Detecting duplicate field data during data entry?

[CliveW]

Hi,

I have used customer postcodes and field that required a 'Unique' postcode field value during data entry to avoid creating duplicate customer records on my database.

This worked well with FileMaker versions 3 and 4.1 but with FileMaker 7 the onscreen warning of a duplicate does not trigger until I have finished keying-in all the address and customer data. Earlier versions of FileMaker picked up the duplicate as soon as I tabbed out of the postcode field.

I'd appreciate advice if anyone knows how to get round this?

[transpower]

Define postcode, Validation, Unique value. Add custom error message. As soon as you press <TAB> you'll get the message.

[CliveW]

Thank you for the feedback.... I have tried this BUT it still does not seem to validate the postcode field until I have either clicked on the file background (to deselect all fields) or am exiting this record for another or for a new record. Very irritating when you have keyed in all the customer data!!!

Are you working on FileMaker 7?

Are there any specific settings needed in the 'Validate data in this field' section of the dialog box?

[transpower]

Curious. Yes, I'm using Developer 7, as stated in the profile. The method I gave works for me, on XP. I cannot vouch for OS X.