function validateEmail(strng){
	var emailFilter=/^.+@.+\..{2,3}$/;
	error = ""
	
	if (!(emailFilter.test(strng))) { 
       error = "Please enter a valid email address.\n";
	}
	
	/*var illegalChars= /[\(\)\<\>\,\;\:\\\/\"\[\]]/*/
	/* accomodates space as an illegal character */
	var illegalChars= /[\(\)\<\>\,\;\:\ \\\/\"\[\]]/
	if (strng.match(illegalChars)) {
   		error = "The email address contains illegal characters.\n";
	}
	return error;
}