unplug1.6

Disable page to display message with Javascript

2012-01-07T13:01:00.000-05:00

Simple way to disable a page to display a message or request a specific user action

This html can be copied and pasted into an html file to view the css, javascript, and html in action.

<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<head>
<title>Test</title>
<style type="text/css">
.opaqueLayer
{
  display:none;
  position:absolute;
  top:0px;
  left:0px;
  opacity:0.6;
  filter:alpha(opacity=60);
  background-color: #000000;
  z-Index:1000;
}

.questionLayer
{
  position:absolute;
  top:0px;
  left:0px;
  width:350px;
  height:200px;
  display:none;
  z-Index:1001;
  border:2px solid black;
  background-color:#FFFFFF;
  text-align:center;
  vertical-align:middle;
  padding:10px;
}
</style>
<script type="text/javascript">
function getBrowserHeight() {
  var intH = 0;
  var intW = 0;

  if(typeof window.innerWidth == 'number' ) {
    intH = window.innerHeight;
    intW = window.innerWidth;
  }
  else if(document.documentElement &&   (document.documentElement.clientWidth ||   document.documentElement.clientHeight)) {
    intH = document.documentElement.clientHeight;
    intW = document.documentElement.clientWidth;
  }
  else if(document.body && (document.body.clientWidth || document.body.clientHeight)) {
    intH = document.body.clientHeight;
    intW = document.body.clientWidth;
  }

  return { width: parseInt(intW), height: parseInt(intH) };
}

function setLayerPosition() {
  var shadow = document.getElementById("shadow");
  var question = document.getElementById("question");

  var bws = getBrowserHeight();
  shadow.style.width = bws.width + "px";
  shadow.style.height = bws.height + "px";

  question.style.left = parseInt((bws.width - 350) / 2);
  question.style.top = parseInt((bws.height - 200) / 2);

  shadow = null;
  question = null;
}

function showLayer() {
  setLayerPosition();

  var shadow = document.getElementById("shadow");
  var question = document.getElementById("question");

  shadow.style.display = "block";
  question.style.display = "block";

  shadow = null;
  question = null;
}

function hideLayer() {
  var shadow = document.getElementById("shadow");
  var question = document.getElementById("question");

  shadow.style.display = "none";
  question.style.display = "none";

  shadow = null;
  question = null;
}

window.onresize = setLayerPosition;
</script>

</head>
<body>
  <div id="shadow" class="opaqueLayer"> </div>
  <div id="question" class="questionLayer">
  <br />
  <br />
  <br />
    Hello!
  <br />
  <br />
  <br />
  <input type="button" onclick="hideLayer();" value="Close" />
</div>

<h3>Modal Layer Test</h3>
<p>Click the image below to display the "modal" layer</p>
<img src="http://www.google.com/intl/en_ALL/images/logo.gif" alt="Test Image" onclick="showLayer();" />
</body>
</html>

Another option would be to add a control to the page that posts back to the server and then responds with the option to hide layer.

Button on .aspx page
<asp:Button runat="server" ID="UpdateBtn" OnClientClick="hideLayer();" Text="Update" CssClass="Btn" />

Button click event that checks condition
void UpdateBtn_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
  if(SomeCondition){
    InsertAlert();
  }
}

Inserts showLayer script on window load
private void InsertAlert()
{
  ClientScript.RegisterClientScriptBlock(typeof(Page), "InsertAlert", "window.onload = showLayer;", true);
}

Creating a XmlDocument from a DataTable

2011-12-27T10:33:00.000-05:00

A DataSet or DataTable is represented as XML, so it can be transformed into an XmlDocument.

This is a quick way to transform.

1.) Populate a DataTable:
  DataTable dt = GetDetailsFromDatabase();

2.) Use XmlWriter to write the DataTable Xml to a XmlDocument:

  XmlDocument doc = new XmlDocument();
  using (XmlWriter xw = doc.CreateNavigator().AppendChild())
  {
    xw.WriteStartDocument(true);
    dt.WriteXml(xw);
  }

3.) Now the XmlDocument can be used as is or saved:
  doc.Save("test.xml");

The source was not found, but some or all event logs could not be searched. Inaccessible logs: Security.

2011-10-21T13:29:00.000-04:00

Working on an EventLog process, this error started. Below is a solution.

follow these steps:

1.Start -> Run -> regedit.exe
2.Navigate to My Computer > HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\EventLog
3.Right click this key, select Permissions, and grant the ASPNET account read/write permissions. Note that for the "inaccessible" logs (ie. Security, Virtual Server), you'll also need to grant read access, as permissions have been set to not inherity from the parent key.
Step 4 may be required: Restart IIS (start -> Run -> iisreset)

Save and load multiple bool values with a single decimal value.

2011-09-23T09:44:00.000-04:00

The example below will explain how to store and load multiple bool values from a database with a single decimal value.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Save bool values as decimal
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

int options = 0;

options=options | Convert.ToInt32(Option1.Checked); //bitwise OR

options=options << 1; //Shift bits

options=options | Convert.ToInt32(Option2.Checked);

options=options << 1;

options=options | Convert.ToInt32(Option3.Checked);

options=options << 1;

options=options | Convert.ToInt32(Option4.Checked);

options=options << 1;

options=options | Convert.ToInt32(Option5.Checked);

DBService.SaveDetail(options);

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Load decimal value from database
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DataRow dr = DBService.GetDetail();

int values = int.Parse(dr["decimal"].ToString());

Load controls
Use binary operators to check each bit
Option1.Checked = ((bool)((options & 1) == 1)); //bitwise AND

options=options >> 1; //Shift bits

Option2.Checked = ((bool)((options & 1) == 1));

options=options >> 1;

Option3.Checked = ((bool)((options & 1) == 1));

options=options >> 1;

Option4.Checked = ((bool)((options & 1) == 1));

options=options >> 1;

Option5.Checked = ((bool)((options & 1) == 1));

Using GetEnumerator()

2011-09-12T13:11:00.000-04:00

Testing ASCII values of user input

byte[] _asciiAnswer = Encoding.ASCII.GetBytes(AnswerTb.Text.Trim());

IEnumerator _asciiChars = _asciiAnswer.GetEnumerator();
while (_asciiChars.MoveNext())
{
  byte _char = (byte)_asciiChars.Current;
  if (_char >= 65 && _char <= 90)
    IsUpperCase = true;
}

Syntax, C#

2011-08-25T14:38:00.000-04:00

a ? b : c;
x = x ?? 5;

Set x to b if a is true, otherwise set x to c.
x = a ? b : c;

Set x to x if x is not null, otherwise initialize x.
x = x ?? new x();

Get XML from RSS

2011-07-13T14:21:00.000-04:00

To get the XML from an RSS feed, view the source of the page. Programmatically, the following can be used:

HttpWebRequest httpReq = (HttpWebRequest)WebRequest.Create(url);

httpReq.Method = @"GET";
httpReq.ContentType = @"text/xml";
httpReq.Timeout = 600000;
httpReq.KeepAlive = false;

HttpWebResponse resp = (HttpWebResponse)httpReq.GetResponse();
StreamReader srdr = new StreamReader(resp.GetResponseStream(), Encoding.GetEncoding("UTF-8"));
string xmlstr = srdr.ReadToEnd();
resp.Close();

At this point, the XML is in the string xmlstr, this can then be loaded into an XML document or utilized as is.

RSS date sort with pubdate

2011-05-11T15:43:00.000-04:00

Problems with RSS date sorting could be caused by the formatting of the date.

