Select Expert criteria missing using Crystal Dictionary 8.0

[ymrs]

We created a dictionary using Crystal Dictionary 8.0.0.0. When we use it in Crystal Reports Professional 8.5.0.217, the Select Expert does not contain the criteria "In the Period" and "Not in the Period" are not available. If we build the same report from the same tables using an ODBC connection, the option is there.

We have tried using the formula to simulate this option, but it is not working either. Is there a way around this problem? I would appreciate any suggestions.

 

[FVTrainer]

This may not solve your problem, but it may at least give you some more info on what is wrong:

Instead of using the Select Expert, choose Report | Edit Selection Formula | Record.

In the formula editor, locate the field you wish to include as part of the filter and double-click on it. Then enter the word " in ". Finally, in the Function tree, open the Date Ranges folder and double-click on the function that you would have selected in the Select Expert. So your formula will look similar to:

{table.mydate} in MonthToDate

Click on the check button to check your syntax. If it says No Errors Found, then you have your workaround; otherwise, post the error message you receive.

 

[ymrs]

I had already tried that. I get the message "A string is required here", and the cursor positions itself in front of the selected function (in this case LastFullMonth.

 

[FVTrainer]

Well, that would imply that your data dictionary is interpreting the date field as a string. Have you verified your database (Database | Verify Database--is that option available with a dictionary?). In the field explorer, if you right-click on the field you want to use in the record selection formula and choose browse, what data type does it say the field is?

 

[ymrs]

Yep, it shows up as a string, but it is a DateTime field on the database.

 

[FVTrainer]

Do you have to maintain the dictionary as an 8.0.0.0 version dictionary? What happens if you bring the dictionary file up in the CR 8.5 Dictionary Designer?

And why are you using dictionaries in the first place? (not that it is "wrong"; it's just not a prefered method if other options, such as views, are available to you).

 

[ymrs]

I'm using the dictionary because I was told to. I'm not using CR Dictionary Designer becasue I don't have it.

 

[ymrs]

FYI - I just found out from Crystal that this is a known issue. In the SQL options of Dictionary, you can check "Change DateTime field to Date" and it does keep it as a DateTime field. Just won't be able to use the clock in a report.