"the join type cannot change" 1

[bnix]

I am using several tables for my report. One table is used as a "common lookup table".

I want to refine my report by using the "look-up table" descriptions.

I developed the query initially, with links to all the interesting tables, except the lookup table.

I go back into Database expert, add my lookup table, change it to an alias name (so that I can refer to it multiple times). I add a link, left outer join (sometimes the record ID is null; and I want the master row to report, so left outer join is required).

I click OK on the database expert page, and get the following conversation.


refresh report data?
I choose 'OK'

error box: 'failed to open a rowset'
I choose 'OK'

error box: 'Query engine error: "if tables are already linked, then the join type cannot change".

It looks to me that every time I add a table and a link, I must delete all links and re-enter them.

I don't want to have to delete and re-add all the links every time I add a new table with a new link.
What's going on? Is there a better way to solve this?

I have closed the report and re-opened it; closed Crystal Reports and restarted it; then re-opened the report. I get this series of messages each time.

 

[pgtek]

hi

in the report option uncheck smart linking
and in you tables check the linking and do the modify as needed and then CLICK OK and then verifyed sql click reset if not it will go back to the original linkage

cheers

pgtek

 

[bnix]

Under the File tab, Report Options, there is no Smart Link item, or anything similar, to check or uncheck.

Under File tab, Options, ditto.

I have been in the Help tab, and have seen sample screens where there is a "smart link" button, but cannot find that button on any screen on my report, or any drop-down menu, or any tab item, except when I right-click on an existing link.

I'm not generally stupid, but I am beginning to feel so on this process. Thank you for any help you can offer.

 

[dgillz]

What version of Crystal are you using? Smart linking definately exists in crystal, all the way back to version 5.

Software Sales, Training, Implementation and Support for Exact Macola, eSynergy, and Crystal Reports

http://www.trianglepartners.com

 

[bnix]

CR9. I don't disagree that it exists; I just can't figure out how to turn it off. Back to the original problem - I have a series of tables linked, but when I add a reference table to the list and link it using a left outer join, I get 'Query engine error: "if tables are already linked, then the join type cannot change".

If I delete all links, then relink everything, the generated select statuement has all my inner joins but none of my outer joins.

Somebody said "turn off Smart Links"; I can't figure out how; but the question may be irrelevant if I cannot define outer joins.

Thanks for any observations.

 

[dgillz]

"Query engine error"? Are you sure you are not using the Crystal SQL designer instead of Crystal Reports?

Software Sales, Training, Implementation and Support for Exact Macola, eSynergy, and Crystal Reports

http://www.trianglepartners.com

 

[bnix]

CR Professinoal, 9.2.0.448

The message occurs after working in database expert, adding a left outer join.

 

[dalechampia]

You can't turn off Smart Linking in Crystal Reports 9. This is a new "feature". (See the book Crystal Reports 9, The Complete Reference by George Peck, page 457.)

However, I have noticed that a friend's PC has it turned off even though he has CR9, possibly because he upgraded from 8.5. Does anyone know of a registry key where we can turn this off?

 

[TStriker]

Hello all,

I'm new to this forum and new to CR. I'm having exactly the same trouble that bnix is/was having. I'm on CR9.0 going against an Oracle DB.

BNIX, did you ever get your problem solved?

Thanks,

-Striker

 

[lbass]

I have heard that there are some issues with left joins in CR 9.0. Crystal Decisions has a technical paper on this. Try going to

http://www.crystaldecisions.com/support

and
searching for cr9_left_outer_join.pdf.

-LB

 

[roswald]

If anyone ever finds the solution, I also am having this problem. Please pass any information along.

B

 

[roswald]

I have been having the exact same problem and finally figured out a solution.
A couple of assumptions on my part...
The report was created in a prior version of CR?
In the prior version or when building this query you used 'smart linking'?
Even if neither is true, this will probably work!

Here is what you need to do;
Open the report and go to Database-->Database Expert.
Click on the Links tab.
Right click on each join arrow and select Link Options.
View the Join Type and Link type (change if necessary) and hit the OK button. Make sure to do all link arrows.

After that the report will run. What the problem is has to do with CR9 trying to apply smart linking that differs with your actual sql stmt, hence the message 'cannot change join type once link is set'. I noticed in my rpt that the links window had 1 table utilizing a inner/equal join when the actual sql code specified a Left outer.
Please let me know if this helps.

B