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.

Answer 2

You have to mark the object as modified in order to get it submitted to the server. See OrganizationServiceContext.UpdateObject (Entity)

You should add crmContext.UpdateObject(contact); before crmContext.SaveChanges();

Answer 3

LINQ is fine, just create the new object or list and loop the list in the linq and update:

using (var crm = new XrmServiceContext(service)){
var foo = crm.nmipcs_productpriceitemSet
    .Where(ppis => ppis.nmipcs_Account.Id == account.Id).ToList();

foreach (var nmipcsProductpriceitem in foo){
    var f = new nmipcs_productpriceitem
    {
    Id = nmipcsProductpriceitem.Id                 
    ,
    nmipcs_PriceSalesChannel = (decimal) 9.99
    };

    service.Update(f);
}
    }