How to update a CRM 2011 Entity using LINQ in a Plugin?

Question

We are able to create new entities without any issues, but updating an existing entity in a plugin this does not appear to be working. This is for CRM 2011.

Answer 1

No need to download the whole Contact record if you already have the Id and you just need to update a field or two. You also don't need the OrganizationServiceContext - just the Service. Try something like:

var c = new contact() {
  Id = targetEntity.Id,
  new_CustomField = "Updated"
}

service.Update(c);

This will save the roundtrip of querying for the contact first.