.NET General

Duplicate Items in DropDownList using AppendDataBoundItems

Wayne Larimore — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 03:46:19 GMT

Are you getting duplicate entries in your DropDownList control when using AppendDataBoundItems="true" and pulling in data from a datasource? This is one of those things that trips me up ever so often. The solution is to set EnableViewState="false" on the control. This prevents the previous items from being cached in the ViewState.

Hope this helps. If so, leave a comment of your experience.

subText 2.0 not ready for shared environment hosting

Wayne Larimore — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 03:51:39 GMT

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

Hands on Labs for Developing Apps on WSS 3.0

Wayne Larimore — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 04:28:54 GMT

[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

Sharepoint Developer Training for Newbies

Wayne Larimore — Mon, 19 May 2008 04:07:21 GMT

[via AC]

If you can, and it's free, hook into these upcoming SharePoint developer training series:

SharePoint Developer MSDN Web Cast Series

14 1/2 Years Of Loyalty Comes To an End

Wayne Larimore — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 07:05:36 GMT

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.

InfoPath SharePoint Integration: Add List Item

Wayne Larimore — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:44:24 GMT

Let's say you would like to add an item to a SharePoint List. This is where CAML (Collaborative Application Markup Language) comes in. It may seem whacky at first glance, but once you get the hang of it you'll feel comfortable. Use the following code as a template and apply your personal needs:

