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Data validation (data validation: The process of testing the accuracy of data; a set of rules you can apply to a control to specify the type and range of data that users can enter.) can be used to display error alerts when users enter incorrect values into a form. Rather than checking for errors after a form is completed, data validation verifies values as the form is being filled out.

Working with data validation when filling out a form

Microsoft Office InfoPath 2003 automatically checks the data you type into a form and displays an error alert if the value does not match the condition specified by the data validation rule. If a value you enter does not match the specified condition, an error alert provides you with immediate feedback.

Error alerts can be either dialog box alerts (dialog box alert: A data validation alert that opens a dialog box with a custom error message when invalid data is entered into a control.) or inline alerts (inline alert: A data validation alert that marks controls that contain invalid data with a dashed red border. Users can right-click controls to display custom error messages.). You can correct errors immediately, or you can use the commands on the Tools menu to navigate through and correct all the errors in a form at once. Uncorrected errors are marked with a dashed red border. Required entries are marked with a red asterisk or, for some types of controls, a dashed red border. To see details about the error, you can right-click the control.

If you save a form without fixing the errors, you will be reminded about the errors with a dialog box alert. You can save forms with validation errors, but you cannot submit them.

Working with data validation when designing a form

Data validation is always associated with a specific control (control: A graphical user interface object, such as a text box, check box, scroll bar, or command button, that lets users control the program. You use controls to display data or choices, perform an action, or make the user interface easier to read.) and occurs when a user fills out a form. Note that InfoPath verifies a condition by checking the value of the field (field: An element or attribute in the data source that can contain data. If the field is an element, it can contain attribute fields. Fields store the data that is entered into controls.) that is bound (bind: To connect a control to a field or group in the data source so that data entered into the control is saved. When a control is unbound, it is not connected to a field or group, and so data entered into the control will not be saved.) to the control, not the control itself.

Types of data validation

Types of error alerts

Schema-based validation

To test a data validation constraint, including the conditions and error alerts, preview your form and enter valid and invalid data into the control you want to test. Error alerts will appear in the preview exactly as they appear to your users.

Note  The information in this topic may not apply if you are working with a form designed using Microsoft Office InfoPath 2003 without the service pack installed.