Tuesday, November 18, 2008
I caught this over at Stefan's blog. MSDN's ramp up site has a SharePoint Development Track available, located directly at http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/rampup/dd221355.aspx.
Some of the tracks include:
Level 1: Web Parts
Did you know that in SharePoint you can build pages as easy as in ASP.NET – and allow end users to create dashboards? Web parts allow for creating components of Web user interface that can be reused on multiple Web pages. These are introduced in ASP.NET and built on in SharePoint where they can be added to pages by end users and managed by IT Professionals. In this topic you will learn about building simple Web parts for SharePoint and how to connect them back to SharePoint site data.
Level 2: Data Lists
Did you know that SharePoint developers can work with data from lists that users get access to too? Data lists provide data storage for end users in SharePoint. End users can create lists with schema all through the SharePoint user interface and they can create, edit, and view the data. All of this data can be programmatically accessed by developers and this topic is all about that.
Level 3: Event Handlers
Did you know that SharePoint developers can automatically process data that your users upload via a spreadsheet? Event handlers (or event receivers) are custom code that runs on the SharePoint server in response to something that happens on the server. Event handlers can be useful for running business logic in response to data being added to the site. This topic shows how to create simple event handlers and investigates ways that event handlers can be used in SharePoint.
Level 4: Workflow
Did you know that you can write WF workflows in SharePoint without having to worry about storage, persistence, or how to interact with the user? Workflow in SharePoint allows for implementation of processes that require interaction such as email approvals or form completion by people in your organization. This topic shows you how to create simple workflows in SharePoint using Visual Studio that involve approvals from people by email and for meeting room resource bookings with an administrator.
Level 5: Silverlight Web Parts
Did you know that you can build rich Internet applications with SharePoint? Silverlight is a new Web user interface technology from Microsoft that allows for each implementation of animations and videos. This topic shows how a SharePoint user interface can be enhanced by using Silverlight in Web parts as part of a SharePoint site.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
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.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
I kept getting a Failure while applying Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Service Pack 2 today for 'Database Services' and 'Analysis Services'. It was a brand new installation so I couldn't think of anything that would cause this. I found a kb on Microsoft's site that fixed the failure for 'Database Services'. I'm still getting the failure on Analysis Services. I will update this post when I find the solution.
Missing your SQL Server Management Studio after installing SQL Server 2005? When creating my Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (MOSS) development environment I had the same problem. Thankfully, Pete Orologas posted a solution and it worked for me. Apparently, if there is already a \Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\90\Tools folder that exists then the installer moves on to the next step. How does that subfolder get there? Well, if you install Visual Studio before SQL it creates the folder when installing SQL Express. Or if you install the SQL Express edition it will create the tools folder.
THE SOLUTION?
Rename the Tools folder to something like Tools_bkup and run the "SqlRun_Tools" exe or msi file. This is located on the install media inside the {drive}:\{platform_specific_pathing}\Tools\Setup subfolder.
This worked for me. I hope it helps in your situation. Leave comments of your experience.
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