avoid multiple form submissions

[steve_m2]

hi,

I was wondering if there is a way that I can avoid having a user re-submit a form on using the refresh button on thier browser.

Lets see if I can explain this. when a form is submitted, it writes all of the fields into the database(MySql). One of the fields is a serial number field. I wrote a script that does a look up to see if that particular serial number has been in before and how long ago. If it's been in under a certain amount of time, I have a Javascript alert window telling you it's been here before. In that script I use the "include" stament to include another file. This all works great just like I want it to, except that if you were to press the refresh button, it will re-submit the form.

I am using a primary key in Mysql, so it will duplicate every thing except the primary key.

I've tried using the Header() statement, but when I do the Javascript alert window doesn't work.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to resolve this?

[Pig]

I have a column for the table or user, or whatever is appropriate for the specific instance. This field stores the last date/time something was inserted. Before I do the insert, I check the time and see if it is more than x seconds old. If it is, then insert the row and update the field.

This is more of spam control than dup prevention, but it works as well. You can also use a location header() and have it to go a different page.