What local data sources can connect to SAP Crystal Reports for Visual Studio 2010.

[Former Member]

SAP Crystal Reports for Visual Studio 2010. What local (Microsoft) databases can it link to. I'm currently using Microsoft Access, but the performance isn't great in some instances. Can I like to local DB or SQLCe ? I cannot see an option for this in the data-connection options when I create my report.

[former_member11696 · Accepted solution]

Create a 32 bit System DSN pointing to All of those Data sources and then they will all work.

May want to try connecting via OLE DB also if they supply a driver for them.

Access is a PC database, not likely will ever get good performance from it. Use a real SQL Database like MS SQL Server or Oracle so the DB Server does all of the data collection and filtering server side, less work for CR to do it client side.

Don

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Don

Thanks for the note. The problem i have is that. What ever database i use needs to be such and easy install a child could do it.

i have and application that's a one click install. The users that use the application have minimal technical skill and they would not be able to install or configure dsn or sql. Ms access is good as they just download the mdb file and my app does the rest.

i have had to put so much extra functions into my software because of the lack of technical knowledge whatever solution i put in needs to be simple. Hence sqlce or sql localdb

any ideas ?

[former_member183750 · Accepted solution]

Hello David

Your options are:

ODBC - I believe there are ways to create an ODBC datasource programmatically(?)

OLE DB Provider for Jet, see: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms175866(v=sql.105).aspx

ADO .NET Datasets

I am not sure with what connection type the reports were created with in the 1st place. Depending on that, you may have to use "ReplaceConnection" method to get the new connection to work at runtime. For more info see KBA 1646498 - When to use the 'Replace Connection' method using the Crystal Reports or InProc RAS SDK fo...

- Ludek

Senior Support Engineer AGS Primary Support, Global Support Center Canada

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[former_member11696 · Accepted solution]

Hi David,

MS SQL Express I believe is relatively inexpensive also if you want to use a real database.

As Ludek mentioned, your installer can create DSN's, CR does it also, or did, when we created the Xtreme DSN connecting to xtreme.mdb.

Check the Installer packager Help file on how to that you are using. Or simply Google it, I'm sure there are samples out there somewhere on how to.

It will need Admin rights but Cr needs that anyways...

Don

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Hi Don (Ludek)

Thanks for the information. SQL Express LocalDB looks like by best option. My problem is now after some testing I can't connect Crystal reports to it. There is no option in the data-sets dialog to to select it. I am looking at the DSN route but not getting very far. I've check your articles and still stuck.

I am so close to a solution.

Any help you could offer would be great

Dave

[former_member11696 · Accepted solution]

Hi Dave,

MS SQL connects via ODBC or OLE DB only, actually you can use JDBC but we go there... lol

Create a new report, expand OLE DB and select MS SQL Native 10 as the driver and then in the log on prompt type the PC name or IP address, then user name and password. In the table drop down, if all goes well, you'll be able to browse your DB.

For ODBC select the 32 bit ODBC Administrator, Create a new System DSN and chosee the same 10 driver. Don't forget to to Test the connection to confirm it is working. Now in the report designer select ODBC and then select your DSN.

About all there is to it.

Be sure to check MS's site on licensing for SQL Express, Visual Studio installs it by default for use with their Team Foundation Server, I don't believe you can ship it with your project, but may be able to. MS can confirm...

Don

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Thanks Don

I can simulate that on my PC, so thanks for that advice

My problem now is how to package everything up into a single install. There are no problems shipping SQL Express with my app. I checked and MS licensing allows this.

I just want to avoid end users having to configure anything other than install the application. Anything more complex is a no go.

I've seen articles saying its all possible but can find nothing that says how.

Basically from a single click I need to install my app, install and configure SQL Express (LocalDB), create ODBC/DSN copy the database and other files and be ready to go once completed

Any suggestions.

Dave

[former_member11696 · Accepted solution]

I suggest you post your question to Microsoft MSDN forums then, it's install questions which MSIExec is doing, you need to get help from MS to support that. Or which ever install packager you are using.

If you have issues install CR runtime the we can help...

Don

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Thanks Don

How do I get Crystal Reports to connect to a DSN ? There is no option for this in the connections dialog. If I select ODBC there are no options for SQL server. In my app I am using this connection string Server=(localdb)\v11.0;Integrated Security=true;AttachDbFileName=#CONN; where #CONN is replace with the file path the the SQL mdf file. I can get this path working fine in my App, but despite everything I have tried I can't get my Crystal Report to display the data.

Can you offer any advice please

Thanks in advance

[former_member11696 · Accepted solution]

Hi David,

CR can't connect directly to the MDF files, DB Server manages this part. Create a DSN, select MS Native 10 as the DB driver, select your Server ( usually the PC name ), fill in the user name and password and then the database from the drop down menu.

OLE DB the same, Server Name, User/PW and Database.

Don