Connecting Crystal Reports to Datasource that does not exist

[byevjzts]

Running Crystal XI connecting to ODBC connection.

Here is the scenario...we have multiple servers all with the same table/field structure. These servers are across many sites and they are not all connected via VPN. We only have 1 site that will be developing the reports (or even know how to use Crystal). If we create a report that links to the datasource on our initial site, how can we email the reports to the other sites and have them connect to the datasources over there? Currently, we have to call someone non-technical on the site in question and talk them through updating the datasource using "Report" menu, "Set datasource location" and updating each and every table. If we try to change the datasource to the site we are sending the report before sending the report obviously wont connect as the server does not exist.

Therefore, back to my original question, how can I change the datasource to point to the server on the many sites without end-user interaction, or using a VPN connection?

Many thanks

 

[synapsevampire]

You might try a File DSN connection.

Dependson the type of database, I guess you think ODBC is all the same, it isn't.

-k

 

[byevjzts]

File DSN doesn't work, logic would say it would, however the report reads in the information from the file DSN and keeps it. If you replace the file DSN, crystal does not update the report, without using the set datasource location.

Yup ODBC is pretty much the same.

Thanks anyway.....so are there any other suggestions?

 

[synapsevampire]

No, ODBC isn't the same...

The onlyalternative that comes tomind is to use a parameter in the connection and force the users to answer a prompt, oruse a SP or a View and modify it for each site.

-k

 

[Turkbear]

Hi,
Have the person running it the first time ( assuming that you add the file DSN to each site, as synapse indicated),
use the 'Verify database' option ( far easier then setting a new location)..
This will force a re-read of the datasource..






To Paraphrase:"The Help you get is proportional to the Help you give.."

 

[byevjzts]

OK, thanks will test and let you all know in case this situation comes up again for anyone...

 

[paulkeys]

You may also want to consider using business view with dynamic data connection to prompt the user to select the required data source