CR8.5 crashing (GPF )on Win98 & Win ME -plshelp me I'm desperate!!!!!

[stef]

I cant believe this product could behave this badly!
I've spent days successfully producing reports in these environments, only to find now that anytime I try and enhance or modify them the PC crashes, requiring reboot> scandisk etc.

It seems to happen when the database is accessed, but it happens whether I'm using ODBC to MSSQL server or MSAccess file, or direct access to MSAccess.

I have installed the latest 'hotfix' file from the supplier, with no change.

According to the system requirements I have more than adequate disk/Ram etc

I would go back to V6 , but it doesn't provide 'radar' charts - a vital requirement for this job. (Even though I wanted compiled reports!)

My question is - is this crashing known and limited to Win98 /ME . Would it not happen on NT4/2000?

I've hit my deadline, and can't see which way to turn now.
Is there an alternative to Crystal Reports??!!

 

[jy22]

I don't know of any reason for the system crash, but try Active Reports by Data Dynamics as an alternative reporting tool.

 

[stef]

With help Crystal Decisions support, the answer is that even the latest version has the problem that it is possible to create a 'corrupt' report, by amending a report using the report expert wizard.

OK you get a warning about loss of data if you do this, but it doesn't say it may crash the machine the next time you access to the database.

I compounded my problems by saving the report prior to testing with database (in case it crashed!). So anytime after, when I loaded the report and accessed the database the machine would crash. Talk about frustrating!
Now I realise what's been going on it's been fine.

1. the product shouldn't crash, even if you do something silly
2. it should more strongly discourage you from using the report expert on an established report.

cheers STEF

 

[chelseatech]

Has something else been installed that could have loaded some older windows DLL's? Have you tried reinstalling?

I've been using CR on Win ME with no problems - and it's our training/demo machine so gets well tested on the advanced course.

Low disk space will cause Cr to crash all the time, but you say you've checked that. It is the volume with the \Temp folder where CR likes to keep all it's work files. Editor and Publisher of Crystal Clear

http://www.chelseatech.co.nz/pubs.htm