FM10 - Can't edit variable definitions

Report · Jun 03, 2011

I'm using FM 10.0.0.388 on Window 7 as part of Tech Comm Suite 3 and I can no longer edit my user defined variables.

At some point in time, and I'm not sure when, I am no longer able to edit my user-defined variables.

I can create my variables, and insert them into the text, but if I select a variable, and click edit to change the definition,
the Add/Edit Variable screen is blank and I cannot chcnage the text.

Here is my list of user-defined variables:

If I select one, let's say "product4", and click the Edit icon, the Add/Edit Variable screen is blank as shown here:

Even if I try and redefine the variable as "product4" again, nothing changes. It keeps its initial definition.

This is a HUGE problem, since I rely on Frame for constantly changing product names.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Brian

Report · Jun 03, 2011

Upon further investigation, I have found a workaround for this problem.

It seems that if the variable is defined, but is not actually used in the text of the document, the variable cannot be edited.

However, if I insert the variable into the text of the document, I can then edit it.

This is not the same behavior as my co-worker who has the same TCS3 setup as me.

She can edit the variable definition whether it's in use or not.

Report · Jun 03, 2011

It seems that if the variable is defined, but is not actually used in the text of the document, the variable cannot be edited. However, if I insert the variable into the text of the document, I can then edit it.

Assuming this is intended FM10 behavior on the part of Adobe, and not a bug, here's a tip.

Rather than temporarily insert a Variable in the Body text, you might ...

Create a new Reference Page named "Variables", that contains a text frame (perhaps two- or three-column).
Insert an instance of every User Variable in that text frame*.
This way, they are always "used", and
they are easy to edit (from that page). No need to scroll through the Var dialog. Just double-click on each var instance on the Ref Page.

_______

* Use a table on the Ref Page, and you can sort the Vars by definition.

Report · Jun 03, 2011

Godd suggestion. I just tried this, and put a table of all my variables onto a reference page, but it doesn't work.

I've learned in additional testing, that the variable actually has to be selected within the text in order to be editable.

Report · Jun 03, 2011

... and put a table of all my variables onto a reference page, but it doesn't work.

What doesn't work:

opening the Variables dialog without having a Body or Ref Page variable selected, or
double-clicking on the Ref Page variable instance?

I've learned in additional testing, that the variable actually has to be selected within the text in order to be editable.

This sounds like a bug, installation, configuration or update fault on your specific machine.

I don't have FM10, so I can't provide either confirmation or counter-behavior. We need some other FM10 users to test and report.

Report · Oct 21, 2011

I am also having this exact same problem, and fortunately, the workaround also works for me. THANKS!!

I'm thinkin' this has to be some kind of bug, though.

What's really weird about it in my case, is that everything was working just fine until sometime yesterday. Then, all of a sudden... As far as I know, I have not installed any updates, and if I changed something of the configuration on my machine, I have no idea what it was or how I might have done it. User variables just suddenly became uneditable.

I'd be interested to know if this is a bug or what.

Report · Oct 21, 2011

Bruce,

Thanks for sharing your exact version number!

If FrameMaker’s update search does not work (or is not activated), please download and install the 10.0.1 update, available here:

http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/detail.jsp?ftpID=5142

- Michael

Report · Oct 21, 2011

Michael,

I already had this patch installed, and I still have this problem. (Currently running Framemaker 10.0.1.402)

Any other suggestions?

Chuck

Report · Oct 21, 2011

Chuck,

At first I did not notice you have hijacked an old thread. Please create a new thread to not confuse readers, you can always insert a link to any other post you want to mention.

I don’t see this behaviour, so I can’t give you any advice. There are multiple options how you set up your UI, there are settings in File > Preferences > UI Preferences (or similar, I have the German UI running) which influence the UI behaviour. You can also have pods docked or floating or as a fly-out from iconized status. All this might influence the behaviour.

- Michael

Report · Oct 21, 2011

Hi Michael, and thanks for your responses to my posts.

The reason I responded to the original thread was that I was searching for anyone else who might have had the same problem I am currently having. This thread filled the bill exactly. And, since this thread requested any other Frame 10 users who might be experiencing this problem to report on it, I thought it best to respond on this thread rather than start a new one (which I was afraid might be more confusing to forum readers). Besides, and maybe it's because I'm an oldish fart, I didn't think June of this year was all that old.

At any rate, I have checked my system and installation for absolutely anything I could find that might have affected this option. I have not consciously changed anything at all in my UI setup for weeks now, and everything was working just fine until yesterday afternoon, when this problem suddenly appeared. I have checked all preference settings, all document and program options related to variables, etc. and I have pretty much come up blank.

Do you still think I should start a new thread? If so, I will be happy to.

Chuck