New Crystal user, how do I access a network database

[tommyb2]

I am a relatively new user to CR. I am used to used Access with tables directly stored on my harddrive and located within the same mdb file. When using CR, how does one point to a network database and begin reporting? I know this is a trivial question, but want to start right. Any reference books that can provide further description on a non-programmer level?
Thanks

 

[pgtek]

Hi

1: first you mast have network database source that u can query and have permission to view and select
2: create a systems DNS

 

[synapsevampire]

You can either use a Access native connection, or set up an ODBC data source.

To set up an ODBC data source, in the data explorer, select ODBC->Select New Data Source->System Data Source->Microsoft Access Driver->Finish->give the data source a name and press select to point at the database.

To use a native connection, select Find Database File under the Database Files section in the data explorer.

-k

 

[chelseatech]

There are two ways you can access a remote Access MDB.

1) Create an ODBC connection using the access driver inside ODBC. This will require a mapped drive, which is fine for you as a report desginer, but it wont work with service based schedulers like Seagate Info and Crystal Enterprise because they don't have any mapped drives.

2) Use the file explorer to do a file/open and find the DB on the remote machine. This will usually require a share to be created on the remote machine. Once you have the connection, use the convert to UNC option in the DB explorer so CR looks for the data on
\\server\share\folder\this.mdb

There are performance and security implications of each approach. it all depends on what you are going to do with your report once design is finished.

Both approaches do not like you moving the MDB, or renaming the machine with the data.

Editor and Publisher of Crystal Clear

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