Form clears when going"back" after failed validation

[Scott]

Hello,

I am using FrontPage 2003 and use the form handler to email me the results
of the information entered into the form. I use validation on most fields
and use the "failed validation page" if all information does not meet the
criteria. That all works fine.

My problem is that when a person inputs such data that fails validation, my
site takes them to the "failed validation" page. Fine. But if the user click
back to fix the error of his ways - all of their data entered is gone. Since
it is a lengthy process for the user to enter his/her data, the user gets
frustrated and enters again, or just forgets it. THen they really get upset
if they make another mistake and they have to come back to yet another
"cleared" form to start over.

Is there any way to keep the form from resetting after going to the "Failed
validation" page then coming back? I have read to eliminate the "failed
validation" page and use the FP default, however, the form still clears. I
also read to open the form in a new window, that does not help.

I am computer literate but cannot program in any web language - my reason
for using FP2003. SO hopefully, any friendly advice would be within the
constraints of what I can point and click in frontpage. In other words, a
suggestion of HTML code wouldn't do me any good, although appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[Rob Giordano \(Crash\)]

Nothing point and click in FP's form handler will do what you want. You'd
have to use a different method, and that would depend on what your host
server supports...php, asp.net, etc.



--
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rob Giordano
Microsoft MVP Expression





| Hello,
|
| I am using FrontPage 2003 and use the form handler to email me the results
| of the information entered into the form. I use validation on most fields
| and use the "failed validation page" if all information does not meet the
| criteria. That all works fine.
|
| My problem is that when a person inputs such data that fails validation,
my
| site takes them to the "failed validation" page. Fine. But if the user
click
| back to fix the error of his ways - all of their data entered is gone.
Since
| it is a lengthy process for the user to enter his/her data, the user gets
| frustrated and enters again, or just forgets it. THen they really get
upset
| if they make another mistake and they have to come back to yet another
| "cleared" form to start over.
|
| Is there any way to keep the form from resetting after going to the
"Failed
| validation" page then coming back? I have read to eliminate the "failed
| validation" page and use the FP default, however, the form still clears.
I
| also read to open the form in a new window, that does not help.
|
| I am computer literate but cannot program in any web language - my reason
| for using FP2003. SO hopefully, any friendly advice would be within the
| constraints of what I can point and click in frontpage. In other words, a
| suggestion of HTML code wouldn't do me any good, although appreciated.
|
| Thank you.

 

[Ronx]

Don't use the failed validation page.

Set up the validation with JavaScript only. This will alert users to
invalid inputs without reloading the form, but any users with JavaScript
disabled will not have the data validated.

To add to Rob's post, the best solution is client side JavaScript (to
avoid reloading the page) followed by server side validation using asp,
php, asp.NET - whichever your host supports. The server side scripting
can point out errors, while reloading the page with completed data.

 

[BOB]

Rob, I have the same problem, exactly and know your frustrations. My form
use to work when I first setup, a few years ago, but stopped about 2 years
ago. I've tried adding java script, had pros re script etc. still doesn't
work. I've currently been working with PHP which works from the server, but
not near as nice a form as I created with FP, it's just simple nuts and bolts
(see at Form-Maker.com I purchased Pro) . Anyway, what I did, and still do,
because FP is far superior for us novices to use, and creates much nicer
forms, is on my form I made a note for my customers, either do not use the
return to page link at the bottom of the error validation page and use the
back arrow, to return to the form with the data still in tacked, or if they
already did use the return to page link, just click on the back arrow at the
top of the now blank form twice, and it will return to the form they filled
out. If you notice, put your cursor on the return to page link at the bottom
of the error validation page, and look and see that it is linked to your
original page which when clicked takes you to a new page. It should be
linked to return to previous page, bringing you back to the filled in form.
I've tried everything, with help, and there is no way to change the link.
Anyway, a bummer way to use a form, but customers can return to their filled
in form the way I described. Bob