Javascript validation: Block special characters

Try this one, this function allows alphanumeric and spaces:

function alpha(e) {
    var k;
    document.all ? k = e.keyCode : k = e.which;
    return ((k > 64 && k < 91) || (k > 96 && k < 123) || k == 8 || k == 32 || (k >= 48 && k <= 57));
}

in your html:

<input type="text" name="name"  onkeypress="return alpha(event)"/>

You have two approaches to this:

1. check the "keypress" event. If the user presses a special character key, stop him right there
2. check the "onblur" event: when the input element loses focus, validate its contents. If the value is invalid, display a discreet warning beside that input box.

I would suggest the second method because its less irritating. Remember to also check onpaste . If you use only keypress Then We Can Copy and paste special characters so use onpaste also to restrict Pasting special characters

Additionally, I will also suggest that you reconsider if you really want to prevent users from entering special characters. Because many people have $, #, @ and * in their passwords.

I presume that this might be in order to prevent SQL injection; if so: its better that you handle the checks server-side. Or better still, escape the values and store them in the database.