Field length with mysql varchar

[TLowder]

Hello,

I have an ongoing problem with crystal reports fields truncating my data. This only happens when the database field definition is a varchar. What appears to be happening is crystal does not accually recognize my size definition but it recognizes the accual data length of what is currently in the database.
For example if I create, update or verify database in crystal when the data in the field is say "Apple", it locks the length at 5 characters. Then when the report is viewed with longer data it only shows the first 5 characters and truncates the rest.
My workaround is to always make sure I have the longest data possible when creating or editing reports. This works but it's annoying and takes time.
The problem is specific to the varchar field definition. When I used access databases in the past it always read the length of text fields properly.

Using-
Crystal 8
MySQL

Perhaps this isn't an issue with newer versions. Let me know if anyone uses a newer version and has varchar data definition. I would like to manualy set field length in crystal if its possible, maybe in a formula?

Any ideas appreciated.

Thanks,



Tom