Form Field input error message box - how to avoid?

[DSSavant]

From Javascript, when you place Alphabetic data into a form field that has been configured to accept only Numeric data, the Viewer will display a message box. You can configure the title of the message box and nothing more.

A) Attached is the message box I get. As you can see the message ' ** Invalid ** ' is not really that useful. I assume that the lack of any other message is because my form does not have a Form Validation Messages for that field. Correct?
B) How can I prevent this message box from ever being displayed?
C) How can I tell the receive an error code (or something) from within Javascript to sense the problem and handle it myself?
D) How can I interrogate the form field to determine its restrictions (mask, data type, etc.)?
E) How can I get my boss to give me a really big raise and better benefits?

[John - Tracker Supp]

Hi David,

with regards your questions :

A: this string is reported by the JS engine during validating the entered month number. What we can do is to change it to more reasonable "Invalid entry", instead of "** Invalid **". The string must be kept short - Adobe just offers 'Invalid' currently as we do and we do try and keep such items common.

B: I dont think thats a good idea (not sure we can either) - because what to do if there is an invalid entry - just wipe out the entry ?

C: I am afaid there is no ability in JS to intercept the error handling and provide your own in this manner

D: Acroforms have no real understanding of the validity of data - this is all provided by JS and no reporting back as such in the required way is available - so consequently there is nothing we can provide you in this area either.

Not a very positive outcome I am afraid to the above - but there is nothing we can really do - our hands are tied also in this area.

E: In View of the above I'd keep quiet about the Raise and the Increased benefits - for now at least

[DSSavant]

Thanks, I figured as much. The more I dig into Acrobat Forms the more I so very unimpressed. For that much, using Acrobat's Form designing tools is horrible. Oh well, no raise for me!

[John - Tracker Supp]

Hi David,

we have to agree the Acroforms is a real mess - sometime download the XFA spec and take a look - makes 'War and Peace' look like a little 'Ditty' scribbled on the back of a knapkin !

On the positive side - later this year we will release a forms designer of our own and the new Viewer will allow some forms design editing as a plugin.