Download source code here ->  Validation and the Windows Forms ErrorProvider Component

I've noticed that not a lot of people take advantage of the Windows Forms built in user interface for indicating that a control on a form has an error associated with it - the ErrorProvider component.

The ErrorProvider presents a simple mechanism for indicating to the end user that a control on a form has an error associated with it. If an error description string is specified for the control, an icon appears next to the control. The icon flashes in the manner specified by BlinkStyle, at the rate specified by BlinkRate. When the mouse hovers over the icon, a ToolTip appears showing the error description string.

Typically, you use ErrorProvider in association with data-bound controls. When using ErrorProvider with data-bound controls, you must specify the ContainerControl, either in the constructor or by setting the ContainerControl property.

The Visual Studio project download at the link above demonstrates how to combine validation with the ErrorProvider.

Mike McIntyre's .Net Journal

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