Use the format below:
<pubdate>startdate.ToString("o")</pubdate>

This will produce the format within the feed which will sort appropriately.
<pubdate>2011-04-28T00:00:00.0000000</pubdate>

Using hidden field to confirm status before postback

2011-04-08T12:10:00.000-04:00

Declare in page
<input type="hidden" id="confirmed" name="confirmed" value="">

Set up javascript validation
function SelectBtn_Click(src, e)
{
  var f = document.MyForm;
  var v = f.NumberOfTxt.value;

    if (IsStringOfDigits(v) && confirm("Are you sure you want to   select " + v + "?\n If \"Yes\" click OK, otherwise click Cancel."))
  {
    document.MyForm.confirmed.value = "Y";
    event.returnValue = true;
    return true;
  }
  else
  {
    document.MyForm.confirmed.value = "";
    event.returnValue = false;
    return false;
  }
}

Set attribute in code behind
this.SelectBtn.Attributes["onclick"] = "return SelectBtn_Click(this, event);";

In postback, check the hidden value
"Y".Equals(Request.Form["confirmed"])

FTP from command prompt

2011-03-29T09:09:00.000-04:00

C:\>ftp ftp.server.com
Connected to ftp.server.com.
220 You have connected to ftp.server.com
User (ftp.server.com:(none)): username
331 User name okay, need password.
Password:
230 User logged in, proceed.
ftp> dir
200 PORT Command successful.
150 Opening ASCII mode data connection for /bin/ls.
drw-rw-rw- 1 user group 0 Feb 8 16:10 .
drw-rw-rw- 1 user group 0 Feb 8 16:10 ..
drw-rw-rw- 1 user group 0 Oct 25 10:00 blah
drw-rw-rw- 1 user group 0 Oct 21 12:17 blah2
4 Transfer complete.
ftp: 2987 bytes received in 0.25Seconds 11.95Kbytes/sec.
ftp> cd blah2
250 Directory changed to /blah2
ftp> dir
200 PORT Command successful.
150 Opening ASCII mode data connection for /bin/ls.
drw-rw-rw- 1 user group 0 Feb 8 16:22 .
drw-rw-rw- 1 user group 0 Feb 8 16:22 ..
-rw-rw-rw- 1 user group 13824 Feb 8 16:22 test spreadsheet only.xls

226 Transfer complete.
ftp: 199 bytes received in 0.00Seconds 199000.00Kbytes/sec.
ftp> put C:\LocalMachine\Applications\ConsolidatedData.xls
200 PORT Command successful.
150 Opening ASCII mode data connection for consolidateddata.xls.
226 Transfer complete.
ftp: 640512 bytes sent in 6.38Seconds 100.47Kbytes/sec.
ftp> dir
200 PORT Command successful.
150 Opening ASCII mode data connection for /bin/ls.
drw-rw-rw- 1 user group 0 Feb 9 09:37 .
drw-rw-rw- 1 user group 0 Feb 9 09:37 ..
-rw-rw-rw- 1 user group 640512 Feb 9 09:37 consolidateddata.xls
-rw-rw-rw- 1 user group 13824 Feb 8 16:22 test spreadsheet only.xls

226 Transfer complete.
ftp: 276 bytes received in 0.00Seconds 276000.00Kbytes/sec.
ftp>

* Note: To send a link directly to ftp with the credentials within the link, it should be in the form: ftp://blah:pa3sw0rd@ftp.server.com

SQL detect table data change with Update Trigger

2011-03-09T12:18:00.000-05:00

ALTER TRIGGER [dbo].[Table_OnUpdate] ON [dbo].[Table]
FOR UPDATE
AS

DECLARE @firstname_changed BIT
DECLARE @lastname_changed BIT
DECLARE @middlename_changed BIT

SELECT
@firstname_changed = CASE WHEN i.firstname <> d.firstname THEN 1 ELSE 0 END,
@lastname_changed = CASE WHEN i.lastname <> d.lastname THEN 1 ELSE 0 END,
@middlename_changed = CASE WHEN i.middlename <> d.middlename THEN 1 ELSE 0 END
FROM inserted i INNER JOIN deleted d ON i.tableid=d.tableid

IF ((@firstname_changed = 1) OR (@lastname_changed = 1))
BEGIN
--Table data changed
END

Parser Error Message: Ambiguous match found.

2011-01-21T09:17:00.002-05:00

This error was being received after converting a project from .NET 1.1 to 3.5.
The issue is most likely due to two variable names in code behind differing only by case.

Here are two links for further research if needed:
Peter Johnson's blog (real name??)
Eran Sandler's post.

Assembly's manifest definition does not match the assembly reference

2011-01-10T13:42:00.001-05:00

This error can occur if an attempt is made to reference a different version of a .dll and the previous .dll is being imported during compilation.

To fix this issue:

Bring up the properties of the project having the problem
Click on the "Reference Paths" tab
Verify that the reference path defined is the actual path of the .dll that should be referenced.

Update the result of an inner join from a SQL table

2010-12-17T12:25:00.002-05:00

UPDATE @result
SET selectiondate=eventdatetime
FROM @result r
INNER JOIN (
  SELECT r.id, MAX(h.EventDateTime) eventdatetime
  FROM @result r
  LEFT JOIN statehistory h WITH (NOLOCK) ON h.id = r.id AND h.eventid = @CONST_SelectedEvent
  GROUP BY r.id
) d ON d.id=r.id

Page Lifecycle

2010-11-23T19:43:00.000-05:00

Simple graphic showing an asp.net pages lifecycle

Manage XML data in SQL column when column is not of type XML

2010-10-28T11:44:00.000-04:00

Below is a way to manage XML in SQL when the column is not of type XML

First, cast the data into a temp table as XML
DECLARE @results TABLE (Id INT, Detail XML)
--Filter results
INSERT INTO @results
select t.Id, d.extrainfo
from tableOne t
inner join into i on i.Id=t.Id
where i.institutionid=6 and t.state < 270

Combine relevent data for easier manipulation
DECLARE @x XML;
SELECT @x = ( SELECT
  [Id],
  [Detail].query('
  for $a in /*:RootNode
  return ')
FROM @results AS results
FOR XML AUTO);

Simple select statement
SELECT Id = T.Item.value('../@Id', 'INT'),
  Date = T.Item.value('@date', 'DATETIME')
FROM @x.nodes('results/detail') as T(Item)

Save DataSet as XML and then Recreate the DataSet from saved XML

2010-10-20T17:30:00.000-04:00

In this example, the DataSet is also prepended with a distinct node that can be used to include specific data the DataSet didn't include.

using(DataSet ds = GetSpecificData(dataID)){
  XmlDocument xd = new XmlDocument();
  //Here is where the unique node is created and added to the XmlDocument
  XmlNode node = xd.CreateNode(XmlNodeType.Element, "NewRootOfXML", null);
  xd.AppendChild(node);

  using(MemoryStream ms = new MemoryStream()) {
    ds.WriteXml(ms);

    //Reset the position to the start of the stream
    ms.Seek(0, SeekOrigin.Begin);

    StreamReader sr = new StreamReader(ms);
    node.InnerXml = sr.ReadToEnd();
  }

  xd.SaveTheXML();
}

  XmlDocument xDoc = TheSavedXML();
  XmlNode nd = xDoc .SelectSingleNode("/NewRootOfXML");

  DataSet data = new DataSet();
  XmlTextReader reader = new XmlTextReader(nd.InnerXml, XmlNodeType.Element, null);
  data.ReadXml(reader);

SQL paging or selecting a specific range of rows

2010-10-15T12:58:00.000-04:00

With a large set of data within a table, it is time consuming to query the entire set. To quickly return a specific section, follow the example below.

SELECT *
FROM
  (SELECT row_number() over (order by first, last DESC) as row, i.first, i.last, i.ex
    FROM information i
    WHERE i.infotype = @type
  ) AS Results
WHERE row BETWEEN 19000 AND 19900

Create MaxLength on Textbox

2010-08-23T10:02:00.003-04:00

Using the simple script below, multi-line textboxes will prevent a user from exceeding the MaxLength property.

* Note - using System.Text;

StringBuilder funcStr = new StringBuilder();
funcStr.Append("function isMaxLength(txtBox) {");
funcStr.Append("if(txtBox){");
funcStr.AppendFormat("return(txtBox.value.length <= {0});", aTextBox.MaxLength);
funcStr.Append("}}");

aTextBox.Attributes.Add("onkeypress", "return isMaxLength(this);");

ClientScript.RegisterClientScriptBlock(
   this.GetType(),
   "txtLength",
   funcStr.ToString() , true);

Using hidden field to track panels visibility

2010-08-16T15:14:00.003-04:00

To track the javascript visibility changes of a panel in code behind, follow the description below.

