Adding Item to DataBound Drop Down List

Question

Yes, I have read most of the topics here, but I can't find an answer that works.

I have Three drop-down lists. The first is databound to grab distinct experiment names. The user selects, page posts back, and the second drop-down menu displays distinct time points. This is where I need help. I need to add an item to THAT drop-down list whose ID, DataTextField, DataValueField are all TimePt.

Seems simple, but I can't get it to work.

protected void Page_Load(object sender, EventArgs e)
        {
            if (Page.IsPostBack)
            {
                TimePt.DataSource = TimePTDD;
                TimePt.DataValueField = "TimePt";
                TimePt.DataTextField = "TimePt";
                TimePt.DataBind();
                TimePt.Items.Insert(0, new ListItem("--Select---", "0"));
                TimePt.SelectedIndex = 0;
            }
        }

I'm missing sometthing.

Answer 1

Set AppendDataBoundItems="true" on your dropdown list and it should work.

Here's a similar question: How to add Item to SqlDataSource databound list

And another one about potential duplicates using this method and a workaround for it: Dropdownlist AppendDataboundItems (first item to be blank)

Answer 2

<asp:DropDownList ID="ExpAnalysisName" runat="server"
            DataSourceID="DropDownEXP" DataTextField="ExpAnalysisName" 
            DataValueField="ExpAnalysisName" AppendDataBoundItems="true" AutoPostBack=true>
            <asp:ListItem Selected="True" Value="0">Select an Experiment</asp:ListItem>
        </asp:DropDownList>
        <asp:SqlDataSource ID="DropDownEXP" runat="server" 
            ConnectionString="<%$ ConnectionStrings:SGMD3_DataBase %>" SelectCommand="SELECT DISTINCT ExpAnalysisName FROM VW_Data">
        </asp:SqlDataSource>

<asp:DropDownList ID="TimePt" runat="server" AutoPostBack="True" DataSourceID="TimePTDD" DataTextField="TimePt" 
                DataValueField="TimePt">
        </asp:DropDownList>
            <asp:SqlDataSource ID="TimePTDD" runat="server" 
                ConnectionString="<%$ ConnectionStrings:SGMD3_DataBase %>" SelectCommand="SELECT DISTINCT TimePt
    FROM VW_Data
    WHERE ExpAnalysisName = @ExpAnalysisName">
                <SelectParameters>
                    <asp:FormParameter FormField="ExpAnalysisName" Name="ExpAnalysisName" />
                </SelectParameters>
            </asp:SqlDataSource>

So you can have a reference.

Answer 3

I see that you're specifying the DataSource in two different ways - The DataSourceID in your markup as well as manually setting the DataSource in your codebehind. Try removing the DataSourceID from your markup and see if that helps.

It's been a little while since I've used ASP.NET too much, but I have a feeling your DropDownList is rebinding after the Page_Load which would replace your previous binding.

Answer 4

My bet is this is a page lifecycle issue. Per MSDN, each data bound control whose DataSourceID property is set calls its DataBind method.

I think the values are getting bound to the dropdown twice. First, when you manually bind and append the extra item in Page_Load and then the datasource is being bound inside the Page_PreRender event. Try bringing your Page_Load code into Page_PreRender. Hopefully the order helps.

Answer 5

I have encountered the same problem i.e. duplicated items on my cascading dropdownlist. In my scenario, I bind the dropdownlist items using ObjectDataSource. On initial load, it shows duplicated items for drpUser. For postback, I cleared the drpUser items in drpBranch_SelectedIndexChanged(), and it displays fine. Any advice?

First DropDownList

<asp:DropDownList ID="drpBranch" SkinID="Larger" runat="server" AutoPostBack="true" AppendDataBoundItems="true" DataSourceID="odsBranch" DataTextField="BranchDescrip" DataValueField="BranchID">
<asp:ListItem Value="-1">Please Select »</asp:ListItem>

Second DropDownList

<asp:DropDownList ID="drpUser" SkinID="Medium" runat="server" AppendDataBoundItems="true" DataSourceID="odsUserByBranch" DataTextField="Username" DataValueField="UserID">
<asp:ListItem Value="-1">Please Select »</asp:ListItem>

Answer 6

Correct anwser is:

Use "OnDataBound" event of DropDownList control, and put your code behind there. That you way you can combine DataSourceID with code behind.