Thursday, September 04, 2008
"cannot get the list schema column property from the SharePoint list"
Have you ever got this error? Recently, when troubleshooting a problem my manager was having while Exporting a custom list from MOSS 2007 WSS 3 to Office Excel 2003 I found a solution.
I found a thread of folks experiencing the same issue. In that thread I found that someone had pinpointed their problem to a date column. They changed the definition from date to 'Single Line Of Text' and then back to "Date" (Date Only) and fixed the problem.
So, I tried that and everything started working again. I have Office 2007 installed on my PC and didn't have this problem. I tested it out in our training room which has Office 2003 installed. Another strangety in SharePoint land but mystery solved on this end.
Other references:
http://epes.wordpress.com/2008/02/09/sharepoint-cannot-get-the-list-schema-column-property-from-the-sharepoint-list/
http://forums.technet.microsoft.com/en-US/sharepointgeneral/thread/5454b84f-6af5-4d3d-9671-45aa4aa9e418/
[update] Apparently, there's a post SP1 hotfix available here --> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/941422
Hope this helps others that might be pulling their hair out. Post a comment if it does.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
This weekend I took it upon myself to upgrade my subText blog to version 2.0. I'm glad I backed up everything before attempting the debacle. My first clue should have been it's only a few days old since it was released. I went through the steps of wiping out all old files and ftp'ing all the new ones and merging my web [dot] config differences. I got an error pointing to an assembly that was suspect. After searching on SourceForge.net forums I downloaded the latest DotNetOpenID assembly and copied it over to the bin folder. Then I got the Upgrading in Progress splash screen. Then, I came across a posting from Paul Wideman. He found the bug in the code related to not working well with partial trust environments like GoDaddy, Webhost4life and others. I downloaded his patch and applied it with TortoiseMerge and compiled the Framework assembly, copied it up to the bin directory - thinking this would fix that problem. Nadda! Still had the Upgrading - be patient screen. So, after 24 hours of my blog being down I made the decision to roll back to version 1.x. And I was so looking forward to the new version 2 features. I apologize to anyone trying to access anything on my blog during this down time. I think I'll wait until a new verified and seasoned version is released.
[update] For my sake as well as others, here are some references of others having problems and how they worked them out:
http://www.kowitz.net/archive/2008/08/15/upgrading-to-subtext-2.0-fail.aspx
Monday, August 04, 2008
I have started a SharePoint resource page. I have been recommending (and still do) some of the great ones out there. However, I have found that some of my experiences and needs differ in a lot of ways. As with others, my resource page has started out as something I use to personally reference in my day-to-day work routine. If it helps others that would be great too. Here's the beginnings of my MOSS SharePoint InfoPath Workflow .NET Resource Page. It will be growing significantly over the coming days.
Waynester's SharePoint Resource page
Monday, July 14, 2008
I thoroughly enjoyed this posting by Jean-Paul S. Boodhoo recently. He gives a link to a very inspiring video of Benjamin Zander speaking on playing the piano with a passion. It can be applied to anything in life.
I wish you'll take some time and let this video move you as it did me.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
[via office.microsoft.com]
If you have access to a server that is running InfoPath Forms Services, you can design a single form template that can be used by two kinds of users — those who have Microsoft Office InfoPath 2007 installed on their computers and those who do not have Microsoft Office InfoPath 2007 installed on their computers. In the latter case, users fill out forms in a supported Web browser, not in InfoPath. If users have InfoPath installed on their computers, they can open the form in InfoPath and use the full range of form features. Users who fill out the form in a browser have access to a more limited set of features, but these users benefit from being able to use the form even though they do not have InfoPath installed on their computers.
Read more at http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/infopath/HA102105871033.aspx
Sunday, June 29, 2008
SNAGIT version 9 has been released. The initial price appears to be $49.95. The upgrade price (from version 8, until August 12, 2008) is only $19.95. I have not upgraded yet myself. If you are not upgrading then the price is pretty steep and I would use a promotional code from them. [CLICK HERE] to find my most current information regarding codes and information for SnagIt.
Otherwise, if you have read my two previous postings regarding version 8 you were able to get it for $20.
I HIGHLY recommend that you check out an alternative called CamStudio Pro. I understand that it has the features of Camtasia but not at the $300 price tag. In fact, YOU CAN GET IT FOR ONLY $19.95. Read the following links to find out how to Snag Your Copy (no pun intended).
http://www.waynester.net/blog/archive/2007/08/01/SNAGIT-by-TechSmith-for-20.aspx
http://www.waynester.net/blog/archive/2007/03/08/5688.aspx
To quickly get to the CamStudio Pro sales page click HERE
[update] - apparently TechSmith has reinstated the promotional code: **** (CLICK HERE to get this code) for version 9! So, instead of $49.95 you can get SnagIT version 9 for $39.95. However, I still recommend trying out the alternative (CamStudio Pro) for only $19.95.