<WebMethod()> _
Public Function SubmitSharepointListItem(ByVal ListLocation As String, ByVal SharepointListID As String, _
ByVal id As Integer, ByVal title As String, ByVal owner As String, _
ByVal category As String, ByVal topic As String, _
ByVal projecttype As String, ByVal areaofresponsibility As String, _
    ByVal purpose As String, ByVal takenote As String, ByVal documentstate As String, ByVal reasonforarchival As String, _
    ByVal reasonfordeletion As String, ByVal documenttext As XmlNode) As String
        If ListLocation Is Nothing Or ListLocation.Length = 0 Then
            ListLocation = ConfigurationManager.AppSettings("SharepointListLocation")
        End If
        If SharepointListID Is Nothing Or SharepointListID.Length = 0 Then
            SharepointListID = ConfigurationManager.AppSettings("SharepointListGUID")
        End If
        Dim myDoc As New MyDocument
        myDoc.ID = id
        myDoc.Title = title
        myDoc.Owner = owner
        myDoc.Category = category
        myDoc.Topic = topic
        myDoc.ProjectType = projecttype
        myDoc.AreaOfResponsibility = areaofresponsibility
        myDoc.Purpose = purpose
        myDoc.TakeNote = takenote
        myDoc.DocumentState = documentstate
        myDoc.ReasonForArchival = reasonforarchival
        myDoc.ReasonForDeletion = reasonfordeletion
        myDoc.DocumentText = documenttext
        Dim returnString As String
        Try
            'determine batch type based on id value
            Dim CamlMethodString As String
            If id > 0 Then
                'Customize the building of the Caml Batch String here
                CamlMethodString = myDoc.BuildSharePointBatch(MyDocument.SPDocType.UpdateDoc)
            Else
                CamlMethodString = myDoc.BuildSharePointBatch(MyDocument.SPDocType.NewDoc)
            End If
            Dim xmldoc As New System.Xml.XmlDocument
            Dim elBatch As System.Xml.XmlElement = xmldoc.CreateElement("Batch")
            With elBatch
                .SetAttribute("OnError", "Continue")
                '.SetAttribute("ListVersion", ListVersion)
                '.SetAttribute("ViewName", ViewID)
                .InnerXml = CamlMethodString
            End With
            Dim url As Uri = New Uri(New Uri(ListLocation), "_vti_bin/Lists.asmx")
            Dim list As New com.fnfis.cssddev.Lists()
            list.Url = url.ToString()
            list.Credentials = getUserCredentials()
            Dim ndReturn As System.Xml.XmlNode = list.UpdateListItems(SharepointListID, elBatch)
            If id > 0 Then
                'Existing entry - look for any errors returned from SharePoint
                If ndReturn.InnerXml.IndexOf("<ErrorText>") > 0 AndAlso _
                Not ndReturn.SelectSingleNode("/").FirstChild.InnerText.Equals("0x00000000") Then
                    returnString = String.Concat("<br/>Error:" & ndReturn.InnerXml)
                Else
                    'Return back the existing id
                    Return id.ToString()
                End If
            Else
                'return back the newly established unique identifier from SharePoint
                returnString = ndReturn.FirstChild.LastChild.Attributes("ows_ID").Value
            End If
        Catch ex As System.Web.Services.Protocols.SoapException
            Dim xd As XmlDataDocument = New XmlDataDocument
            xd.LoadXml("<?xml version='1.0' ?>" & _
                "<listitems xmlns:s=""uuid:BDC6E3F0-6DA3-11d1-A2A3-00AA00C14882""
xmlns:dt=""uuid:C2F41010-65B3-11d1-A29F-00AA00C14882""
xmlns:rs=""urn:schemas-microsoft-com:rowset""
xmlns:z=""#RowsetSchema""
xmlns=""http://schemas.microsoft.com/sharepoint/soap/""> " & _
                "<ErrorMessage>Message:" & ex.Message & " Detail:" & ex.Detail.InnerText & " StackTrace:" & ex.StackTrace & "</ErrorMessage>" & _
                "<rs:data ItemCount=""0""> </rs:data></listitems>")
            returnString = xd.InnerText
        End Try
        Return returnString
    End Function
The following method is found inside a seperate class called myDocument.
The class also includes all necessary attributes.
    Public Function BuildSharePointBatch(ByVal spDocType As SPDocType) As String
        Dim sbCamlMethod As New System.Text.StringBuilder
        'method ID only needed if sending more than one command
        Dim DocTypeString As String = "None"
        Select Case spDocType
            Case MyDocument.SPDocType.NewDoc
                DocTypeString = "New"
            Case MyDocument.SPDocType.UpdateDoc
                DocTypeString = "Update"
            Case MyDocument.SPDocType.DeleteDoc
                DocTypeString = "Delete"
        End Select
        sbCamlMethod.AppendFormat("<Method ID=""1"" Cmd=""{0}"">", DocTypeString)
        'Cmd=new indicates adding an item
        'Cmd=update indicates updating an item
        'ID field required when updating or deleting a document
        If spDocType = MyDocument.SPDocType.UpdateDoc Or _
        spDocType = MyDocument.SPDocType.DeleteDoc Then
            sbCamlMethod.AppendFormat("<Field Name=""ID"">{0}</Field>", Me.ID)
        End If
        'These Field Names are VITAL to get correct
        'They MUST MATCH the exact GUID representation within Sharepoint
        'You can find it by going into the Modify Settings and Columns section of
        ' the Custom List
        If Me.Title.Length > 0 Then
            sbCamlMethod.Append("<Field Name=""Title""><![CDATA[")
            sbCamlMethod.Append(Me.Title)
            sbCamlMethod.Append("]]></Field>")
        End If
        If Me.Owner.Length > 0 Then
            sbCamlMethod.Append("<Field Name=""Owner""><![CDATA[")
            sbCamlMethod.Append(Me.Owner)
            sbCamlMethod.Append("]]></Field>")
        End If
        If Me.Category.Length > 0 Then
            sbCamlMethod.Append("<Field Name=""Category""><![CDATA[")
            sbCamlMethod.Append(Me.Category)
            sbCamlMethod.Append("]]></Field>")
        End If
        If Me.Topic.Length > 0 Then
            sbCamlMethod.Append("<Field Name=""Topic""><![CDATA[")
            sbCamlMethod.Append(Me.Topic)
            sbCamlMethod.Append("]]></Field>")
        End If
        If Me.ProjectType.Length > 0 Then
            '_x0020_ represents a space (Unicode)
            sbCamlMethod.Append("<Field Name=""Project_x0020_Type""><![CDATA[")
            sbCamlMethod.Append(Me.ProjectType)
            sbCamlMethod.Append("]]></Field>")
        End If
        If Me.AreaOfResponsibility.Length > 0 Then
            '_x0020_ represents a space (Unicode)
            sbCamlMethod.Append("<Field Name=""Area_x0020_of_x0020_Responsibili""><![CDATA[")
            sbCamlMethod.Append(Me.AreaOfResponsibility)
            sbCamlMethod.Append("]]></Field>")
        End If
        If Not IsNothing(Me.Purpose) Then
            sbCamlMethod.Append("<Field Name=""Purpose""><![CDATA[")
            sbCamlMethod.Append(Me.Purpose)
            sbCamlMethod.Append("]]></Field>")
        End If
        If Not IsNothing(Me.TakeNote) Then
            '_x0020_ represents a space (Unicode)
            sbCamlMethod.Append("<Field Name=""Take_x0020_Note""><![CDATA[")
            sbCamlMethod.Append(Me.TakeNote)
            sbCamlMethod.Append("]]></Field>")
        End If
        If Me.DocumentState.Length > 0 Then
            '_x0020_ represents a space (Unicode)
            sbCamlMethod.Append("<Field Name=""Document_x0020_State""><![CDATA[")
            sbCamlMethod.Append(Me.DocumentState)
            sbCamlMethod.Append("]]></Field>")
        End If
        If Me.ReasonForArchival.Length > 0 Then
            '_x0020_ represents a space (Unicode)
            sbCamlMethod.Append("<Field Name=""Reason_x0020_for_x0020_Archival""><![CDATA[")
            sbCamlMethod.Append(Me.ReasonForArchival)
            sbCamlMethod.Append("]]></Field>")
        End If
        If Me.ReasonForDeletion.Length > 0 Then
            '_x0020_ represents a space (Unicode)
            sbCamlMethod.Append("<Field Name=""Reason_x0020_for_x0020_Deletion""><![CDATA[")
            sbCamlMethod.Append(Me.ReasonForDeletion)
            sbCamlMethod.Append("]]></Field>")
        End If
        If Not IsNothing(Me.DocumentText) Then
            '_x0020_ represents a space (Unicode)
            sbCamlMethod.Append("<Field Name=""Document_x0020_Text_x0020_Block""><![CDATA[")
            sbCamlMethod.Append(Me.DocumentText.InnerXml)
            sbCamlMethod.Append("]]></Field>")
        End If
        'for date related fields here is an example
        'dates are in UTC format. Where time is not used, set to midnight
        'sbCamlMethod.Append("<Field Name='Date'><![CDATA[")
        'sbCamlMethod.Append(Format(Me.DocDate, "yyyy-MM-dd") & "T00:00:00Z")
        'sbCamlMethod.Append("]]></Field>")
        sbCamlMethod.Append("</Method>")
        Return sbCamlMethod.ToString
    End Function

