New User: Can't connect to SQL Server

[SQLBill]

I have two computers: machine 1 on domain DOM1 and machine 2 on DOM2. #1 had Crystal Reports 8.0 on it, #2 has a Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 database. I can ping #2 from #1. I am trying to create a report on #1. The steps I used are:
(I am using the wizard)
New Report
Standard Report Expert
Click on Database button
Select ODBC
Select Create New Data Source
In the 'Create New Data Source' Window:
Select File Data Source
Next
(select a driver for which you want to set up a data source)
Select SQL Server
Next
(type name of file data source you want to save this connection to)
Enter the name: HWSH02
Finish

Then I get a notice that the connection failed. It can't find the server.

What am I doing wrong? Or what steps do I need to connect to my database?

 

[woyler]

In order to use a file DSN, both the client and the server have to have the same driver installed. I would check there first. Have you tried using a system DSN, or try making a connection by: Starting CR8, selecting your report(blank or Wizard) and when you get to the data explorer, select More Data Sources,OLE DB,make new connection, and follow the prompts from there.

 

[SQLBill]

I have been trying several methods, I even tried OLE DB but that's not working either. I didn't think about checking the drivers on BOTH machines. I'll do that. Does OLE DB need the driver on both machines??

 

[woyler]

I you use a file DSN it will require both. A system DSN should not

 

[rhinok]

Remember that DSN's are Case Sensitive. Even though your Local and Server DSN's may be named the same, the reports will fail if the Case is not the same as well.

 

[woyler]

rhinok, how do you mean it is case sensitive? Do you mean in Crystal 8? I have never had a problem with case/

 

[rhinok]

Woyler,

ODBC DSNs are Case Sensitive. Say for example that I design a report on my local system under System DSN 'ORARpts'. The Info Server on which I intend to process this report should have a corresponding DSN of 'ORARpts'. If the case is not identical (maybe the Info Server DSN is uppercase) the report will fail on the Info Server even though the name 'ORARPTS' is the same.

The following Crystal Decisions Article explains in further detail:

http://support.crystaldecisions.com/kbase/c2006040.asp

 

[balves]

Try creating the ODBC DSN through the ODBC Administrator first. The last step in the process is to test the connectivity. Brian J. Alves
Terrier Consulting, Inc.
Email: brian.alves@worldnet.att.net
VB / Crystal / SQLServer

 

[woyler]

rhinok,
That answers my question. That problem is unique to Crystal. At least I have never come across it in any other enviroment. ie: VB

 

[SQLBill]

I tried connecting using OLE DB and couldn't connect. Here's the steps I followed.
Using the wizard, when I got to the data explorer, I selected More Data Sources, OLE DB, make new connection. Then at the Data Link Properties Window, Connection Tab:
1. Select or enter a server name:
I enter the IP address of the machine the database is on.
2. Use specific user name and password:
I entered the user name and password for the machine the database is on.
3. Attach a database file as database name:
I gave the database a name
Using file name:
When I selected the box with ...
I browsed to the database file and selected it.

I got the error: This file is already in use.
I can't close the file in use, it's having data go into it all the time.

If I type the file name in vice browsing:
I get the error:
Test connection failed because of error in initializing provider.

What am I doing wrong?

Am I trying to make the connection using File DSN?
How do I connect using system DSN?
(The CR8 book is no help on any of this).

I appreciate all the help I've gotten so far.