Modify the data source for a bi-weekly timecard

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RichardC - 08 Nov 2006 15:09 GMT

I am trying to modify the existing template for a timecard to accommodate 2
weeks at a time. I am very inexperienced in working with data sources but
not a complete dummy. I tried copying and pasting the first week and that
obviously did not work since it is still tied to the original data source. I
need to create a data source for the second week but do not want to screw
anything up and do not want to get in over my head and lost.

I created what I need in a spreadsheet and it works fine for our needs but
InfoPath looks like a much greater tool for this sort of thing.

I will probably have several other questions as this project goes on but
this will help immensely for now. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I can be messaged directly at richardc@hosannahouse.org

Thanks in advance for any advice and help.
Richard

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Russ - 08 Nov 2006 15:26 GMT

One way to do this would be from the data source pane in design mode:
This assumes that all the fields for the first week are contained in a group
called weekOne.
Create a new group in your data source called weekTwo. Then, for each field
you need copied from weekOne to weekTwo, right click on that field (again, in
the data source pane) and select "reference". Then select the weekTwo folder
in the dialog that appears, and click OK.

Hope that helps.

> I am trying to modify the existing template for a timecard to accommodate 2
> weeks at a time. I am very inexperienced in working with data sources but
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
> Thanks in advance for any advice and help.
> Richard

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RichardC - 08 Nov 2006 15:38 GMT

First, thank you for helping and for the quick response.

I definitely understand what you are telling me but may be shaky on the
details. Let me say that I am modifying (or trying) an existing template
that came from MS. That said, all the fields are locked. Does this matter
when referencing? Would I be better off creating all new fields/groups for
my form and referencing the locked ones?

The things is, the form in its original state is almost perfectly what I
need. I need to remove some fields and add some others, but most of it
(aside the background stuff) will be unchanged.

Thanks again.

> One way to do this would be from the data source pane in design mode:
> This assumes that all the fields for the first week are contained in a group
[quoted text clipped - 23 lines]
> > Thanks in advance for any advice and help.
> > Richard

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Russ - 08 Nov 2006 16:11 GMT

If you're working directly from one of the sample forms you are severely
limited in how you can modify the data source. No removing elements, no
copying elements, no modifying existing elements. So if all you need to do
is add a new week, you could add the needed elements to your data source,
create a copy of the controls in your form, and rebind the controls to the
new data elements.

Removing controls from the form is possible, but you will still have the
elements sitting in the data source.

> First, thank you for helping and for the quick response.
>
[quoted text clipped - 37 lines]
> > > Thanks in advance for any advice and help.
> > > Richard

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RichardC - 08 Nov 2006 17:48 GMT

You are right, I am limiting my self. I am starting over with a blank
template. I am going to refer to the sample in regards to form and
structure. If you wouldn't mind, I have several questions, of which I will
post as I move forward. I really appreciate the help.

My first is inserting pictures..this is an age old procedure that should be
quite simple, yet when I do it, I get a red X as if the file is non-existent.
What would cause this and how can it be remedied? The file does exist, i
pointed/browsed to it.

If it helps, you can message me directly richardc@hosannahouse.org or keep
it in the post.

Thanks.

> If you're working directly from one of the sample forms you are severely
> limited in how you can modify the data source. No removing elements, no
[quoted text clipped - 47 lines]
> > > > Thanks in advance for any advice and help.
> > > > Richard

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