InfoPath SharePoint Integration: List Services

Wayne Larimore — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:22:38 GMT

In order to pull specific column data from a SharePoint List you must structure the XML query properly. In this example, I am querying for the Category column. I have defined the SharePoint List Location and List GUID inside the Web.config file. Here is how the web method is laid out:

<WebMethod()> _
Public Function GetListItemCategories(ByVal ListLocation As String, ByVal ListName As String) As XmlDataDocument
        If ListLocation Is Nothing Or ListLocation.Length = 0 Then
            ListLocation = ConfigurationManager.AppSettings("SharepointListLocation")
        End If
        If ListName Is Nothing Or ListName.Length = 0 Then
            ListName = ConfigurationManager.AppSettings("SharepointListGUID")
        End If
        Dim url As Uri = New Uri(New Uri(ListLocation), "_vti_bin/Lists.asmx")
        Dim list As New com.fnfis.cssddev.Lists()
        list.Url = url.ToString()
        list.Credentials = getUserCredentials()
        Dim Doc As New XmlDocument()
        Dim Query As XmlNode = Doc.CreateNode(XmlNodeType.Element, "Query", "")
        Dim ViewFields As XmlNode = Doc.CreateNode(XmlNodeType.Element, "ViewFields", "")
        ViewFields.InnerXml = "<FieldRef Name='Category' />"
        Dim QueryOptions As XmlNode = Doc.CreateNode(XmlNodeType.Element, "QueryOptions", "")
        Dim node As XmlNode = Nothing
        Try
            node = list.GetListItems(ListName, Nothing, Query, ViewFields, Nothing, QueryOptions)
        Catch ex As Exception
        End Try
        Dim xd As XmlDataDocument = New XmlDataDocument
        If node Is Nothing Then
            xd.LoadXml("<?xml version='1.0' ?>" & _
            "<listitems
xmlns:s=""uuid:BDC6E3F0-6DA3-11d1-A2A3-00AA00C14882""
xmlns:dt=""uuid:C2F41010-65B3-11d1-A29F-00AA00C14882""
xmlns:rs=""urn:schemas-microsoft-com:rowset"" 
xmlns:z=""#RowsetSchema"" 
xmlns=""http://schemas.microsoft.com/sharepoint/soap/""> <rs:data ItemCount=""0""> </rs:data></listitems>")
        Else
            xd.LoadXml("<?xml version='1.0' ?>" & node.OuterXml)
        End If
        Return xd
        '--- example of how to access xml node values
        'For Each n As XmlNode In node.FirstChild.ChildNodes
        '    Dim node1 As TreeNode = New TreeNode(n.Attributes("Title").Value)
        '    Dim node2 As TreeNode = New TreeNode(n.Attributes("Body").Value)
        'Next
    End Function

InfoPath SharePoint Integration: Web Services

Wayne Larimore — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:01:02 GMT

When pulling data into InfoPath 2003 you must build it to be in a compatible format. Here's an example of a web service method providing said format from a MS SQL Server Source.

