access db and printing

[henrik79]

Hi!

Is it possible with VB.Net CF to

a) retrieve data from an access db on an ipaq/acer
b) Create a report
c) Print that report

I am using Visual Studio 2003. Can I use Crystal reports on Compact Framework?
I didn't see any option for that.

Do you have to use something like http://www.inthehand.com/ADOCE.aspx?

[Shaggy Hiker]

You should be able to do a) using the OLEDb namespace and ADO.NET.

I have not looked for CR on the CF, but I would not be surprised if it was not there. A CR report on a PDA seems like a heckuva chore.

As for c, where would you print to? I have never tried printing from a PDA, but it should be possible if you can connect one of those things to a printer without going through a computer. If it is through a computer, it may be easier just to move the file over, and print off the computer.

[henrik79]

So you don't have to any third party component to access a Pocket Access db?

Maybe instead of using a reportgenerator it's possible to put the data in an already existing worddocument? And then print the document.

[Strider]

a) to access a cdb in CF.Net you would need the ADOCE component as CF.Net has only Sqlserverce. However licencing for this is free

b) creating reports on the device, i 've never heard of crystal reports for cf.net however you could always generate your on html, txt, csv file as a report for printing.

if you do it in html or txt you can print to a network printer

[henrik79]

Is changing word documents supported in .Net CF?