using memo field within formula

[daveinuk]

Hi. I have a database that contains data within a notes field which is a memo field type. I want to be able to interrogate that field so that I print any records that contains a certain phrase within that memo field, however I dont seem to be able to work with that memo field. Can anybody tell me why and what else I can do to use this data. Many thanks. David.

 

[TheBlondOne]

I think the problem lyes with the fact that Crystal won't allow you to use memo or blob fields within a formula. Think that its to do with the size of the field and generally a field that can be utilised should be 254 characters long whereas a memo or blob field can be any length.

I know on previous projects where we've used blob fields we have had to physically make the changes to the data itself and then in the report set the blob field to display as RTF.

HTH

-Steve


"if at first you don't succeed, sky diving is not for you"!!! )

 

[synapsevampire]

First, Crystal does allow you to use Memo Fields in formulas, but only in CR 9 and above.

Not bothering to take the time to post your software version, obviously the first thing any technical support person will ask you, wastes yours and others time, this should always be the case with any posting about any software product.

Sicne you also didn't bother to post your database type, this solution may not work, but it's a standard one:

Create one or more SQL Expression fields using something like:

substring(table.field,1,254)

Use more than one if you need more than 254 chars, as in:

substring(table.field,255,254)

etc.

-k

 

[daveinuk]

thanks for your message synapsevampire, im sorry i did not give you all the info you need. Im using crystal reports 8.5 and trying to connect to databases using an ODBC connection in Visal Fox Pro Tables. When I try your substring idea it get the message "ODBC Error [microsoft][ODBC Visual Fox Pro Driver] File 'Substring'.prg does not exist. Any ideas?

 

[dgillz]

Since you are not using cr9 or newer, as SV said the solution may not work.

Also, please confirm that you tried a SQL Expression, not a formula.

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[synapsevampire]

Ahhh, the dreaded Foxpro...

Try to build out a query on the VFP table to use as the data source and truncate the field.

Anotehr solution might be a SQL Expression of
left({table.field},254)

-k

 

[daveinuk]

Hi all. I did try a SQl expression and not a formula. still no joy, any other ideas?