autoenter a date

[15a0]

I have a simple master detail database.

the detail records are very basic:

just a date and a number. The number field is not sequential.

When I add new records I would like to have be able to have a "dummy" field on the form(or be prompted to enter a date).

Then, when I go to edit mode and enter a new detail record I would like to have FM auto enter that date (so I don't have to keep typing it over and over again).

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated

Edited November 5, 2008 by Guest
added Type

[Fitch]

Define another date field. In the field's options, set its storage to global. Put this field, let's call it gDate, on the layout, perhaps in the header.

In your existing date field's options, set it to auto-enter a calculation, which will simply be: gDate.

Now you're ready to go. Enter a date into your gDate field, create a new record, and its date will be what you entered in gDate.

[LaRetta]

You can also use Auto-Enter 'Value from last visited record.' But if you go to a different record and change the date, the new records will then inherit this date instead unless you again type the correct date. I prefer global method for automating data-entry but I wanted to mention it because it CAN come in handy at times (when you are not allowed to change the field data during that same session). When you exit the table and go back in, there is no 'prior' value.

A User could get in trouble if they don't pay attention but that would be true whether Auto-Enter using a global or Auto-Enter from Last Visited. :wink2:

[15a0]

Thanks for the suggestion. I tried it and it does work on a single basic layout. However, I should have mentioned that I want to this in a "portal" where I am entering the date in the "detail" side of the portal.

In that scenario when I added (and updated) the gDate field (on the header side of the parent record) and then clicked in the detail date field, nothing happend...

As I said this does work on a single basic form, not sure how to apply it to detail records in a portal scenario...

any suggestions let me know

thanks again for your response!

Jeff Henke

[Fitch]

Clicking in the date field is not the same as creating a new record. When you create the related record, it should have no problem auto-entering from a global field. Are you needing help in creating the record?

[15a0]

Thanks for the insight. You are correct, on the single form where it worked I did "Insert a new record".

Taking that approach, I tried that same operation on the Portal Layout. Unfortunately, it adds a new parent record, not in the detail (child record).

So, as silly as it sounds it looks like I do need a few pointers on the correct way to insert a new record so the auto-enter date field works.

Guess I'm more of a beginner than I thought.

Thanks for whatever additional guidance you are able to provide.