General

Re: Smart Way to Add Comments / Application Notes in a Form

cbrown00 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 04:39:05 GMT

FYI: the form template has already been saved as an InfoPath 2003 template.

Using either version (Blog Post; InfoPathDev), I can't seem to do much when I access Tools-->Programming-->On Context Change Event.

With Blog version, it does not allow me to right-click top level project node per Blog instructions pasted below:

1. Tools >> Programming >> Context Changed Event; this will create the VSTA project and insert the "Context Changed" event handler. 2. Add the "CustomTaskPane.cs" file to your project · Right-click the top-level project node. · Click "Add" >> "Existing Item…" · Browse to the "CustomTaskPane.cs" file and click "Add".

· IMPORTANT: Edit the Namespace of the "CustomTaskPane.cs" file to be the same as that of your form code file.

It looks like most of the toolbar menu items are not turned on like it doesn't want me to make change. Is there a form setting somewhere that I need to re-set so I can make a change like this?

With InfoPath Dev version, I open the manifest.xsn and attempt to get into "On Context Change Event", but I get notice that says InfoPath cannot add the event handler and that VSTA is required.

Perhaps this can't be done....developing in InfoPath 2007, saving down to be compatible to InfoPath 2003?

Re: Smart Way to Add Comments / Application Notes in a Form

Hilary Stoupa — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:56:51 GMT

Then, if you are creating an IP 2003 compatible template, you may want to use the method downloaded in the sample from this site. If you use the sample from the blog post, you'll need to be sure to use IP 2003 compatible code and modify the C# sample from the blog post.

Re: Smart Way to Add Comments / Application Notes in a Form

cbrown00 — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:32:57 GMT

I'm using InfoPath 2007, but creating standalone form template that must run on 2003.

Re: Smart Way to Add Comments / Application Notes in a Form

Hilary Stoupa — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:48:14 GMT

You should take a look at the form's resource files (Tools / Resource Files). The HTML file is specified as a custom task pane.

As to the blog post -- I don't believe the Context Changed event requires full trust. Try running their sample with domain trust. Are you using IP 2003 or IP 2007? The IPDev sample is suitable for 2003, the blog post will work with 2007.

Re: Smart Way to Add Comments / Application Notes in a Form

cbrown00 — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:04:00 GMT

Hilary:

I just saw the blog post that describes more about the process. Thx. I will pursue that. It looks like alot of work involved to create and deploy a fully trusted form. Is it just a click in the Tools-->Forms-->Options?

Re: Smart Way to Add Comments / Application Notes in a Form

cbrown00 — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:51:51 GMT

Hilary, got it opened. Thx. This looks really good for what I'm trying to do. Here is what it says by way of guidelines:

Use an HTML task pane to display dynamic, rich (HTML) help.

Dynamically update help as focus field changes in form.

Use a polling loop to get current focus field with GetContextNodes method.

Secondary data source for storing help text.

Accessing main and secondary DOMs from task pane.

Use of resource files.

String object extensions

I looked at all of the data node and control properties and do not see where the programming is to make the above happen. I do see the secondary data source. How do I invoke the the appropriate HTML task pane moving from control to control? How do I "use a polling loop to get current focus field with GetContextNodes method"? I looked in the "value" property field and do not see any strings there invoking a command. I'm sure this is done elsewhere but don't know where to look.

Re: Smart Way to Add Comments / Application Notes in a Form

Hilary Stoupa — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:33:11 GMT

Go into the SP1, JScript file and right click manifest.xsf. Select Design. This will open the sample form in design mode so you can preview it. There is some description in the sample -- basically, some resource files were added to make an interactive task pane. Here's a great blog post by the InfoPath Team that describes a similar scenario.

Tool tips are the little things that pop up when you hover over something. For form controls, you can find a place to write your own on the Advanced tab of the control's properties.

Re: Smart Way to Add Comments / Application Notes in a Form

cbrown00 — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 02:28:48 GMT

Qazi:

What are “tool tips”? Do you mean screen tips? If so, I don’t know how to create those. Hilary:

I downloaded the file. When uncompressed, it has 2 folders SP1 and V1 that have the elements of InfoPath file, but none of the files open. It also has a “Help Me” file that opens and a link to download a file; when I click it, it takes me back to InfoPathDev.com. Can you advise what I am supposed to do with the downloaded files?

I’m such a noob! Thx!

Re: Smart Way to Add Comments / Application Notes in a Form

Hilary Stoupa — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:53:47 GMT

You should also check out this download that has a sample dynamic help task pane -- as the user selects a field, you can put all of your guidance in the task pane for the field.

Re: Smart Way to Add Comments / Application Notes in a Form

Qazi Anis — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 06:00:23 GMT

you can use tool tips also, that might be better. depending on your requirement and UI

Smart Way to Add Comments / Application Notes in a Form

cbrown00 — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 05:28:01 GMT

I want to add extended user guidance / application notes in a form. Some of the notes are currently located in collapsing tables. I would like to be able to co-locate them next to fields the way one can access comments in MS Excel in a cell. I'm wondering if there is a smart way to do this in InfoPath or if the collapsible table is the best way. The application notes include things like glossaries, tips, etc.