Deny Entry but Still Allow Find

[StephenMai]

I have a selection list that is modified in a data entry layout and then is locked in a reporting layout. The data is set once and then is not to be modified. The users would like to be able to use this field in their searches from the Report layout, but even in Find Mode the field does not allow "modification". Any easy way to do this other than create anther layout to jump to in a "find" script?

[CobaltSky]

I suggest that you leave your field set with "Allow entry" turned off, and attach a script to it along the lines of:

If ["Status(CurrentMode)"]

Go to Field ["YourField"

Else

Show Message ["This field is not modifiable"]

EndIf

Then, clicking on the field in Browse Mode will have no effect (and the field will not be included in the tab order), but clicking on the field in Find Mode will place the cursor in it so that users can enter search criteria.

Finding and creation of new records will not be a problem, but users will nevertheless be prevented from changing its contents.

Alternatively, if you prefer, a similar effect could be achieved by creating a calculation which references the field, and placing that on the report layout instead of the field itself - with 'allow entery turned on, which is not a problem since calc fields can't be modified (however to facilitate searching, the calc would need to be stored and indexed - and this would add slightly to the storage requirements of the file).