About data validation

Microsoft Office InfoPath 2003

Show All Show All

About data validation

Data validation can be used to display error alerts when users enter incorrect values into a form. Rather than checking for errors after a form is completed, data validation verifies values as the form is being filled out.

Working with data validation when filling out a form

Microsoft Office InfoPath 2003 automatically checks the data you type into a form and displays an error alert if the value does not match the condition specified by the data validation rule. If a value you enter does not match the specified condition, an error alert provides you with immediate feedback.

Error alerts can be either dialog box alerts or inline alerts. You can correct errors immediately, or you can use the commands on the Tools menu to navigate through and correct all the errors in a form at once. Uncorrected errors are marked with a dashed red border. Required entries are marked with a red asterisk or, for some types of controls, a dashed red border. To see details about the error, you can right-click the control.

If you save a form without fixing the errors, you will be reminded about the errors with a dialog box alert. You can save forms with validation errors, but you cannot submit them.

Working with data validation when designing a form

Data validation is always associated with a specific control and occurs when a user fills out a form. Note that InfoPath verifies a condition by checking the value of the field that is bound to the control, not the control itself.

ShowTypes of data validation

ShowTypes of error alerts

ShowSchema-based validation

To test a data validation constraint, including the conditions and error alerts, preview your form and enter valid and invalid data into the control you want to test. Error alerts will appear in the preview exactly as they appear to your users.

Note  The information in this topic may not apply if you are working with a form designed using Microsoft Office InfoPath 2003 without the service pack installed. Learn more