>Hello:
>
>I have a form that users must mandatory entries into textboxes
>before they exit the screen and move on to another screen.
>
>For example:
>
>If empty(act_plan.startdate)
>=messagebox("You must enter a Startdate for your Intervention!", 48, "CATS")
> this.parent.text1.setfocus()
>Endif
>
>I have this code in the save button and if nothing entered it sets focus to that field until something is entered. I also have this code in the exit button on the form. If they inadvertly hit the exit button I get the message, it doesn't set focus to the textbox
>and continues on and releases the form.
>
>How can I ensure that they fill this textbox and not exit the screen
>screen? Does this code belong in the "valid" of the textbox as well?
>Any input would be appreciated.
>Thanks.
>

Hi Sheena,

I'd put the code in .Valid. This will prevent them from exiting the field if they fail to enter valid data. There are other issues that can arise from this. For example, what if they want to abort the process entirely? If there are optional entries, you'll have to track the ones that aren't optional and not allow the form to be closed.