option in the properties of each field]

Hi Hilary,
I have the same problem here and I'm glad if you can help me with this.
In the attach template, you can find there are 3 sections and I only want the middle one to repeat. I have add rules to hide the 2 other sections. In preview mode it works perfectly.
However, when I publish it to the list and try in the browser it doesn't work as expected. The information is disappearing when I go to the new field. I know that we can use XML for a helper container to solve this, but don't know how to do it.
Could you please help me with this problem.
Thank you very much.