 <WebMethod()> _
Public Function GetCategories() As XmlDataDocument
        Dim conn As New SqlConnection(GetConnectString)
        Dim ds As New DataSet
        Dim cmd As New SqlCommand()
        cmd.Connection = conn
        cmd.CommandType = CommandType.StoredProcedure
        cmd.CommandText = "sl_Category"
        Dim adapter As New SqlDataAdapter(cmd)
        Dim result As Boolean = False
        Dim previousConnectionState1 As ConnectionState = conn.State
        Dim errMessage As String = Nothing
        Try
            If conn.State = ConnectionState.Closed Then
                conn.Open()
            End If
            adapter.Fill(ds)
            result = True
        Catch ex As SqlException
            result = False
            errMessage = ex.Message
        Finally
            If previousConnectionState1 = ConnectionState.Closed Then
                conn.Close()
            End If
        End Try
        If result Then
            Dim XmlDataDoc As XmlDataDocument = New XmlDataDocument(ds)
            Return XmlDataDoc
        Else
            Dim XmlDataDoc As New XmlDataDocument()
            XmlDataDoc.LoadXml("<?xml version='1.0' ?>" & _
"<GetCategories
xmlns:s=""uuid:BDC6E3F0-6DA3-11d1-A2A3-00AA00C14882""
xmlns:dt=""uuid:C2F41010-65B3-11d1-A29F-00AA00C14882""
xmlns:rs=""urn:schemas-microsoft-com:rowset""
xmlns:z=""#RowsetSchema""
 xmlns=""http://schemas.microsoft.com/sharepoint/soap/""> <rs:data ItemCount=""0"" errmsg=""" & errMessage & """> </rs:data></GetCategories>")
            Return XmlDataDoc
        End If
    End Function

Have you lost your designer.vb file - lost your intellisense?

Wayne Larimore — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 15:56:21 GMT

There is a fix when you've lost your designer.vb file(s). I ran across this problem recently when copying some VS2008 code into a VS2005 Project. I failed to copy the designer.vb files and was left with no intellisense available - a life stopper!

Here's the fix. Right click on your project file and choose 'Convert To Web Application'. This will regenerate all those necessary designer files.

Happy coding!

Developing in Sharepoint v3 with Code Behind Files

Wayne Larimore — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 05:11:37 GMT

In a previous posting I mentioned a training course I was taking by Andrew Connell in Dallas. It focused on Web Content Management (WCM) Sharepoint 2007. One of the highlights was how AC showed us how to create and deploy solutions. This involved code behind files in your basic ASP.NET 2 environment. Most of the Microsoft development world has probably heard of bad experiences from us "V2" warriors. Well, "V3" brings to the table none of that. All is forgotten and old things have passed away and Good-God, Sharepoint was built on top of ASP.NET 2.0 - making life for us a lot nicer.

Well, after taking Andrew's course I walked away thinking I could do anything in Sharepoint 2007. He blew me away by some of his tips and tricks he has added to his toolbox since leaving our company. For instance, one afternoon during lunch break, he demonstrated some of his Code Rush tips & tricks. With very little keystrokes he was able to self-generate tons of often needed constructs - just PRICELESS!

Well, this evening, I was catching up on AC's blog and noticed his latest article. It was laying out exactly how he deploys his Sharepoint Code Behind projects via Features. And I ask myself, "Why in God's green earth is he disclosing this stuff?!?!" I mean, this is his bread and butter as an author, instructor, consultant. He could charge a hefty price (and get it) by keeping all this inside his books and classes. Well, Andrew is passionate about coding - especially Sharepoint development. He is one of the very few folks who has the blueprints to successfully make developing in MOSS 2007 "developer-fun-friendly". And, I'm sure these postings will help his sales and class interest.

I thought rather than post what I learned from the class I would point to his blog article and allow you to learn from the master himself...

Using ASP.NET 2.0 Code Behind Files in SharePoint v3 Sites