Web part import - zoneIndex doesn't work

If you have ever tried to import web parts using SPLimitedWebPartManager AddWebPart you'll notice the zoneIndex parameter.

Unfortunately it turns out that zoneIndex only works if web parts are imported in sequence - so you'll need to make certain import is done in the proper sequence order.

After import zoneIndex cannot be modified programmatically - at least I've not found a way to do this.

Add a Web Part to SharePoint Page Programmatically

Adding web parts to a page programmatically can be done through the SPLimitedWebPartManager object.

However, if you plan to store you web part's in galleries you need to retrieve them. Web Part Galleries are just traditional SharePoint lists, so you'll need to search through the list, and retrieve the content of the item in order to retrieve the web part xml. SharePoint doesn't offer any special Web Part lists.

The blog describes the model fairly detailled.

Content By Type Web Part

Ton Stegeman has done it again - a great new web part. Check out this blog for more information.