Workflow and Field Update to Standard, Required Field

Question

On the Standard Contract Object, I am trying to make a default picklist value for Status upon Contract record creation. When I use a workflow and field update, the field doesn't get updated in the Edit screen, and unfortunately cannot progress to create the actual record as it is required. Therefore, I cannot make it so the user does NOT action the Status field, nor can I have it populate with the default once someone clicks "New" contract. If this is unclear, I will elaborate without issue.

Optimally, I want to be able to populate the Contract Status field with a default picklist value. I know I cannot choose a default value for a standard field, and that is why I've attempted to resort to a Workflow and Field Update. Any help? Thank you.

Answer 1

The "easiest" solution would be to hack all the links to create a NEW record of that object to include a default value in the Record name.

For example, the link below will create a new account with "1234" in the account name. This would make the field "not required" (at least users won't have to enter a value) and then the WFR could update it upon save.

https://login.salesforce.com/001/e?retURL=%2F001%2Fo&acc2=1234

To get your link, simply go to the object, click on NEW, and ammend "&acc2=1234" at the end of the URL and that field will auto populate.