Within the pages Form element add a hidden input field
<input type="hidden" name="panelStatus" id="panelStatus" value="">

Javascript that was set-up to handle the onclick event
function ShowHidePanel(img, id){
var panel = document.getElementById(id);
var status = document.getElementById("panelStatus");

if(panel != null){
  if(panel.style.display == ""){
    panel.style.display = "none"
    img.src = "/images/icn_plus.gif";
    status.value = "closed";
  }
  else{
    panel.style.display = "";
    img.src = "/images/icn_minus.gif";
    status.value = "open";
  }
}}

Grab current value in code behind and adjust panel accordingly
string status = Request.Form["panelStatus"];
ViewState["panelStatus"] = StringHelper.IsNullOrEmpty(status) ? ViewState["panelStatus"] : status;
if(ViewState["panelStatus"] != null && "open".Equals(ViewState["panelStatus"]))
  this.ShowHidePanel.Style.Add("display", "");
  this.ShowHideImg.ImageUrl="/images/icn_minus.gif";
}
else{
  this.ShowHidePanel.Style.Add("display", "none");
  this.ShowHideImg.ImageUrl="/images/icn_plus.gif";
}

Testing two stored procedures efficiency

2010-07-14T15:34:00.004-04:00

Here is a quick SQL statement that will report on CPU and elapsed time for specified stored procedures.

USE DatabaseName
GO

SET STATISTICS TIME ON
GO
PRINT '---------------- START SP 1 ------------------------'
EXEC stored_proc1
PRINT '---------------- END SP 1 --------------------------'
GO

PRINT '---------------- START SP 2 ------------------------'
EXEC stored_proc2
PRINT '---------------- END SP 2 --------------------------'
GO

SET STATISTICS TIME OFF
GO

Bind XML to DataGrid

2010-07-01T11:10:00.002-04:00

Binding XML from a data table to a DataGrid

Code Behind
string xml = null;
while(reader.Read()){
  xml = reader["Responses"].ToString();
}

StringReader stream = new StringReader(xml);

using(DataSet ds = new DataSet()){
  ds.ReadXml(stream, XmlReadMode.InferSchema);

  ResultsDataGrid.DataSource = ds;
  ResultsDataGrid.DataBind();
}

aspx page
<asp:datagrid id="ResultsDataGrid" runat="server" AutoGenerateColumns="false">
  <Columns>
    <asp:BoundColumn DataField="LABEL" HeaderText="Question"></asp:BoundColumn>
    <asp:BoundColumn DataField="RESPONSE" HeaderText="Response"></asp:BoundColumn>
  </Columns>
</asp:datagrid>

Auto focus textbox

2010-06-30T10:43:00.003-04:00

To auto focus the first textbox on each pageload:

1.) Copy the function below into the base page:
private void FocusFirstTextBox(){
  StringBuilder buildScript = new StringBuilder();
  buildScript.Append("var boxes = document.getElementsByTagName('input');");
  buildScript.Append("for(var i = 0; i < boxes.length; i++) {");
  buildScript.Append("if(boxes[i].type == 'text' && boxes[i].disabled == false && boxes[i].style.display != 'none'){");
  buildScript.Append("boxes[i].focus();");
  buildScript.Append("break;");
  buildScript.Append("}}");

  this.RegisterStartupScript(Guid.NewGuid().ToString(),
  "");
}

2.) Copy this function call into the base pages OnPreRender:
protected override void OnPreRender(EventArgs e) {
  base.OnPreRender (e);
  this.FocusFirstTextBox();
}

Visual Studios debugger automatically stopping when IE comes up.

2009-12-10T12:00:00.002-05:00

I installed IE8 and the debugger in Visual Studios stopped working. I found this solution on the interwebs and it worked for my system (Visual Studio 2003, WinXP):

IE 8 has a feature called Loosely-Coupled Internet Explorer (LCIE) which results in IE running across multiple processes.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/beta/readiness/developers-existing.aspx#lcie

Older versions of the Visual Studio Debugger get confused by this and cannot figure out how to attach to the correct process. You can work around this by disabling the process growth feature of LCIE. Here's how:

1.Open RegEdit
2.Browse to HKEY_LOCALMACHINE -> SOFTWARE -> Microsoft -> Internet Explorer -> Main
3.Add a dword under this key called TabProcGrowth
4.Set TabProcGrowth to 0
Since you are running on Windows Server 2003, this is all you should need to do. If you run into the same problem on Vista or newer, you will also need to turn off protected mode.

Convert DataSet to Excel document

2009-12-10T09:45:00.002-05:00

Below is a quick description on how to convert a DataSet to an Excel sheet. It applies XslTransform to a DataSet and writes the results to the Response.OutputStream of a web request. This will allow for a user to save or open the data as Excel.

Populate a DataSet:
using (DataSet ds = Service.GetSummary(UserId, Filter1, Filter2))
{
...
}

Configure Response object:
Response.Clear();
Response.ContentType = "application/vnd.ms-excel";

Configure XslTransform:
XmlDataDocument xmlDoc = new XmlDataDocument(ds);
XslTransform xslTran = new XslTransform();
xslTran.Load(Server.MapPath("ExcelTransformFormat.xslt"));
Note: "ExcelTransformFormat.xslt" will need to be adjusted. Below is an example, but it will need to be modified to reflect the DataSet it is being used to transform.

Write results to Response:
xslTran.Transform(xmlDoc, null, Response.OutputStream, null);
Response.AppendHeader("Content-Disposition", "attachment; filename=Name.xls");
Response.End();

Example .xslt Transform File
<xsl:stylesheet version="1.0"
xmlns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:spreadsheet"
xmlns:xsl="http://www.w3.org/1999/XSL/Transform"
xmlns:msxsl="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:xslt"
xmlns:user="urn:my-scripts"
xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"
xmlns:x="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:excel"
xmlns:ss="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:spreadsheet" >

<xsl:template match="NewDataSet">

<Workbook xmlns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:spreadsheet"
xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"
xmlns:x="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:excel"
xmlns:ss="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:spreadsheet"
xmlns:html="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40">

<Styles>
<Style ss:ID="Default" ss:Name="Normal">
<Alignment ss:Vertical="Bottom"/>
<Borders/>
<Font/>
<Interior/>
<NumberFormat/>
<Protection/>
</Style>
<Style ss:ID="s21">
<Font ss:Bold="1"/>
<Alignment ss:Horizontal="Center" ss:Vertical="Bottom"/>
</Style>
<Style ss:ID="s22">
<Alignment ss:Horizontal="Center" ss:Vertical="Bottom"/>
<Font ss:Bold="1"/>
<Interior ss:Color="#99CCFF" ss:Pattern="Solid"/>
</Style>
</Styles>
<Worksheet>
<xsl:attribute name="ss:Name">
<xsl:value-of select='concat("RGN", Table/region, "DST", Table/district)'/>
</xsl:attribute>
<Table ss:ExpandedColumnCount="17">
<xsl:attribute name="ss:ExpandedRowCount" >
<xsl:value-of select="count(Table)+10"/>
</xsl:attribute>
<Column ss:AutoFitWidth="0" ss:Width="30"/>
<Column ss:AutoFitWidth="0" ss:Width="30"/>
<Column ss:AutoFitWidth="0" ss:Width="50"/>
<Row>
<Cell ss:StyleID="s21"><Data ss:Type="String">RGN</Data></Cell>
<Cell ss:StyleID="s21"><Data ss:Type="String">DST</Data></Cell>
<Cell ss:StyleID="s21"><Data ss:Type="String">Location</Data></Cell>
</Row>
<xsl:apply-templates select="Table"/>
</Table>
</Worksheet>
</Workbook>
</xsl:template>
<xsl:template match="Table">
<Row>
<Cell><Data ss:Type="String"><xsl:value-of select="region"/></Data></Cell>
<Cell><Data ss:Type="String"><xsl:value-of select="district"/></Data></Cell>
<Cell><Data ss:Type="String"><xsl:value-of select="location"/></Data></Cell>
</Row>
</xsl:template>
</xsl:stylesheet>

Automatic webpage logout

2009-10-24T15:37:00.002-04:00

Below is some javascript that can be added to any page in order to automatically log out a user after a given amount of time.

