Many text fields in my database have Maximum character counts defined for them -- but only as a way to keep users from casually entering large blocks of text that might exceed what is provided for on most displays and printouts. But since larger blocks of content are sometimes necessary, I’ve enabled FMP’s feature to allow the user to override the limit, making it a “soft limit”. The problem is the phrasing that FileMaker uses in the popup dialog:

“The contents of this field cannot exceed 100 characters. Allow this invalid entry?”

This is confusing for the user. A larger entry isn’t “Invalid” -- it will be processed just fine. I would like to detune the message to make it appropriate for this use. I recall seeing (months ago) these messages in some file -- a language file, perhaps -- but I can’t find them now. Does anyone recall where they are stored?

Any help will be appreciated.

P.S. I know in FMP 10, I could use script triggers to arm every field with a Soft Check -- but there are nearly 100 of these fields. Making a single adjustment for the entire application is a better way.

A custom message is an option when setting up field validation. I am not aware of a way to adjust it "globally" for all fields at once.

Thanks for the response.

Unfortunately, that would require a "restatement" of the database file, which isn't practical at this point (this application uses the separation model).

If anyone knows, I'd still like to know which file those messages are in. If I find out, I'll post it.

You mean you want to hack the application?

Adapt it. Correct an oversight. Remedy a erroneous message. Give the user greater confidence in the software they're using. All of the above.

I think you'll find the answer here:

http://fmforums.com/forum/showpost.php?post/278957/

(I wash my hands of it.)

Very enlightening. Thanks.

(Point taken.)