If a key does not exist in the ModelState, how can I add it? aspnetmvc1

Question

I am trying to create a workaround in my controller which handles a bug in ASP.NET MVC v1. The bug occurs if you post a listbox which has nothing selected (http://forums.asp.net/p/1384796/2940954.aspx).

Quick Explanation: I have a report that accepts two dates from textboxes and one or more selections from a ListBox. Everything works except for validation if the listbox is left with nothing selected.

When the form posts and reaches my controller, the model contains all items necessary. However, the ModelState does not contain a key/value for the listbox. To resolve, I was hoping something like this would do the trick:

if (!ModelState.ContainsKey("TurnTimeReportModel.Criteria.SelectedQueuesList") || ModelState["TurnTimeReportModel.Criteria.SelectedQueuesList"] == null) {
            ModelState.Keys.Add("TurnTimeReportModel.Criteria.SelectedQueuesList");
            ModelState["TurnTimeReportModel.Criteria.SelectedQueuesList"].Equals(new List<string>());
        }

Unfortuantely, this throws the following exception when I try to add the key: System.NotSupportedException: Mutating a key collection derived from a dictionary is not allowed.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Use the ModelState.Add method directly:

ModelState.Add("TurnTimeReportModel.Criteria.SelectedQueuesList", 
               new ModelState{ AttemptedValue = new List<string>() } )