I built a summary report using the layout report wizard. I wanted to filter out records that were empty in a field called quantity. I did a simple  Find script using "*" in the quantity field. When I ran the script it eliminated all of the records with empty quantity fields, but it also removed all of the sub parts from the report, so I just had a list of records without any of the banded categories I had set up. The Show All Records did not return the original format. I had to recreate the report. Any suggestions?

Perhaps use "="?

Same result, ended up with a straight filtered list.

Answered here: https://fmdev.filemaker.com/message/103742#103742

I just realized not everyone has access to TechNet so here is my response in case someone else hits the same snag:

"When I ran the script it eliminated all of the records with empty quantity fields, but it also removed all of the sub parts from the report, so I just had a list of records without any of the banded categories I had set up."

In Browse mode, you cannot delete a part. What happens is, if you do not sort by the leading part (the break field) then the that grouping and its summaries (or any fields you have placed in the part, will disappear.

So if you create a report with two leading parts - MonthYear and then Category, you MUST sort by MonthYear and then by Category. :-)

Edited December 27, 201213 yr by LaRetta

BTW, to help get correct vision, lists produce found sets ... they cannot filter. Filtering is reserved for related records (including self-join) and filtering can take place relationally in the graph or on the portal. Portal filtering should only be used prudently.

I didn't do a sort, I did a Find. The records that I am trying to remove are in the body. Assuming the Find has the same inherent problem as sort, is there a way to work around the problem?

If you have leading part it MUST be sorted by the part. If you want to delete the body of the report you can do that also - just delete the body of the report after you create it. I suggest you read FM Help on reporting.

I am not sure what you mean about 'inherent problem' as it works as it should. You said it removed the sub parts ... Again ... Reports must be sorted if they include sub-summary parts.

I don't want to delete the body. I want the body to show only records that do not have an empty 'unposted Sales' field.

", but it also removed all of the sub parts from the report, so I just had a list of records without any of the banded categories I had set up. The Show All Records did not return the original format. I had to recreate the report. Any suggestions?"

Then what do you want?

If you perform a find and find all the records you want, sort them by the 'sub parts'

Perform a find for "=" meaning empty.

Got it, I had to re-sort after I did the Find, thanks LaRetta. Confused the sort with thinking you were referring to the original I did.