CustomValidator ServerValidate method does not fire

Question

I've put a `CustomValidator` on my form. I have not set its `ControlToValidate` property. In its `ServerValidate` event I've written the following: ``` protected void CustomValidator1_ServerValidate(object source, ServerValidateEventArgs args) { args.IsValid = false; } ``` I put a breakpoint to this method but it seems to never come to that point. But if I do this on another form it works like a charm. - The `ValidationGroup` property of both the button and the `CustomValidator` are the same - I tried deleting this property in both the button and the `CustomValidator`, still does not work. It seems as there's something formwide. I just put a `CustomValidator` on the form and do not touch any of its properties other than just setting its `ServerValidate` event method. EDIT: Here's the aspx part: ```

Accepted Answer

Try to force the validation in the button-click handler via `Page.Validate`:

```
protected void Button1_Click(Object sender, EventArgs e)
{
    Page.Validate();
    if(Page.IsValid)
    {
       // servervalidate should have been called
    }
}
```

Edit(from comments):

If you want the customvalidator to validate if nothing was entered/selected in your controls, you need to set `ValidateEmptyText` to true. You also might want to let the `CustomValidator` replace the `RequiredFieldValidators`.

I assume that the validator-order on the aspx decides whether or not a customvalidator's severvalidate is called if a previous Validator already has made `Page.IsValid=false`. Or ASP.NET is so smart that it assumes the `SeverValidate` to be costlier than a simple text-is-empty check.

CustomValidator ServerValidate method does not fire

Solution

Problem