ZLC Ministry Scheduler -- Duplicate Key or Null Key Messages

All of the lists in ZMS have "key fields" which are what the system uses to select and sort the records of that list.  The system is set to not allow duplicate keys and to not allow "NULL" (empty) keys.  

So when you are adding new records, it is likely that you will sooner or later get an error message about a "... duplicate key..." and this means that the record you just finished adding cannot be properly saved -- because there is already a record in that list using that same key.  For example, if you already have a LECTOR in your Ministry Types list, and you attempt to add another record for LECTOR, you will get the message about a duplicate key.

When you get the error message about a "... duplicate key..." you have two options: you either change the key in that record you just built (so it is not a duplicate), or you use the ESCAPE key on your keyboard to get rid of the newly built record entirely.  The system will simply not allow you to save the record the way it is.

Similarly, when you want to delete a record from a list, you might just erase the contents of the key field rather than delete the whole record.  Again, the system will not allow that, because it would mean saving a record with an empty key field.  When you attempt this, you will get the error message about a "... NULL key..." and the system will refuse to save it that way.  Again you have two options: you either re-enter the key in that record you just changed (so it is not a NULL nor a duplicate), or you use the ESCAPE key on your keyboard to have the system put things back the way they were before the change.

These refusals are necessary to insure proper data relations, and thus proper system operation.  Note that at times the message will not seem to make sense, or will seem inappropriate for what you are trying to do.  This is because a new or changed record is not saved until you leave that record.  So you may make the change to the key field, then make some other changes, and at some later point click on some other button or operation area.  It is only then, when you are moving on to something outside that record, that the message will show up.  It does not have to do with the new operation you are attempting, but rather is referring to the change you made some time ago in a different part of the screen.  If you cannot figure out the complaint, just use the ESCAPE key and it will put things back in order.

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