<script language="javascript">
//function __logout(msg, loc ) {alert(msg); location.href = loc;}

//function __startLogoutCountdown(){window.setTimeout("__logout('Login Expired: === \\nThis site uses a security feature that automatically logs you out from your session after 16 minutes. You may login again to continue your session.', '<%=Request.ApplicationPath%>/Logout.aspx');", 960000);};
</script>

Javascript ReplaceAll

2009-09-25T13:20:00.002-04:00

In order to replace all occurrences of a particular string or char, you can use the format below:

replace(//g, "");

Lets say there is a variable: var tag = ctl0_Parent:Child:Item;
var itm = tag.replace(":", "_");
will result with itm being equal to: ctl0_Parent_Child:Item
var itm = tag.replace(/:/g, "_");
on the other hand, will result in itm being equal to: ctl0_Parent_Child_Item

Dynamically turn on/off Panel with Javascript

2009-09-15T15:46:00.003-04:00

1.) Set client side OnChange event on a Button, CheckBox, etc...
  OnChanged="javascriptChangeHandler(this, 'Panel1');"

2.) Include the Panel named in the javascriptChangeHandler call in HTML
  <asp:Panel id="Panel1" Runat="server">
    Content...
  </asp:Panel>

3.) Add the Javascript function to the page or within included .js file
function javascriptChangeHandler (elem, panel) {
  var part = elem.id.substr(0, elem.id.lastIndexOf('_'));
  //Handle part logic to determine if panel should be turned off or on

  if ( part == null ) {
    elem.focus();
    return false;
  } else if ( part == "someIdentity" ) {
    document.getElementById(panel).style.display = "block";
    } else {
      document.getElementById(panel).style.display = "none";
    }
  }
}

Automatic logout

2009-08-04T14:49:00.002-04:00

From within a MasterPage, insert the following script to automatically logout users from a site after a specified timespan.

<script language="javascript">
   __applicationPath = "<%=Request.ApplicationPath%>";
</script>

<script language="javascript">
  /function __logout(msg, loc ) {alert(msg); location.href = loc;}
  /function __startLogoutCountdown(){window.setTimeout("__logout('Login Expired: ================== \\nThis site uses a security feature that automatically logs you out from your session after 16 minutes.', '<%=Request.ApplicationPath%>/Logout.aspx');", 960000);};
</script>

At this point, you can collect and destroy the user's session from Logout.aspx

PGP encrypt and sign a file with GnuPG

2009-06-08T12:00:00.003-04:00

In order to PGP encrypt and sign a file for transfer, the following items will be needed:

GnuPG open source software found here

A private PGP Key and the corresponding public key to provide the client.

A clients public PGP Key.

A file to be encrypted.

1. Install GnuPG onto the server responsible for encrypting the file.

2. Install the keys and give proper trust level onto the server that will be encrypting the files:

gpg --import [Filename] (installs a clients public key on server)

gpg --edit [name of key] (sets trust level of client public key)
command> trust
command> 4
command> y

3. View fingerprints of keys (if needed)

gpg --fingerprint (this will show the fingerprint to the keys)

4. Execute PGP command on file gpg --passphrase-fd 0 -u %sender% -r %recipient% --yes -a --quiet --output %outfilename% --sign --encrypt %filename%

5. If the encryption will be done within an application, this key can be added to the configuration and used in a "GeneratePGPFile" function call:

6. Main Function:

protected bool GeneratePGPFile(string recipient, string filename, ref string outFilename)
{
  try
  {
    string gpgCommand = ConfigurationSettings.AppSettings["GPGCommand"];
    string gpgKeyName = ConfigurationSettings.AppSettings["GPGKeyName"];
    string gpgPassPhrase = ConfigurationSettings.AppSettings["GPGPassPhrase"]); (if needed)
    string gpgFilename = outFilename;

    gpgCommand = gpgCommand.Replace("%passphrase%", gpgPassPhrase);
    gpgCommand = gpgCommand.Replace("%sender%", string.Format("\"{0}\"", gpgKeyName));
    gpgCommand = gpgCommand.Replace("%recipient%", string.Format("\"{0}\"", recipient));
    gpgCommand = gpgCommand.Replace("%filename%", string.Format("\"{0}\"", filename));
    gpgCommand = gpgCommand.Replace("%outfilename%", string.Format("\"{0}\"", gpgFilename));

    System.Diagnostics.ProcessStartInfo psi =
new System.Diagnostics.ProcessStartInfo("cmd.exe");

    psi.CreateNoWindow = true;
    psi.UseShellExecute = false;
    psi.RedirectStandardInput = true;
    psi.RedirectStandardOutput = true;
    psi.RedirectStandardError = true;
    psi.WorkingDirectory = Path.GetDirectoryName(filename);

    System.Diagnostics.Process process = System.Diagnostics.Process.Start(psi);
process.StandardInput.WriteLine(gpgCommand);

    process.StandardInput.Flush();
    process.StandardInput.Close();
    process.WaitForExit();
    process.Close();

    if (!File.Exists(gpgFilename)) {
      return false;
    }

  return true;
  }
  catch (Exception ex)
  {
    HandleError(ex);
    return false;
  }
}

Using onclick with ListItem within RadioButtonList Control

2009-05-29T14:14:00.002-04:00

Below is a way to add an onclick event into the ListItems of a RadioButtonList Control:

Static RadioButtonList and ListItems within HTML
<asp:RadioButtonList id="citizenRbl" runat="server" RepeatDirection="Horizontal">
<asp:ListItem value="uscitizen" text="US Citizen"></asp:ListItem>
<asp:ListItem value="residentalien" text="Resident Alien"></asp:ListItem>
<asp:ListItem value="nonresidentalien" text="Non-Resident Alien"></asp:ListItem>
</asp:RadioButtonList>

Code Behind - add the onclick event to the parent control of the ListItems
citizenRbl.Attributes.Add("onclick", "CheckCitizenSelection('"+citizenRbl.ClientID+"')");

Javascript
<script language="Javascript">
function CheckCitizenSelection(rblID){
var rbl = document.getElementById(rblID);
var options = rbl.getElementsByTagName('input');
for(jj=0; jj<options.length; jj++)
{
  var cbox = options[jj];
  if(cbox.checked && cbox.value == "nonresidentalien"){
    alert('You choice was non-resident alien');
  }
}
}
</script>

Add client on click to asp repeater

2009-05-08T11:14:00.002-04:00

To add a client side onclick event to buttons in a repeater, use the scenario below as a reference.

Within the web form:
<asp:Repeater ID="ItemsRpt" Runat="server">
  <ItemTemplate>
    <tr>
      <td><%#DataBinder.Eval(Container.DataItem, "ItemName")%></td>
      <td>
        <asp:Button ID="DeleteBtn" Runat="server" Visible=<%#System.Convert.ToBoolean(DataBinder.Eval(Container.DataItem, "canDelete"))%> Text="Delete" CommandArgument=<%#DataBinder.Eval(Container.DataItem, "ItemId")%> CommandName="DeleteItem" CssClass="Btn" CausesValidation="False"></asp:Button>
      </td>
    </tr>
  </ItemTemplate>
</asp:Repeater>

Within the code behind "InitializeComponent"
this.ItemsRpt.ItemCreated += new RepeaterItemEventHandler(ItemsRpt_ItemCreated);

and then...
private void PositionsRpt_ItemCreated(object sender, RepeaterItemEventArgs e)
{
  if (e.Item.DataItem != null)
  {
    Button btn = e.Item.FindControl("DeleteBtn") as Button;
    if (btn != null) {
      btn.Attributes.Add("onclick", "return confirm('Confirm the deletion of this item');");
    }
  }
}

SSRS check for blank parameters

2009-04-06T12:54:00.003-04:00

Within an SSRS .rdl file you may want to check to see if a Parameter is null before you try to filter results, below are a couple solutions:

=IIf((LEN(Parameters!range.Value)>0), Parameters!range.Value, Fields!range.Value)

=IIf(IsNothing(Parameters!range.Value), Fields!range.Value, Parameters!range.Value)

DataBinder if else solution

2009-04-05T16:42:00.003-04:00

Below is an example that will allow two different images to be displayed in an image control based on the DataBinder.Eval result.

<img src="<%# (Convert.ToInt32(DataBinder.Eval(Container.DataItem, "availabilityId")) == 1) ? "/images/available.gif" : "/images/scheduled.gif"%>" alt="schedule" id="scheduleImg" style="border:none"/>

Use ICallbackEventHandler interface for asynchronous calls to the server

2008-12-08T11:07:00.004-05:00

A simple way to perform asynchronous calls to the server from the client is by using the ICallbackEventHandler interface in .NET 2.0.

