What's the best way to switch to a new form?

  • Bluesailor
    Asked on November 28, 2015 at 12:02 AM

    I have redesigned the form using a clone and am ready to implement the change. I understand a URL change might happen. What's the best way to implement without a lot of  confusion and loss of data in the submissions? I noticed that when a form is disabled there is a message that it is no longer available. Can I use this somehow to redirect the URL? How can I avoid the URL change?

     

    The forms look identical, the changes are all internal.

  • Sammy
    Replied on November 28, 2015 at 2:18 AM

    You can set the original form to be disable then paste the link to the new form in section showing the disabled message.

    Whats the best way to switch to a new form? Image 1 Screenshot 30

    Whats the best way to switch to a new form? Image 2 Screenshot 41

     

    Ideally it would be better to embed the form on your site so that when there are significant changes you just change the embed code without affecting the users.

    http://www.jotform.com/help/148-Getting-the-Form-iFrame-Code

  • Bluesailor
    Replied on November 28, 2015 at 7:46 AM
    New response receivedI followed your instructions and got this message. I don’t understand it, because previously I got the jotform message “page unavailable”.
    Any ideas?
    ...
  • Welvin Support Team Lead
    Replied on November 28, 2015 at 10:50 AM

    The form is currently disabled. I have enabled it for you (http://www.jotformpro.com/form/53266432775966). 

    Here's how to enable/disable a form:

    http://www.jotform.com/help/180-How-to-Change-the-Status-of-Forms 

    Thanks

  • Bluesailor
    Replied on November 28, 2015 at 1:46 PM
    New response receivedLets’s see if I can explain this. When I disable Version 1 as instructed,

    I want to see this message if someone uses the Version 1 URL
    Instead I get this when I go with Version 1 URL
    It looks like I have a problem with Microsoft word blocking out that page. I’m going to see if I can stop that from happening.
    If you have any advice on how to do that, I’d be very grateful.
    Thanks Ray
    ...
  • David JotForm Support Manager
    Replied on November 28, 2015 at 7:54 PM

    Here is my workaround on this:

    1) Add a Form Collapse field at the top of your form, set the Visibility option to Hidden, and the Status to Closed:

    2) Add a Text field from Form Tools tab at the top of your form, type your message, add the link to your new form as shown on the animated image bellow:

    Whats the best way to switch to a new form? Image 1 Screenshot 20

    Try my example here: https://form.jotform.com/53317090723956?

    Let us know if you need more help.

  • Bluesailor
    Replied on November 29, 2015 at 7:46 AM
    New response receivedAll of this is set and working. But, as usual with me, something goes wrong. Now I can’t upload submissions to V2 form.
    Be patient, just one more step to go.
    ...
  • Welvin Support Team Lead
    Replied on November 29, 2015 at 10:30 AM

    What do you mean by you cannot upload submissions? Do you mean you can't submit the form? I just tested your form and it's working to my end, although without the payment. 

    Whats the best way to switch to a new form? Image 1 Screenshot 20

    Please kindly explain further so we can assist you properly.

  • Bluesailor
    Replied on November 29, 2015 at 10:46 AM
    New response received
    The form is working fine. I am now ready to upload the previous data in an excel format. When I attempt to do that I get a fatal error. This is a screen shot of the excel spreadsheet laid out per instructions. per instructions.
    This is the screenshot of the attempt to upload, I get a fatal error.
    I’ve done this many times before and have no explanation.
    Payment is made automatically through the Association credit account. Another thing to sort out.

    ...
  • Bluesailor
    Replied on November 29, 2015 at 11:46 AM
    New response receivedHere’s my excel file in .xls.
    ...
  • Kevin Support Team Lead
    Replied on November 29, 2015 at 12:48 PM

    Hi,

    To assist you better, I've moved your question to this new thread :

    http://www.jotform.com/answers/713853

    I will answer there.

    Thanks.