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Although data definition files can be created manually using a text editor such as Notepad, Crystal Reports provides a tool, called Database Definition Tool, for simplifying the process.
Database Definition Tool
The Database Definition Tool is available from the Field Definitions Only dialog box when you begin designing a report based on the Field Definitions Driver. This tool allows you to design a data definition file as the first step of designing your report.
1. In the Standard Report Creation Wizard, expand Create New Connection, and then expand Field Definitions Only.
2. In the Field Definitions Only dialog box, click Create File to open the Database Definition Tool.
3. Use the Database Definition Tool to create fields for your data definition file.
Use the controls to enter field names, field types, and sample data that will appear in the Crystal Reports Preview Tab. If you select String as the field type, you will also be asked to specify a maximum string length.
4. Click Add to add each new field to your data definition file.
Each field appears in the list box at the bottom of the Database Definition Tool.
5. Continue adding as many fields as necessary for your data definition file by entering the information in the controls of the Database Definition Tool, and clicking Add each time.
You can delete a field that you have created by selecting the field in the list box and clicking Delete.
6. Click File and then click Save when you are finished designing your data definition file.
The Save File As dialog box appears.
7. Save the data definition file where it can be accessed by your report file.
Click Finish and the new data definition file will appear in the Available Data Sources box under the Field Definitions Only node.
8. Double-click the table to add it to the Selected Tables box and continue creating your report.
Note:
The steps described here were taken from the Crystal Reports help (CrystalDevHelp.chm). For further information, read the "Creating data definition files" topic.
KEYWORDS:
CDO; Crystal Data Objects; TTX
Contributed By:
Marcia Booth
Company: Data Access Worldwide
Web Site: http://www.dataaccess.com
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DAW Knowledge Base article 2183: ERROR: "Unable to instantiate COM object." when running a report
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