Databound drop down list - initial value

Question

How do I set the initial value of a databound drop down list in ASP.NET?

For instance, I want the values, but the first value to display should be -- Select One ---

Answer 1

Add an item and set its "Selected" property to true, you will probably want to set "appenddatabounditems" property to true also so your initial value isn't deleted when databound.

If you are talking about setting an initial value that is in your databound items then hook into your ondatabound event and set which index you want to selected=true you will want to wrap it in "if not page.isPostBack then ...." though

Protected Sub DepartmentDropDownList_DataBound(ByVal sender As Object, ByVal e As    System.EventArgs) Handles DepartmentDropDownList.DataBound
    If Not Page.IsPostBack Then
        DepartmentDropDownList.SelectedValue = "somevalue"
    End If
End Sub