R – How to save a word template for a content type without filling in required fields

content-typemosssharepointword-template

I have a content type that has required fields. I have associated Word document with the content type as a template. I now want to edit the Word template, but word won't allow me to save the template without filling in the required fields. However, if I fill in the required fields and save the document, then those fields get populated with my values when you create a new document. This isn't good because I want the fields to be blank when a new document is created – I want the users to be forced to fill in those values.

I can update the templace by updating the colums and making them optional, editing the word template, saving the template & then changing the columns back to required. This is a PITA – there's got to be a better way, does anyone know what it is?

Best Answer

I've been using this work around: When I edit the template (ie go to the content type settings --> Advanced settings --> Edit Template), I make my changes and save the file locally. Then, on the same page that I clicked the "Edit Template" link, I upload the copy that I saved locally. Saving it locally avoids the validation that happens when you try to save it back to SharePoint. But the validation still gets applied to any new documents of that content type. So no need to toggle the settings off & on! :)

Related Solutions

Saving a document to SharePoint brings up “Web File Properties” dialog with incorrect metadata

This is more of a workaround rather than an answer but I figured I might as well put it here in case it helps someone else.

It seems as if these issues with the Web File Properties box is specific to Office 2003. The issues I reported above seem to be fixed in Office 2007.

If you want to get it working in 2003 and you have choice/lookup fields in your Document content type, here is the summary:

Single select Choice fields DO NOT work
Multi select Choice fields DO work
Single select Lookup fields DO work
Multi select Lookup fields DO NOT work

How to update a content type programmatically

Try like this:

private void SetFieldRequired(SPList list, string field, string contentType, bool required)
{
    SPField fieldInList = list.Fields[field];
    fieldInList.Required = required;        
    fieldInList.Update();

    SPField fieldInContentType = list.ContentTypes[contentType].Fields[field];
    fieldInContentType.Required = required;
    fieldInContentType.Update();
}

Don't forget to add some exception handling.

Best Answer

Related Solutions

Saving a document to SharePoint brings up “Web File Properties” dialog with incorrect metadata

How to update a content type programmatically

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