Returning focus to a data element on an entry form that does not pass validation.

[DouglasMcKibbin]

Having trouble returning focus to a data element on an entry firm that does not pass validation criteria in Safari and Firefox. Instead the focus goes to the very next data element on the form. For example ….

 

function CheckSS(strng,x)

{

if (strng == "")

{

alert("You didn't enter a Social Security Number.");

HighlightRed(x);

return;

}

else

{

if ((strng.length < 9) || (strng.length > 9))

{

alert("The Social Security Number is the wrong length. Just use numbers, no dashes... like 123456789 not " + strng);

HighlightRed(x);

return;

}

else

{

var illegalChars = /W#/;

if (illegalChars.test(strng))

{

alert( "The Social Security Number contains illegal characters. Just use numbers, no dashes.");

HighlightRed(x);

return;

}

}

}

HighlightWhite(x)

}

Called from …..

SS#: <INPUT name="personal_SS" id="personal_SS" type="text" size=12 value="#########" onblur="CheckSS(this.value,this.id)" onfocus="DoClear(this,this.id)" tabindex=5>

I'm sure I must have done something wrong … any ideas?

Thanks Douglas McKibbin

 

[justsomeguy]

So the field blurs, and you want to validate the field and then focus it again if it didn't pass validation? I don't see where you're trying to focus it again.

[DouglasMcKibbin]

Right. So how do I focus back on the field that didn't pass validation?

[justsomeguy]

The fields have a focus method that can call, e.g.:field_element.focus();

[DouglasMcKibbin]

Thanks,

I tried to no avail …..

 

 

function CheckSS(strng,x)

{

if (strng == "")

{

alert("You didn't enter a Social Security Number.");

HighlightRed(x);

document.getElementById("x").focus();

document.getElementById("x").scrollIntoView();return;

}

else

{

if ((strng.length < 9) || (strng.length > 9))

{

alert("The Social Security Number is the wrong length. Just use numbers, no dashes... like 123456789 not " + strng);

HighlightRed(x);

document.getElementById("x").focus();

document.getElementById("x").scrollIntoView();return;

}

else

{

var illegalChars = /W#/;

if (illegalChars.test(strng))

{

alert( "The Social Security Number contains illegal characters. Just use numbers, no dashes.");

HighlightRed(x);

document.getElementById("x").focus();

document.getElementById("x").scrollIntoView();return; }

}

HighlightWhite(x)

}

and the same thing happens. I know this must just be semantics, but I'm a bit lost.

Thanks so much,

Douglas McKibbin

[DouglasMcKibbin]

Should I just use ….

document.getElementById(x).focus(); ??

[justsomeguy]

If x is a variable that contains the ID, then yes, don't put quotes around it.

[DouglasMcKibbin]

The above works in IE but not in Safari or Firefox. Should I code differently for macs, and if so how?

[justsomeguy]

getElementById and focus should work everywhere. Make sure you're checking the browser consoles for Javascript errors.