1.) Create a class and specify ICallbackEventHandler interface:
public partial class TestClass : System.Web.UI.UserControl, ICallbackEventHandler

2.) Implement ICallbackEventHandler.RaiseCallbackEvent and ICallbackEventHandler.GetCallbackResult()
private string results;
void ICallbackEventHandler.RaiseCallbackEvent(string argument)
{
string[] list;
int i=0;
string id= argument.ToLower();
DataView dv = RetrieveData(argument);
list = new string[dv.Table.Rows.Count];

foreach (DataRow row in dv.Table.Rows)
{
list[i] = row[1].ToString() + "," + row[2].ToString();
i++;
}
results = String.Join("-", list);

return;
}

string ICallbackEventHandler.GetCallbackResult()
{
return results;
}

3.) Create async call-back function for use on client side.
private string GetDataRefreshScript()
{
StringBuilder sb = new StringBuilder("function RefreshResults(data){");
sb.AppendLine(Page.ClientScript.GetCallbackEventReference(this, "data", "UpdateData","null", "UpdateData_Error", true));
sb.AppendLine("}");
sb.AppendLine(GetUpdateDataScript());

return sb.ToString();
}

4.) Create client script to handle data retreived from server through async call.
private string GetUpdateDataScript()
{
StringBuilder sb = new StringBuilder("function UpdateData(response, context) {");
sb.AppendLine("var id = document.getElementById(\"" + ResultsGrid.ClientID + "\");");
sb.AppendLine("if(id != null){");
sb.AppendLine("var rows = new Array();");
sb.AppendLine("rows = response.split(\"-\");");
sb.AppendLine("for(j=0; j sb.AppendLine("var tmpRow = rows[j];");
sb.AppendLine("addResultGridRow(id, tmpRow);\r\n}}}");

//Error
sb.AppendLine("function UpdateData_Error(response, context) {");
sb.AppendLine("var err = document.getElementById(\"" + errorMessage.ClientID +"\");");
sb.AppendLine("if(err != null){");
sb.AppendLine("err.innerHTML = 'Error processing data.';");
sb.AppendLine("err.style.visibility = 'visible';\r\n}}");

return sb.ToString();
}

5.) The last thing that needs done is triggering the async call from client
btn.Attributes.Add("onmousedown", "RefreshResults('" + data + "')");

Communicate data between two browser windows

2008-12-08T10:51:00.002-05:00

To communicate data between two browser windows "window.opener" can be of assistance. window.opener returns a reference to the window that opened the current window. So this mock function below should be inserted into the opened window.
Make note that "__datatarget" and "__datawindow" are two variables that were defined in the parent window.

function SetData(data)
{
  if ((window.opener != null)
  && (!window.opener.closed)
  && (window.opener.__datatarget != null))
  {
   var changed = (window.opener.__datatarget.value != data);
   window.opener.__dataetarget.value = employee;
   window.opener.__datawindow.value = null;
   if (changed)
   window.opener.__datatarget.fireEvent("onchange");
  }
window.close();
}

_PendingCallbacks[...].async is null or not an object BUG

2008-10-30T20:22:00.002-04:00

_PendingCallbacks[...].async is null or not an object error can be related to a bug in the javascript that VS creates for you to deal with callbacks. You can alleviate PendingCallback errors by checking all of your own javascript for any variables named i. Replace them and you should be golden.

Show and hide a panel with javascript

2008-10-03T10:02:00.003-04:00

* Make note of the Z-INDEX on the row. This will allow the visible panel to appear above other items on the page.
In the HTML
<tr style="Z-INDEX: 10; POSITION: absolute">
  <td>
    <asp:Panel Runat="server" ID="ThePanel" BorderWidth="1px" BorderStyle=Solid>
    <asp:Literal Runat="server" ID="TheResults"></asp:Literal>
</asp:Panel>
  </td>
</tr>

In the js file
function ShowPanel(target)
{
  if (target != null)
  {
    target.style.display = '';
  }
}

function HidePanel(target)
{
  if (target != null)
  {
    target.style.display = 'none';
  }
}

In the code behind
protected override void OnPreRender(EventArgs e)
{
  this.TheLabel.Attributes.Add("onmouseover", "ShowPanel("+this.ThePanel.ID+");");
  this.TheLabel.Attributes.Add("onmouseout", "HidePanel("+this.ThePanel.ID+");");
  this.ThePanel.Style.Add("display", "none");

  base.OnPreRender (e);
}

DataSet / DataTable Primary Key and using DataRow.Find

2008-09-25T15:00:00.003-04:00

It's quick and easy to find items in a DataTable through setting the primary key. This method can be used to easily populate a CheckBoxList

DataSet ds = //populate dataset
if(ds != null && ds.Tables.Count > 0)
{
  GroupCBL.DataSource = ds;
  GroupCBL.DataTextField="textField";
  GroupCBL.DataBind();

  DataColumn[] dc = new DataColumn[1];
  dc[0] = ds.Tables[0].Columns["key"];
  ds.Tables[0].PrimaryKey = dc;

  foreach(ListItem item in GroupCBL.Items)
  {
    DataRow row = ds.Tables[0].Rows.Find(item.Value);
    item.Selected = Convert.ToBoolean(row["selected"]);
  }
}

Restart a remote machine.

2008-09-12T08:11:00.002-04:00

Having problems with the remote machine you are using? Don't want to leave home to head to the office for a restart? Simple cmd can take care of it.

C:\Documents and Settings\unplug1.6>shutdown -m \\Hum -r -y

shutdown is the command you're looking for, "-r" is to specify a restart instead of total shutdown. "-m \\Hum" specifies the remote computer you are trying to restart. Below are a few other arguments.

No args Display this message (same as -?)
-i Display GUI interface, must be the first option
-l Log off (cannot be used with -m option)
-s Shutdown the computer
-r Shutdown and restart the computer
-a Abort a system shutdown
-m \\computername Remote computer to shutdown/restart/abort
-t xx Set timeout for shutdown to xx seconds
-c "comment" Shutdown comment (maximum of 127 characters)
-f Forces running applications to close without warning
-d [u][p]:xx:yy The reason code for the shutdown

Usage:
shutdown [-i | -l | -s | -r | -a] [-f] [-m \\computername] [-t xx] [-c "comment"] [-d up:xx:yy]

Refreshing the project failed. Unable to retrieve folder information from the server.

2008-09-08T09:21:00.002-04:00

I've been working with Visual Studios 2003 and have had the error "Refreshing the project failed. Unable to retrieve folder information from the server." pop up as I'm loading the project. I normally ignore it and go about my business. I finally tired of seeing the pop up and hit the interweb for answers.

To correct the problem simply delete the "VSWebCache" from the "\Documents and Settings\[Username]" directory.

Delete the result of an inner join from a SQL table

2008-07-08T10:26:00.001-04:00

If you want to delete the result of an inner join from a table, you just need to be redundant...

delete
from userregionlocation
from userregionlocation t
inner join @res r on r.userid=t.userid and r.region=t.region and r.location=t.location

Whatever the result set of:

select *
from userregionlocation t
inner join @res r on r.userid=t.userid and r.region=t.region and r.location=t.location

is what will be deleted from the "userregionlocation" table.

Retrieving a file that is stored in a database as an image.

2008-06-30T11:17:00.000-04:00

1. Create a "File Server" as an HttpHandler
-Within the web.config, set up a page (filemanager.aspx below) that will handle http requests.

<system.web>
  <httpHandlers>
    <add verb="*" path="filemanager.aspx" type="Project.FileManagerHttpHandler, DLLName"/>
  </httpHandlers>
</system.web>

2. Within the html page, create a hyperlink to the http handler
http post to server: <a href="http://url/fileserver.aspx?uniqueIdentifier">click here</a>

3. Create the class that will handle the http request

public class FileServerHttpHandler : IHttpHandler, IRequiresSessionState
{
  // Override the ProcessRequest method.
  public void ProcessRequest(HttpContext context)
  {
    try
    {
      Guid token = new Guid(context.Request.QueryString.ToString());

      BinaryWriter bw;
      context.Response.Clear();
      using (SqlDataReader dr = SqlHelper.ExecuteReader(DBHelper.ConnectionString, "FileGetByFileToken", token))
        {
        if (dr != null)
        {
          if (dr.Read())
          {
context.Response.ContentType = dr["filetype"].ToString();
            byte[] o = (byte[]) dr["filedata"];
              bw = new BinaryWriter(context.Response.OutputStream);
              bw.Write(o);
            }
            dr.Close();
          }
        }
      }
    catch (Exception)
    {
    }
  }

  // Override the IsReusable property.
  public bool IsReusable
  {
    get { return true; }
  }

Howard Stern on the iPhone

2008-06-28T11:51:00.000-04:00

Thanks to the work of Millard Software (www.millardsoftware.com), iPhone owners can now enjoy Howard Stern and the rest of Sirius Satellite Radio through their iPhone!

