Is there some what to allow users to edit, except certain fields? In essence, I want to "protect" two fields only out of dozens. I am still a beginner at this and can't seem to find info that such differentiation can be made. I am still learning (but making progress!).

Hi,

There are several ways to do this, also depending on the kind of protection you want.

You could simply block field entry permanently using 'Field Format' in layout mode eventually combined with scripted access to those fields if the field entry should be less then permanent.

Further possibilities are using field validation or making separate layouts in which the access to certain fields is blocked.

Can you be more specific as to what you actually want to achieve?

Regards.

Ernst.

Thanks for offering help. Here's what I have done. I created a file called "Contacts" for all the patients into our dental office. In the Contacts file, I created a button that says "Create Patient Register." It opens a new record (via Extrernal Script) in the file "Patient Register" that inserts the unique info from the Patient ID number field from the Contacts file. The Patient ID is a serial alpha-numeric that is generated when a new record is created (i.e., when the office gets a new patient) in the Contacts file. The file "Patient Register" will track all patient services rendered, including procedures, payments and fees. That information will come in from another file (which is the next step I'm about to create) that will serve as a Journal for all entries for all patients. In the Patient Register file, there is a possibility that there will be changes (e.g., enhanced details of the description of services) after it is moved in and I'd like to be able to make some changes as necessary. What worries me is that I don't want anyone--since several people will have access to that file--to alter either the Patient ID or the shorthand name that also gets generated with the Patient ID. That's how we keep track of everything so it's critical that it doesn't get changed, ever. So in Access, I limited several things like deleting and creating records, but don't want to limit Edit--while still wanting make sure that the two fields in question don't accidently get changed.

Since I am new to this programming process on FMP and am depending on a book, perhaps this is easy stuff! I guess I need to be pointed in the right direction.

THANKS