Question

I would like display some Html.DropDownList controls in custom readonly mode.
Control should be able to open underlaying popup but it shouldn’t save values that selected by user.
For example I have Html.DropDownList control with three values:
Value 1
Value 2
Value 3

Selected item for control “Value 2”

User see combobox control with displayed item “Value 2”.
When user click on control popup with all three values should be opened (as for usual combobox control). In case user choose value different from “Value 2” selected value shouldn’t be saved in control. So, when user click on item “Value 3” from underlying list, control should still display item “Value 2” as selected
Is it possible in any way?

Thank you

Answer 1

If you are ok. with using jQuery. This should work for you.

(function () {
    var previous;
    // Grab the initial value in focus event.
    $("select[name=test]").focus(function () {
        previous = this.value;
    // On change event, use previous to set the value of dropdown.
    }).change(function() {
        $("select[name=test]").val(previous);
    });
})();​

Here is the working example.

Inspired by another StackOverflow answer.