ejefferson213
asked on
Validating multiple fields prior to database record insertion/update
I've got 3 fields on a form, start time, end time and duration; pretty simple and I'm trying to validate them. Start time and end time are optional if duration is provided. Likewise if start and end times are provided, duration will be calculated automatically if not provided. If all 3 are present, duration must be the difference between the start and end times. Finally, start time without end time is prohibited and visa-versa.
I was attempting to validate this in the Before_Update event but since I have all the validation code present, checking all the conditions, when entering a new db record, I'm getting lots of error messages informing me of conditions I know aren't correct because I haven't entered the data yet. What I seem to need is an event that gets fired just before the record is to be written so I can validate all fields together not each individually since there is a dependency. How can this validation be done without the use of an Update/Insert button type of logic?
I was attempting to validate this in the Before_Update event but since I have all the validation code present, checking all the conditions, when entering a new db record, I'm getting lots of error messages informing me of conditions I know aren't correct because I haven't entered the data yet. What I seem to need is an event that gets fired just before the record is to be written so I can validate all fields together not each individually since there is a dependency. How can this validation be done without the use of an Update/Insert button type of logic?
ASKER
Thank you for your prompt reply. Actually, I have both but I could adjust that I suppose. However, reading some documentation, it appears that after a control field's BeforeUpdate event is handled, the form's BeforeUpdate event is fired. So even if I remove the field's BeforeUpdate event, the form's BeforeUpdate event will fire (prematurely in my case) resulting in my same issue. I'm back to needing something to trigger after all fields have been entered so I can collectively validate them.
did you try it?
the form's before update should fire when you moved to another record in editing record or adding new records.
the form's before update should fire when you moved to another record in editing record or adding new records.
ASKER
I removed the events for each of the fields leaving only the form's BeforeUpdate event and it's acting as before. If I try entering a start time and tab to the end time field, my validation rules are firing stating that an end time is needed if a start time is provided. It looks like I'll need to provide an update button for each line of my datasheet (YUK!) unless there are other alternatives.
if you are validating the fields in the form's beforeupdate event, you don't need the validation rules in your controls and fields.
ASKER
I've removed the events for the controls and eliminated the validation in the table fields. Therefore, the only thing left is the BeforeUpdate event on the form. It's weird, it's validating the fields when moving between the fields on the form rather than at the end when moving off of this new entry. I've downgraded my validation so I'm "by" the problem but I'd like to know how to resolve this more fully. Thanks again.
how about the form's controls validation ?
ASKER
This form is actually a subform and it has a BeforeUpdate event which is the only place where the validation is taking place. No validation is being done on the individual fields or in the main form. Hopefully that answers your question.
did you open the form in design view, select the control, hit f4, click the Data tab, look in the property Validation Rule, Validation Text
ASKER
Did as you said and no field on the form has a validation rule or validation text.
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ASKER
To use this app:
1). Open database
2). Open form TimeSheetUseridPassword
3). In Name box, select EJ
4). Enter the password abc and click on submit
5). Click on Add/Change Times
6). Try entering a new time sheet
Thank you.
DebuggingTimeSheets.mdb
1). Open database
2). Open form TimeSheetUseridPassword
3). In Name box, select EJ
4). Enter the password abc and click on submit
5). Click on Add/Change Times
6). Try entering a new time sheet
Thank you.
DebuggingTimeSheets.mdb
ASKER
BTW, when using the form to enter a date, the field has a Format of Short Data and an input mask of 09/09/0099;0;_ When the cursor is placed in that field to enter information and valid numbers entered, it immediately (not when moving to another field) says: "The value you entered isn't appropriate for the input mask '09/09/0099;0;_' specified for this field. Do you have any idea why that would be? The digits are numeric and it ultimately takes it anyway. (I'm sure you'll experience the same thing.)
ASKER
After recreating the form, the problem disappeared. Thanks for working with me to attempt a fix!!!!
use the form's beforeupdate event to validate the values.