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AMysticWeb -> RE: FORMS. How to, why and what (8/24/2006 1:53:22)
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Follow-up per request. Newbies might want to take a peek and Oldbies you've got this down to a science.
First, there are a number of useful tutorials on FrontPage forms here at OutFront.
Second You can stop by my site as well for introductory tutes on FP forms and some script examples you may find useful.
Don't even think about giving up! Check the tutes, follow the directions and then if your published form isn't working properly, post a thread here and include your "form page" URL so we can have a look.
Gill, covered the bases well and provided some useful links.
Getting started:
Many of you will be satisfied with a simple Send to: form. This is one that sends to email and optional file.
Before you set up your form, make sure the extensions are enabled for the form page.
In 2000 & 2002, this will be found in Tools >> Page Options >> Compatibility and check "Enabled with Microsoft FrontPage Server Extensions". If you miss this step, you may find the Send to: option dimmed. While you are there, make sure that "Automatically enclose form fields within a form" is not checked. This will be found in Page Options under the General tab.
In 2003, go to Tools >> Page Options >> Authoring and check both Browse-time Web Components and Author-time Web Components. As in '00 and '02, uncheck "Automatically enclose form fields within a form" under General here as well.
Keep in mind as Gill points out, the FrontPage Extensions are required to be operating properly on the destination server and you must use FrontPage File >> Publish Web to http location. If you have used FTP previously, this likely corrupted the extensions. Also when you do go to Publish Web, you may have to reinstall the FPSE (FrontPage Server Extensions) from your site control panel or ask your host (once again as Gill already mentioned). If you have used FTP, make sure that FrontPage doesn't' default to ftp destination when you do your first Publish Web. Just look at the publish URL and change it to your site http URL as Gill mentioned.
Form Basics:
Until you become proficient with FP forms, do a test form for starters. Just a simple one field form.
Start by Insert >> Form >> Form.
Now Insert >> Form >> One-line textbox. Don't worry about labeling or naming the field.
When you are here, set Form Properties. Just a single email. Use site mail, e.g. webmaster@yourdomain.com
When you click OK you will be faced with the infamous "Disk based web" message asking you to remove the email recipient. Ignore this and click "No".
Now follow the publish process above, open the newly published page and just hit submit to see what happens. If you get the default confirmation page then you are in business. Go back and set your form up. Start with a new page. To keep your labels and fields lined up try using a 2 column multi row table (number of rows based on the number of fields you will be using). No border usually looks good for starters. Place the name of the field on the left and the field itself on the right.
Don't copy fields for use with other labels. Always Insert >> Form >> form field. Copying them will cause problems except with Radios which I explain on my site.
Now you can add Validation. Best not to do this until you know your server supports the FrontPage form and you have it published and working.
Make sure the page has either a .htm or .html extension when using Send to:
Remember FrontPage help can answer many questions you have. I have been using FrontPage since '98 and still poke around FP Help occasionally.
Read the forum posts and answers. I learn something every day here.
Before I forget. Just remember FrontPage forms are fun!
I will offer a couple of links. Some of these are affiliated with other unnamed forums, but I consider them invaluable.
Tina @ http://AccessFP.net Lots of FrontPage tutorials for various versions. Tips on FP Message Board etc.
Mike @ http://TexasWebDevelopers.com Too much stuff to list. Quite a bit of it is form, JavaScript and ASP related.
http://FrontPageHowTo.com FrontPage and database as well as ASP.
Many of the contributors to OutFront have tutorials and tips on their sites and I have additional useful inks on my site.
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