I am setting up value lists together with pop up menus. The value list is taken from two fields (code number & description), with the second field being displayed in the pop up menu. The first value list I set up works as it should. The description is displayed and the code number is stored behind the scenes. BUT, every value list I've set up since does not work. It is only displaying the code number. The description is displayed in the pop up menu, but when selected, the code number goes to the field. I've went through it time after time and made sure I wasn't doing something different by accident. It is set up identical to the first. Any ideas why the first value list works perfect and now every other one doesn't? :

FM 8.5 Advanced, Win XP

It sounds like you've been attaching the drop-down list instead of a popup menu. Drop-down will display the description but always, after selection, display the code regardless of what you request in the value list. 'Display second value' is just that - only displaying while selecting. Only popup retains the displayed value.

Many developers don't like popup but I sure do because popups FORCE valid selection so it's perfect for value lists (particularly keys) because it won't allow error (users must choose a valid code or delete it, no mis-typing possible) and it leaves the description displayed as well. Check your field control setup and see what control style is selected.

We are all hoping that drop-downs will be improved (in this way) in the next version.

Thanks for your reply.

Unfortunately, I double checked and I am surely using the pop-up menu, not the drop down menu.

I believe I may have found the problem with this. I am getting this value list from a different database file. Its seems FM does not allow the "display 2nd field" capability while using an external file source. If I set up the value list locally in the same file, it works fine... just not using an external file.

Anyone else run in to the problem?

Many developers don't like popup but I sure do because popups FORCE valid selection so it's perfect for value lists (particularly keys) because it won't allow error (users must choose a valid code or delete it, no mis-typing possible) and it leaves the description displayed as well.

I like pop-ups, but they do have weaknesses. I can think of two ways to get undesirable data into a field with all entry options including pop ups. You can Shift-select putting multiple values into the field and you can paste into a pop up (as you can with a checkbox and radio buttons).

Good tools, but not perfect.

Its seems FM does not allow the "display 2nd field" capability while using an external file source.

It works fine for me (checked in 8.5 and 9).

It works fine for me (checked in 8.5 and 9).

grrr... that frustrates me!! I tried it again and it still does not work. I am sure I am setting it up correctly since it does work when I have it set up locally... :

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You stated you tried it. Can you try something for me? Try setting up 2 fields with value lists from an external file.

If I set up one, it works... BUT when I set up another field on the same layout with another value list, that one does not work... or any other ones after that. Just that first one works...

Can you see if multiple VL's work for you?

It works, though I am not sure what do you mean exactly. I have two tables in another file, and two value lists in the 'local' file based on values in the other file.

I suggest you post a simple demo showing the problem. Also make sure you are patched with the latest update to 8.5.