Introducing Microsoft® Office InfoPath™ 2003

Comparing Data Validation and Conditional Formatting

The section “Applying Conditional Formatting,” in Chapter 7, introduced you to logical expressions that warn users of missing or mismatched text data. That chapter’s “On Your Own” section included exercises for flagging some erroneous date values. You use similar expressions as data validation rules, but data validation doesn’t just highlight text box controls with bad or suspect data. Data validation errors display a red asterisk or apply a dashed red border to controls containing entries that violate the rules. All standard controls—except buttons—have data validation features enabled.

An error message appears when you try to save or submit a data document that contains validation errors, ...