CR11 - links

[Former Member]

I've only used crystal reports 11 for a short time with VERY little training.  I get the part of choosing tables for databases but what I can't seem to get is how to link them so that I can retrieve the information that I need.  Can anyone give me a thought process?  I do not understand the science behind linking the databases.  I have tried some of the tutorials but cannot find "the" one I need.

[former_member11696]

Hi Donna,

Click on Help, About... in CR Designer if it says Version 11.0.x.x then upgrade to CR XI R2, version 11.5 for free. Use the same keycode you used for 11.0.

Uninstall 11.0 also.

http://downloads.businessobjects.com/akdlm/crystalreports/crxir2_sp4_full_bld_0-20008684.exe

http://downloads.businessobjects.com/akdlm/crystalreports/CRYSTALREPORTS06_0-20008684.EXE

You may want to get a book on line or search the Database Forums for the DB you are using for info on how to do joins and what the various types mean.

Typically the first table you add is the main one, from there you would add another table and join a common field name, say TableA.Company_ID to TableB.Company_ID of the second table. The default join is a left out join, depending on the DB used depends on the results but mostly they are standardized.

To change the join type right click on the line and select Options and a Join window will pop up, you can play with the types there to see how the data is affected.

Also, In your DB help file look for "Join types" it may explain what the results are...

If you have one, You may want to discuss this with your Database Administrator, they may be able to answer your questions also. Unless you are the DBA of course...

Don

[abhilash_kumar]

Hi Donna,

After adding multiple tables from the Database Expert, CR will 'try' to link the fields in these tables on its own and you can see what it has done in the 'Links' tab.

It is here that you can verify whether the CR has joined the tables correctly and if required you may change the join type by double-clicking a link.

If you know how joins in the database work, this shouldn't be hard to understand at all.

-Abhilash

[DellSC]

Be aware, however, that the "Smart Linking" that Abhilash describes will link ALL fields that have the same field name and data type - even if they're not supposed to be included in the join!

-Dell

[former_member11696]

Great point Dell,

What I do is disable that function by default in the CR registry:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Business Objects\Suite 11.5\Crystal Reports\DatabaseOptions - DoAutoSmartLinking and set the value to "No"

It also speeds up the connection when you first open or design a report.

Don

PS - Insert usual warnings about manually editing registry keys here...

[DellSC]

Actually, you can do it by going to Options on the File menu (not "Report Options").  On the Database tab, uncheck "Automatic SmartLinking" at the bottom.  That way you don't have to manually mess with the registry.

-Dell

[former_member11696]

Another good point Dell.... I just check the registry for this, old habit...

Thanks again

Don