Friday, June 27, 2008
It seems like forever since I last went into the office. My
previous posting related to me being suprisingly laid off has collected dust in the blogoshere. Yet, this Monday I start my new gig with a fairly new gas and oil company here in the Oklahoma City area. My title will be senior IT analyst. They have SharePoint 2007 implemented and they are looking to me to help them do its thing. I really am excited about joining them. They are top notch and have great people. I even get my own office which was unexpected. It will be different not working two blocks from my home and family. There are pros and cons to both scenarios. I do look forward to the routine of working downtown. The company family atmosphere, collaboration with colleagues in-person and the YMCA across the way during lunch. Will I work out there, we'll see, I wanna and shoulda. This is for sure, the Lord has certainly been good to me and my family.
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Need a good InfoPath Resource Reference?
Here's the InfoPath Forms Services Resource Center ...
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/office/cc337903.aspx
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Great Resource for us SharePoint developers!
http://www.MsSharePointDeveloper.com
Monday, June 02, 2008
[via AC]
Do you need hands-on development experience with Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 Applications? Here's a link to start your journey:
Hands on Labs for Developing Applications on Windows SharePoint Services 3.0
Sunday, June 01, 2008
[via TechNet]
Each application template has a companion set of two datasheets. For business decision makers, the functional overview (BDM datasheet) highlights the features and details of the scenario which can be used to consider deployment. The technical overview (TDM datasheet) is for IT professionals and describes the scenario, Web parts, relevant workflows, lists, and document libraries that are part of the template.
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsserver/sharepoint/bb848090.aspx
Sunday, May 18, 2008
[via AC]
If you can, and it's free, hook into these upcoming SharePoint developer training series:
SharePoint Developer MSDN Web Cast Series
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Last Thursday I got "the call" that all employees dread - "you're no longer needed". Our company went through yet another round of layoffs and this time my number was called. I had survived so many of these over the 14 1/2 years of my career - with the same company (very rare, I know). It caught me by complete surprise. I was their number one "MOSS" man, they told me just days before. Then came "the call".
I guess I've been very fortunate in my career. I've only experienced two layoffs in 20 years. I do not recommend it to anyone. It kind of feels like being betrayed. At one moment you're part of the family, then the next you're thrown to the curb and locked out of the home (networks). It feels lonely. For two hours after that phone call, I didn't call my wife. I needed time to reflect of what just happened. Working remote, I wasn't escorted out of the building or asked to embarrasingly carry my box of personals out of the building (thank God!). However, I just sat there and reflected on what it all meant.
At the same time, I am not bitter. In fact, for the most part, I am at peace with the outcome. I know I'm going to be alright. My family and I don't have any debt, we have an emergency fund and I do not need to make any rash decisions on the next step of my career. I would love to keep my office and work for someone remote. However, I know that might not work out. I'm hoping to find a situation that I enjoy. There's got to be a place for a guy with my experience. If you know and / or looking for someone feel free to contact me.
I look forward to this new season of my career. I believe there's a reason for everything and nothing gets by God that He doesn't approve (refer to Job in the Bible). I'm not limiting myself to a specific technology or platform. I am a problem-solver and troubleshooter. I enjoy seeing my work make a difference in the workplace - a process more efficient, less paperwork to handle and / or simply lessening human workload. I guess you could say I'm a computer geek at heart.
[update] I have edited this posting and removed previous interview-related ones in deference to those who construe them offensive.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
[via AC]
Andrew Connell has two more WSS 3.0 HOW-To videos published up on MSDN:
- MSDN Visual How To: Adding Code-Behind Files to Master Pages and Content Pages in Windows SharePoint Services 3.0
Learn how to use code-behind files in custom content pages in Windows SharePoint Services 3.0.
- MSDN Visual How To: Creating, Deploying, and Debugging Custom Timer Jobs in Windows SharePoint Services 3.0
Learn how to harness the power of custom timer jobs in Windows SharePoint Services 3.0.
You can find the links on his posting by going to:
http://andrewconnell.com/blog/archive/2008/04/08/Two-new-WSS-3.0-MSDN-Visual-How-Tos-Published.aspx
[via John Holliday]
John has an in-depth video demonstrating how to build custom Content Types for SharePoint 2007 in Visual Studio. By way of Reflection he shows how to integrate content types 'your way' and staying within the best practice boundaries. I found it very helpful.
Check it out here:
http://johnholliday.net/screencast.aspx?name=SPRF-ContentTypes