Can't Edit Text Field

[rollin]

Long time reader, first time poster. I've found this site to be extremely helpful.

I'm bringing an older database back to life with up to date information. I have no problems with any of the fields on pre-existing records, but when I create a new record there are certain text fields that I can't type in. Any ideas on how to solve this?

Not sure if this helps or not, but when I go into layout mode the fields I can't edit have a yellow magnifying glass next to them. The fields I can edit have a green magnifying glass.

Thanks for any help!

[bruceR]

Nope, that is no help. Can you post the file?

[comment]

Check that field entry is allowed (Inspector > Data > Behavior).

[rollin]

I don't think I'm FileMaker smart enough to do that.

[rollin]

Thanks for the tip, but it didn't solve the problem. Any other ideas?

[LaRetta]

I believe that the yellow magnifying glass means a related field.

"I have no problems with any of the fields on pre-existing records, but when I create a new record there are certain text fields that I can't type in."

Okay, so you can enter that field on existing records? Just to be sure, let's eliminate the most common issues. As suggested, from layout mode, be sure Inspector is open ( look at the top toolbar and look for an [color:blue]i. As Comment suggested, once Inspector is open, go to Data tab and look towards the bottom at 'field entry'. Is Browse mode checked or unchecked for 'browse mode.'

If it is checked, then the field is a calculation or more likely, you are trying to enter a related field which doesn't have 'allow creation' on.

correction ... yellow magnifying glass doesn't necessarily mean related field, it means unstored or 'not the best field to find on.' Oh dear, I've forgotten the exact wording; I don't believe it's easy to find in FM Help. :)

[comment]

Any other ideas?

http://fmforums.com/forum/showpost.php?post/336837/

[LaRetta]

Here is the phrase I was looking for: [color:blue]A yellow icon indicates that the field is searchable, but the search might take longer than fields with the green icon. and it was listed in 'Configuring quick find'.

FMI should say why ... that the field is unstored or a related table. FMI also needs to make the explanation of these icons available in ONE place ... the SAME place that they put the explanation of the end-types in the graph. We learn them from experience or hearing others say what they mean but there is no easy index or reference to find this basic information (I realize SOME of the ends are explained but it is weak at best).

C'mon, FMI, giving us a green or yellow magnifier is like providing someone with an idiot-light in their car. Give us oil gauges - we can handle the additional information. :bigshades:

Edited August 5, 2010 by Guest
Added wise crack. ROFLMAO!

[comment]

Like:

[bruceR]

Thanks for the tip, but it didn't solve the problem. Any other ideas?

Upload a copy of the file. Clone (empty of data) if you prefer.

[LaRetta]

Hey Bruce, didn't you check Michael's link? It said the same thing. :wink2:

[LaRetta]

Thank you, Michael.

Where did you find this? I can't find any complete reference listing them all - only bits and pieces here and there. I know that John (Mr_Vodka) had provided a list on FileMaker Forums listing color/description but without the actual icons (but I couldn't find it although I KNOW I saved it).

This will come in handy for reference and I am sure I'm not the only one who appreciates it!

[bruceR]

Hey Bruce, didn't you check Michael's link? It said the same thing.

It said "suggest you upload a copy of your file." ?

The icon color is not telling us anything useful.

I think we need to see the file.

[comment]

Where did you find this?

Nowhere. I made this - using John's list, the help section you found, and a few quick tests as the sources (images courtesy of FMI). And for all I know it still may not be complete.

Back to topic:

If a field allow entry on some records, then it cannot be the field's setting (I missed this point reading the OP).

[LaRetta]

The icon color is not telling us anything useful.

Oh but I believe it DOES tell us something. As I said, if the field is enterable in other records but not new ones and the field has a yellow magnifier, it suggests it is a related field and that, in prior records, the fields can be entered to be modified but new records cannot allow entry because 'allow creation' is not on.

It said "suggest you upload a copy of your file." ?

Well, it gave specific instructions on how to upload a copy of a file. :idunno:

Edited August 6, 2010 by Guest

[comment]

That's funny - I was just testing the same theory:

test.zip

[bruceR]

Hey Bruce, didn't you check Michael's link? It said the same thing.

Well, actually, no it didn't follow the link; I didn't see a reason to.

The question posed in that message was, "Any other ideas?"

And Comment (Michael?) responded with a link and no explanation. I assumed that the link led to further technical ideas.

I suppose you could even say Comment was in this case a little too Bruce-like; too terse. He could have prefaced the link with "We'd like to see a copy of your file; here's how to add an attachment."

[LaRetta]

Well, actually, no it didn't follow the link; I didn't see a reason to. The question posed in that message was, "Any other ideas?" And Comment (Michael?) responded with a link and no explanation. I assumed that the link led to further technical ideas.

You're kidding, right? You don't see any reason to follow a link Michael provides? You would assume that Michael wouldn't have any idea of what might be a good idea and that any 'technical ideas' he provided would not be worth your time? That is sad.

I suppose you could even say Comment was in this case a little too Bruce-like; too terse.

No. Not terse. Concise. He is nowhere near Bruce-like, sorry to disappoint you.

He could have prefaced the link with "We'd like to see a copy of your file; here's how to add an attachment."

He did - you just didn't grok it and that's okay; it's simpler just to say so instead of looking for excuses.

You had asked to see the file. Rollin said "I don't think I'm FileMaker smart enough to do that" and so Michael provided a link on how to attach a file. It was clear to everyone except you and you again asked to see the file, as if you don't remember asking the first time. And now you're too busy fussin' to see the point.

Why don't you instead respond about my statement on why the field isn't enterable and on Michael's test.zip he posted? And if you don't want to even admit that then why don't we at least return to the point - and wait for Rollin to respond?

Edited August 6, 2010 by Guest
Rearranged sentence

[bruceR]

The guesses that have been made about the problems are plausible. But there are lots of surprising ways that people can make mistakes in setting up a file or in understanding how FileMaker works. It remains the case that it will be much easier to provide accurate help if we see the file.