This is how to set it up:
1. You need to have a jailbroken iPhone, this can be achieved by downloading and installing ZiPhone here.

2. Execute and install the ZiPhone jailbreak onto your iPhone

3. Add the following repository to your Installer:
http://www.millardsoftware.com/files/downloads/usirius/iphone/iphone.xml

more info:
a. click the "installer" which will be on your homescreen
b. click on "Sources" form bottom menu
c. click on "Edit" which will be on the top right of screen
d. click on "Add" which will be on the top left of screen
e. type in the above URL

4. Select uSirius - iPhone Edition in the Multimedia section.

If you have a Sirius subscription, you enter your credentials and will have Howard Stern and Sirius Radio on your iPhone. If you don't have a subscription yet, you can receive a free three day trial by signing up at Sirius

My Morning Jacket and The Black Keys at Red Rocks Amphitheatre

2008-04-28T13:04:00.000-04:00

August 21st 2008, The Black Keys will be opening for My Morning Jacket at Red Rocks Amphitheatre and I have tickets!! It's the only show that the two bands will be playing together on their separate tours. I've never been to Denver, so this will be an all around great trip. Red Rocks, a Hard Rock Cafe I don't have a shot glass from, downtown Denver, and some of the best music around. NICE!!

Post Http request in code behind example

2008-04-28T12:47:00.000-04:00

public XmlDocument Send(string url, XmlDocument reqdoc)
{
//Start by creating the request using given URL
  HttpWebRequest httpReq = (HttpWebRequest)WebRequest.Create(url);
  httpReq.Method = @"POST";
  httpReq.ContentType = @"text/xml"; //Using XML
  httpReq.Timeout = 600000;//10 minutes (in milliseconds)
  httpReq.KeepAlive = false;

  Stream strm = httpReq.GetRequestStream();
  reqdoc.Save(strm);
  strm.Close();
//Create HttpWebRewponse to handle the result
  HttpWebResponse resp = (HttpWebResponse)httpReq.GetResponse();

  StreamReader srdr = new StreamReader(resp.GetResponseStream(),Encoding.GetEncoding("UTF-8"));
  string xmlstr = srdr.ReadToEnd();

  resp.Close();

  respdoc = new XmlDocument();

  try
  {
    StringBuilder sb = new StringBuilder(xmlstr);
//Remove undefined chars
    for(int c=0; c<sb.Length; c++)
    {
      if (sb[c]<'\x20')
      {
        sb[c]='\x20';
      }
    }

    respdoc.LoadXml(sb.ToString());

    respXmlStr = respdoc.OuterXml;
  }
  catch(Exception e)
  {
    string msg = "Invalid XML response returned: " + e.Message;
    LogExceptionData(msg,xmlstr);
    throw new Exception(msg,e);
    }
      return respdoc;
    }
}

Loop through SQL table

2008-03-07T14:45:00.000-05:00

If you have a SQL result set that you would like to loop through, here is how you'd do it.

--Begin with defining the dataset you want to work with.
declare @res table (ID int, orderNum int)
insert into @res
select ID, orderNum
from A_Table a
inner join B_Table b on b.ID=a.ID
order by orderNum

declare @orderNum int

--Create the cursor that will cycle through the result set.
declare keys cursor for
select orderNum
from @res

open keys
fetch keys into @orderNum
while (@@fetch_status = 0)
begin
exec orderDelete @orderNum
fetch keys into @orderNum
end
close keys
deallocate keys

...And there you have it.

Javascript pop-up errors from asp.net code behind

2008-03-06T11:37:00.000-05:00

This is how to generate client side pop-up errors after processing code behind:
It starts with the StringCollection:
private StringCollection clientMessages;

while processing in code behind, add any errors to clientMessages:
if(Error)
clientMessages.Add("you can't do that");

Now in the OnPreRender event...
protected override void OnPreRender(EventArgs e)
{
// Display client messages to browser if any.
if ((clientMessages != null) && (clientMessages.Count > 0))
{
  StringBuilder sb = new StringBuilder(123);
  StringBuilder msg = new StringBuilder(123);
  sb.Append("<script language=\"javascript\" for=\"window\"   event=\"onload\">\n");
  sb.Append("function __ShowClientMessages(){\n");
  sb.Append("alert(\"");
  for (int i=0, j=clientMessages.Count; i<j; i++)
  {
    msg.Length = 0;
    msg.Append(clientMessages[i]);
    msg.Replace("\n","\\n").Replace("\"","\\\"");
    msg.Append("\\n");
    sb.Append(msg.ToString());
    //sb.Append(clientMessages[i].Replace("\n","\\n")).Append("\\n");
  }
  sb.Append("\");\n");
  sb.Append("}\n");
  sb.Append("window.attachEvent(\"onload\", __ShowClientMessages);");
  sb.Append("</script>");
  this.RegisterStartupScript("ClientMessages", sb.ToString());
  sb.Length = 0;
}

And here is how to register the client side script
protected void RegisterStartupScript(string script)
{
  this.RegisterStartupScript(Guid.NewGuid().ToString(),
  "<script language=\"javascript\">\n"
  + script
  +"</script>");
}

And there you have it, javascript pop-up errors from code behind.

Bar Rock The Vote

2008-03-04T11:49:00.000-05:00

Arcade Fire came to the Beachland Ballroom in Cleveland, OH in support of Barack Obama. They played two free shows to sold out crowds, and here is an image of the most intense musician I've ever had the opportunity to see. The guy was like a bear.

Post and receive XML to a URL

2008-03-03T10:38:00.000-05:00

Here is a quick example of how to post and receive XML using HttpWebRequest:

//Some libraries that will be needed:
System.Net;
System.IO;
System.Xml;
System.Text;

public XmlDocument Send(string url, XmlDocument reqdoc)
{
//Setting up and posting request
  HttpWebRequest httpReq = (HttpWebRequest)WebRequest.Create(url);
  httpReq.Method = @"POST";
  httpReq.ContentType = @"text/xml";
  httpReq.Timeout = 600000; // 10 minutes (in milliseconds)
  httpReq.KeepAlive = false;

  Stream strm = httpReq.GetRequestStream();
  XmlDocument doc = new XmlDocument();
  doc.LoadXml("); //load xml
  doc.Save(strm); //strm will be the data to be sent
  strm.Close();

//Receiving result
  HttpWebResponse resp = (HttpWebResponse)httpReq.GetResponse();
  StreamReader srdr = new StreamReader(resp.GetResponseStream(),Encoding.GetEncoding("UTF-8"));
  string xmlstr = srdr.ReadToEnd();

  resp.Close();
  XmlDocument respdoc = new XmlDocument();
  try
  {
    StringBuilder sb = new StringBuilder(xmlstr);
    for(int c=0; c<sb.Length; c++)
    {
      if (sb[c]<'\x20')
      {
        sb[c]='\x20';
      }
    }

    respdoc.LoadXml(sb.ToString());
    string respXmlStr = respdoc.OuterXml;
  }
  catch(Exception e)
  {
    string msg = "Invalid XML response returned: " + e.Message;
    throw new Exception(msg,e);
  }

return respdoc;
}

C# @ string meaning.

2008-01-11T09:29:00.000-05:00

And now for a little string manipulation:

string initXML = @"<?xml version=""1.0"" ?><request company=""gnc"" auth=""{0}"" unit=""{1}"" code=""{2}"" />";

initXML = String.Format(initXML, authCode, location, passCode);

The difference between a regular and verbatim string expression:

Regular literal	Verbatim literal	Result
"Unplug1dot6"	@"Unplug1dot6"	Unplug1dot6
"Backslash: \\"	@"Backslash: \"	Backslash: \
"Quote: \""	@"Quote: """	Quote: "
"CRLF:\r\nPost CRLF"	@"CRLF: Post CRLF"	CRLF: Post CRLF

Use BCP within ASP.NET, C#

2008-01-07T09:53:00.000-05:00

The Bulk Copy Program (BCP) is a command-line utility that ships with SQL Server. You can import / export large amounts of data in / out of SQL.

