Newbie Questions

Re: Filtering Combo box data based on choice made in another combo box.

ashfaq2003 — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:19:32 GMT

Thanks for this very useful post. I need some urgent help i-e I have a combo named department and another one is Department Head both these combo boxes are being filled by SharePoint Lists.

I want to filter Department Had combo based on value selected in Department. Further, the Department Head lists contains two columns named Department Head and its email. Once user selects department head its email will be captured and email notification will be sent to that user using state machine workflow. I need urgent help in both these cases.

Regards,

Ishfaque Memon

Re: Filtering Combo box data based on choice made in another combo box.

Hilary Stoupa — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 18:40:28 GMT

Create an XML file that has the data you need for you repeating fields. I've attached a sample form. The XML file is added as a resource file and a data conneciton is created that uses it, so the data stays with the form. The dropdowns then use the XML data. Save the xsn locally, right-click and select Design to open in Design mode so you can preview. The resource file can be exported (Tools / Resource Files in IP 2007 -- Data tab in IP 2010) so you can see the XML.

Re: Filtering Combo box data based on choice made in another combo box.

mubash — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 04:56:54 GMT

i tried doing it using conditional formatting. Used multiple combo boxes and have hidden them if the condition is false. but this results in a flicker in my repeating section. The moment i insert a repeating section, it expands and contract. This is beceause first it loads all the combo boxes then checks for the condition and then hides it.

Can you please elaborate the method you suggested of using an XML file.

Re: Filtering Combo box data based on choice made in another combo box.

Hilary Stoupa — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 18:23:11 GMT

I'm afraid you aren't, if you aren't using an external data source.

You could have multiple combo box controls, and show / hide them via conditional formatting, if you are commited to your current design. I'd highly recommend using an XML file in the form for the data source for your combo boxes instead, because then you could filter.

Filtering Combo box data based on choice made in another combo box.

mubash — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 08:54:36 GMT

I have two combo boxes. Values in one are based on the selection made in another combo box.

The values for both the combo boxes is entered using combo box properties. and no external data source.

How can i filter the data appearing in the second combo box based on the selection made in first combo box in infopath 2007.