Javascript:history.go and error 404, better workaround

scrtadmr8

Hi,
Background Info:
Form input, php error check, method 1 - works, method 2 - I am inquiring why not?

<form action = 'process.php' method = 'post' onsubmit="return checkform(this);

Form filled, action = php routine checks for error on server side, and displays error message page. Checkform is javascript to verify input in reguired fields. U do not want to have viiewer renter entire form input, so I ask the person to press the back arrow button in the browser (method 1) and it works. Great, happy.

As a subscriber, I have to find the back button in the browser. Can I have better ease of usage? How about back (link or button). That nice so all users have easier usage. Here is the code (method 2) I use at the end of action = process.php.

echo '<a href=\"javascript:history.go(-1)\">Back</a>';

-- -- Here is the message I get when I clikc on that back link:- -

Object not found!

The requested URL was not found on this server. The link on the referring page seems to be wrong or outdated. ..

...
Error 404
localhost
08/22/07 18:31:07
Apache/2.2.4 (Win32) DAV/2 mod_ssl/2.2.4 OpenSSL/0.9.8e mod_autoindex_color PHP/5.2.2

-- Eom --

In Javasript:history.goback or go(-1) site mention it should work for all browser. Suprise, I check to make sure javascript is click on for the firefox browser. Yeah, iit is enable on (100% on)
Question 1: why did it not work?
Question 2: how do I go back without having user retype all input data in form?

Tx for taking the time to read, study, and reply. Any suggestion appreciatied, typo?

shu

Using the back button to have the user enter/correct fields in a form is the worst thing you could do. There are some browsers (in certain OS) that would give you a clean slate of your form without the filled in values. A better (I think) way to do it would be reprint your whole form upon errors found. You could print the fields that are correct as hidden, and just display the ones that require further action. This way, you are eliminating the uncertainties of the browser, and know for sure that you are not at the mercy of the user's browser being compliance.

scrtadmr8

Shu,
Tx for your reply. I thought I have major browsers covered on phpdesigner with netscape, explorer, opera, and fox in xp pro enviro. Surprise, I did not think about OS. Curious, what OS and what browser? I thought I covered all the bases but OS is very surprising.

Now, how difficult a form submission routine can be. Gosh, Shu, tx for sharing the nightmares and appreciate the heads up. Now, edit routine for resubmit form. I really counted on having go(-1) to handle resubmit. I knew go(-1) should work for it was introduced from link application (prog I download to test xampp install). It works and I made newbie mistake. Syntax, those single and double apostrophes.

Now, I will need a wysiwyg editor. Threw away frontpage due to people saying it generated excess. Any recommendation? Dreamweaver? Too bad, I cannot use web developer firefox to edit but salute for that tool. Newbie and love php.

In closing, tx shu and what Os/browser.? Too bad for my poor eyesight and time spent on this newbie syntax mistake. but like to know about that os/browser. e5/6 on mac?