The BCP utility is accessed from the command prompt. Syntax below:
bcp {dbtable | query} {in | out | queryout | format} datafile
[-n native type] [-c character type]
[-S server name] [-U username]
[-P password] [-T trusted connection]

Remember: When using BCP, the terms are case-sensitive.
-n term specifies native SQL Server format.
-S term enables you to add the server/instance name.
-U term allows you to add the name of the login used to connect to SQL Server.
-P term lets you add the password of the -U switch.
-T term is for establishing a trusted connection to your SQL Server
-c term performs the operation using a character data type. This option does not prompt for each field; it uses char as the storage type, without prefixes and with \t (tab character) as the field separator and \r\n (newline character) as the row terminator
-t field_term specifies the field terminator. The default is \t (tab character). Use this parameter to override the default field terminator.
-r row_term specifies the row terminator. The default is \n (newline character). Use this parameter to override the default row terminator.

Example - C# in .cs file
Process bcp = new Process();
bcp.StartInfo.WorkingDirectory = WorkPath;
bcp.StartInfo.FileName = "bcp";
bcp.StartInfo.Arguments = "datatableName..storedprocedureToRun"
  + " in " //out
  + file.Name
  + @" -c -t ~ -r \n -DATABASE_NAME -Ucredential -Pcredential";
bcp.Start();
bcp.WaitForExit();

Verify a condition is true before posting asp:checkbox

2008-01-02T15:44:00.001-05:00

If you want to verify a condition before the AutoPostBack event is fired for an asp:checkbox.

Set up the javascript function of what you want to verify:
<script language="javascript">
  function Reviewed_Click(o, e)
  {
    var oResponse = document.getElementById("Response");
    if (oResponse != null)
    {
      var reg = /\s+/g;
      var value = oResponse.innerText.toLowerCase().replace(reg, "");
      if (value == "yes"
      && !confirm("A question to ask?\nIf \"Yes\" click OK, otherwise click CANCEL."))
      {
        event.returnValue = false;
        return false;
      }
    }
  return true;
}
</script>

--------------------------------------------------------------
Now add the asp:checkbox...

<asp:checkbox id="Reviewed" Runat="server" AutoPostBack="True" Text="Information Reviewed" onclick="if (!Reviewed_Click(this, event)) return false;"></asp:checkbox>

network problem?

2007-11-13T10:32:00.000-05:00

Some DOS commands that can help determine network problems:
ping, tracert, nslookup, netstat

C:\Documents and Settings\unplug1.6>ping tttx-inst1.com

Pinging tttx-inst1.com [182.11.110.111] with 32 bytes of data:

Request timed out.
Request timed out.
Request timed out.
Request timed out.

Ping statistics for 182.11.110.111:
Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 0, Lost = 4 (100% loss),

C:\Documents and Settings\unplug1.6>tracert minn

Tracing route to minn.xx.com [182.11.110.111]
over a maximum of 30 hops:

1 1 ms <1 ms <1 ms 182.11.110.111
2 * * * Request timed out.
3 25 ms 23 ms 24 ms 192.168.16.160
4 24 ms 23 ms 25 ms minn.xx.com [182.11.110.111]

If there were a problem with an ip, you can specify which ip to use in tracert:
tracert -j 180.16.116.116 oh-01.xx.com

Tracing route to oh-01.xx.com [180.16.116.116]
over a maximum of 30 hops:

1 * * * Request timed out.
2 * * * Request timed out.

Trace complete.

C:\Documents and Settings\unplug1.6>nslookup 192.168.16.160
Server: oh-01.xx.com
Address: 182.16.160.16

*** oh-01.xx.com can't find 192.168.16.160: Non-existent domain

C# threading example

2007-11-09T16:02:00.000-05:00

This is a simple, but handy multi-thread example. The two "foreach" sections at the end is where the hip happens. All process' will start at the same time and "Main" will not exit until all threads have been joined.

static void Main(string[] args)
{
  ArrayList threads = new ArrayList();

  try
  {
    if(args.Length > 0)
  {

  switch(args[0].ToUpper())
  {
    case "case1" :
    {
      case1Export case1 = new case1Export();
      Thread t1 = new Thread(new ThreadStart(case1.Start));
      threads.Add(t1);
      break;
    }
    case "case2" :
    {
      case2Export case2 = new case2Export();
      Thread t2 = new Thread(new ThreadStart(case2.Start));
      threads.Add(t2);
      break;
    }
    case "case3" :
    {
      case3Export case3 = new case3Export();
      Thread t3 = new Thread(new ThreadStart(case3.Start));
      threads.Add(t3);
      break;
    }
    default :
      break;
    }
  }

  foreach(Thread thread in threads)
  {
    thread.Start();
  }

  foreach(Thread joinThread in threads)
  {
    joinThread.Join();
  }
}

Print page with simple script

2007-10-11T16:42:00.000-04:00

It is simple to add print capabilities to a page. This would be useful if you are opening a page without menu options.

function printpage()
{
window.print();
}

<input type="button" id="PrintBtn" name="PrintBtn" value="Print" class="Btn" onclick="printpage();">

Minutia of a Javascript Checkbox

2007-09-12T10:26:00.000-04:00

An overlooked aspect of the Javascript checkbox is, unlike it's asp:checkbox brother, you can group them together with one name and view the values on the server side. In this example, a checkbox is placed in an asp:datagrid. An asp:repeater would work the same way.

This would go in the datagrid/repeater:
<input type="checkbox" name="VALUEChkBx" value='<%#DataBinder.Eval(Container.DataItem, "aValue")%>' onclick="return VALUEChkBx_Click(this, event);">
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
On the page you could add some javascript functionality by taking advantage of the onclick attribute:
function VALUEChkBx_Click(src, e)
{
  var f = src.form;
  f.EmailBtn.disabled = true;

  for (i=0, j=f.length; i<j; i++)
  {
    var ele = f[i];
    if (ele.name == "VALUEChkBx" && ele.checked)
    {
      f.EmailTxt.disabled = false;
      f.EmailBtn.disabled = false;

      break;
    }
  }
}
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now for the intricate part, the code behind:
string valueList = Request.Form["VALUEChkBx"];
if (valueList != null && valueList.Length != 0)
{
  string [] aList = valueList.Split(',');

  for(int i=0; i<aList.Length; i++)
  {
    string value = aList[i].ToString();

**Notice that aList holds each individual value of the checkboxes that were checked on the page. Take special note to request the checkbox(s) using the form - Request.Form["VALUEChkBx"]

Windows XP Cut and Paste not working?

2007-09-06T12:03:00.000-04:00

If you find yourself having trouble transferring data using the antiquated cut and paste feature of Windows and find it's not working, you have too many programs running. No, I don't have an MSDN link backing my statement, but if you close some excess programs, your cut and paste will function again.
If anyone has a link explaining this jacked performance, let me know.

keyCode table for Unicode standard

2007-08-29T12:00:00.000-04:00

The following is a table defining the keyCode for particular key presses
With this table you can catch key presses using Javascript with the following:
//The javascript functions:
function InKeyRange(e, min, max)
{
  if (min == null)
    min = 0;

  if (max == null)
    max = 65000;

  if (max < min)
  {
    var tmp = min;
    min = max;
    max = tmp;
  }

  var keyCode = (is_nav) ? e.which : e.keyCode;
  return ((min <= keyCode) && (keyCode <= max));
}

// test if the keycode of the key pressed is a numeric key 0-9
function IsNumericKey(e)
{
  return InKeyRange(e, 48, 57);
}

//Call javascript functions from within a textbox
<asp:TextBox Runat="server" onkeypress="return IsNumericKey(event);" Width="35" ID="TB1"></asp:TextBox>

If the key pressed is not within the givin value, the textbox won't accept the input.

Now here is the table defining the keyCodes:

a = 97
b = 98
c = 99
d = 100
e = 101
f = 102
g = 103
h = 104
i = 105
j = 106

k = 107
l = 108
m = 109
n = 110
o = 111
p = 112
q = 113
r = 114
s = 115
t = 116

u = 117
v = 118
w = 119
x = 120
y = 121
z = 122
0 = 48
1 = 49
2 = 50
3 = 51

4 = 52
5 = 53
6 = 54
7 = 55
8 = 56
9 = 57
' = 39
, = 44
- = 45
. = 46

/ = 47
: = 58
= = 61
[ = 91
\ = 92
] = 93
` = 96
return = 13
escape = 27
space bar = 32

SQL raising errors as part of transaction

2007-08-28T13:45:00.000-04:00

Here is an example of a sql stored procedure with a transaction which can raise an error and return if some condition is met, it will also catch an error from any called procedure and roll-back the transaction if necessary.

BEGIN TRAN

EXEC dbo.some_sql_function @variable

IF(some_condition)
BEGIN
  RAISERROR ('this %s doesn''t exist.', 16, 1, @errordesc)
  RETURN
END

IF (@@ERROR = 0)
BEGIN
  COMMIT TRAN
  SELECT 1
END
ELSE
BEGIN
  ROLLBACK TRAN
  SELECT -1
END

difference between left join and left outer join

2007-08-24T13:23:00.000-04:00

There is no difference between a left join and left outer join (or right join and right outer join). The left/right join simply defaults to the left/right outer join. An explaination can be found on MSDN here

add confirmation pop up to a repeaters link button

2007-08-23T16:24:00.000-04:00

If you have a repeater that is creating a LinkButtons that you want the users action to be confirmed by a javascript confimation box, you can follow the following scheme:

1.) Create the repeater in the .aspx file and add the LinkButton:
    <asp:Repeater ID="aRepeater" Runat="server" >
  <ItemTemplate>
      <td>
        <#DataBinder.Eval(Container.DataItem, "title")%>
      </td>
  </ItemTemplate>
  <ItemTemplate >
    <asp:LinkButton Runat="server" ID="Btn" CommandArgument=%#DataBinder.Eval (Container.DataItem, "arg")%>
      Text
    </asp:LinkButton>
  </ItemTemplate>
</asp:Repeater>

2.) Add the javascript confirmation in the head that you want the LinkButtons to use:
<script language="javascript">
  function Confirm()
  {
    return confirm("Are you sure?");
  }
</script>

3.) Override the Repeaters ItemCreated event and add the attribute to the LinkButton:
private void Repeater_ItemCreated(object sender, RepeaterItemEventArgs e)
{
  LinkButton btn = e.Item.FindControl("Btn") as LinkButton;
  if (btn != null)
    btn.Attributes["onclick"] = "return Confirm();";
}

4.) Wire-up the delegate in the InitializeComponent section:
this.Repeater.ItemCreated +=new RepeaterItemEventHandler(Repeater_ItemCreated);

That's it.

Get keys out of Hashtable

2007-07-31T11:28:00.000-04:00

You've filled up your Hashtable with key/value pairs, now how do you get the keys out? Below is a simple way using foreach:

protected Hashtable list = new Hashtable();

public void AddItem(int itemnum, string title, int cost, int quantity)
{
  Item i = new Item();
  i.Cost=cost;
  i.ItemId=itemnum;
  i.Quantity=quantity;
  i.Title=title;

  list.Add(itemnum, i);
}

public int GetTotal()
{
  int tot=0;
   IDictionaryEnumerator Enum = list.GetEnumerator();
  while(Enum.MoveNext())
{
     Item i = (Item)list[Enum.Key];
    tot+=(i.Cost*i.Quantity);
}

  return tot;
}

Add better ringtones to iPhones lacking alerts

2007-07-30T12:05:00.000-04:00

The iPhone is lacking in the ringtone alert department. Take the half-hour set-up and spare yourself from drab incoming call alerts.

1.) Get yourself some tones you'd rather hear when a call comes in. Try this suggestion from tuaw which describes how to use iTunes clips for use as a ringtone.

2.) Once you've got a few tones, head over to Hack the iPhone and download iPhoneInterface. Here is the direct link to the download for Windows (XP and Vista). This tool is what you will use to upload your tones to the iPhone.

3.) Now that you have your tones and have uploaded them to your iPhone using iPhoneInterface, you simply navigate to Settings -> Sound > Ringtone on your iPhone and choose the new ringtone you just uploaded.

Could not find file InstallState

2007-07-13T14:54:00.000-04:00

I created a Windows Service which needed installed onto the machine before I could test its functionality. I added a setup project (File > Add > New Project) and added the Setup Project under "Other Project Types". Everything built fine and I was ready to go until I started receiving the 'Could not find file...InstallState' when I tried to actually install the service. It took a half a day to figure out the problem, here is what I found. When you initially set up the project and go into Custom Actions to add primary output the project looks like this:

As you'll notice, there are too many primary active outputs. Delete all four from the left side under Install, Commit, Rollback, and Uninstall. If there are two under your setup file in Solution exporer (see highlights), then delete one or you will receive a some removed file error. The best way to do it is delete both and then right click the setup project (in solution explorer) go to Add > Project Output and set the service as primary output. You should then only have one listing under your setup project and none listed in the Custom Action section. Once your solution looks like the below, build and install.

install windows service

2007-07-12T16:40:00.000-04:00

I found a great explanation on how to install a Windows Service using Visual Studios 2005. http://aspalliance.com/1316_Working_with_Windows_Service_Using_Visual_Studio_2005#Page4
Thanks Abhishek!!

iPhone root password cracked

2007-07-02T13:51:00.000-04:00

That was quick...

Root password is "alpine"
The user account "mobile" has a password of "dottie"

The Black Keys

2007-06-25T16:58:00.000-04:00

The Black Keys tonight. Yeah, it's sold out. Cry.

How to Clean Up a Windows Spyware Infestation

2007-06-18T13:14:00.001-04:00

A great solution to clean out lingering spyware.

programming and human factors
by Jeff Atwood

View here

09 f9 11 02 9d 74 e3 5b d8 41 56 c5 63 56 88 c0

2007-06-05T11:09:00.000-04:00

Just in case anyone hasn't found the Hex processing key that unlocks HD-DVD from the confines of DRM, here it is.

09 f9 11 02 9d 74 e3 5b d8 41 56 c5 63 56 88 c0

Proof of concept code for the process key hack is here: http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?p=953484#post953484

Implementation for Windows:
http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?p=953496#post953496

Implementation for OSX:
http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?p=953516#post953516

Who wants to party?

2007-05-29T22:08:00.000-04:00

Math.Ceiling Error

2007-05-29T14:16:00.000-04:00

Reviewing a string splitting function that was throwing an index out of range error proved to be a *problem* with Math.Ceiling.
The said function simply takes any sized string and the length that the caller wants each line to equal and returns a new string array with each row holding a line of the specified length.

---------------------------------------------------------------
public static string[] SplitStringToLines(string s, int lineLength)
{
  int sLength = (s == null ? 0 : s.Length);
  int totLines = Convert.ToInt32(Math.Ceiling(sLength/(lineLength <= 0 ? sLength : lineLength)));
  string[] lines = new string[totLines];

  int line = 0;
  int length = 0;
  int startIndex = 0;
  while (startIndex < sLength)
  {
    length = Math.Min(sLength-startIndex, lineLength);
    lines[line] = s.Substring(startIndex, length);
    startIndex += length;
    line += 1;
  }
  return lines;
}
---------------------------------------------------------------

The cure came when I casted the variables being fed to Math.Ceiling, which makes sense when viewing the overloaded details provided by microsoft.
Changing the Math.Ceiling line to:

Convert.ToInt32(Math.Ceiling((double)sLength/(lineLength <= 0 ? (double)sLength : (double)lineLength)));

remedied the index error.

Coworking community and the company.

2007-05-27T12:12:00.000-04:00

I bumped into a new idea today which can be a great asset to a developer in my shoes trying to get a business off the ground. The coworking community with their combined knowledge can fill in the blanks that are missing from my business experience.
I've developed in software projects for the past few years ranging from small business to a world-wide, market-leading corporation. What I haven't had experience with, is what takes a company from a small business to a world-wide, market-leading corporation. The combined knowledge of the coworking community has.
I'm just getting my feet wet with coworking, but I believe this is the route to move an idea to a virtual business and beyond.
I'd like to hear from coworkers who have experience in this atmosphere to validate my ideas of collaborative business growth.