[RESOLVED] Crystal reports 2008

[captdylanhunt]

I have made an application with multiple forms in VS 2008 .NET, with an Access 2003 databse. All that works well when installed on another computer. I also made some Crystal Reports to go with it, the do invoicecing and other functions. The thing is that when it is installed on the target computer and you try to view the reports, they all say that they failed to load. When I debug the app everything is ok. I install it on my computer and all is ok, but if I change my developement folder name, they show the error again. Example: all my forms, database and reports are contained in a folder named MyApp, if I change this name to MyApp2 the reports are no longer available and the error comes up that they failed to load. The end purpose of this app is to be on its own, not to depend on someone elses computer. Can anyone help. Thanks

[captdylanhunt]

I have also noticed that when I add a report to a form that has the Crystal Report viewer already on it, it says that I need to rebuild the app because the report can't be found in the manifest. What does that mean?

[captdylanhunt]

This is the exact error message I get: unable to find the report in the manifest resource. Please build the porject and try again.

[randem]

You are not deploying everything that you need to deploy. Have you deployed the CR Merge Modules?

[captdylanhunt]

The error I am giving you at the last point is when I try to add a CR to a form that has the CR report viewer on it. I think the reason that I can't see them when I deploy the app is because the in order to get them to work I have to brose to add them to the form as opposed to selecting them from the drop down list. I can't find the merge modules to add, but I do know that when I make the setup file that there are some CR things included there. I remember an engine. But I cant get them on the form without having to browse for them first. Thanks for any help.

[captdylanhunt]

The reports get their information from an Access 2003 database.

[randem]

I think the reason that I can't see them when I deploy the app is because the in order to get them to work I have to brose to add them to the form as opposed to selecting them from the drop down list.

You think in error... I have explained the error.

[captdylanhunt]

What are the merge modules called?

[randem]

What are you using for an installer?

[captdylanhunt]

The one that comes with Visual Studio 2008.

[randem]

You basically cannot do it with that, unless it now has a way to run external installations...

[captdylanhunt]

What do you mean? Do I have to distribute an installer that also install CR? But would this cause the error I get when I try to add the report using the report resource selection. It adds it fine when I browse for it. This makes no sense to me. it says that I need to rebuild the app because the report can't be found in the manifest. What does that mean? How would I add it to the manifest?

[captdylanhunt]

I am farely new to CR and am also a student so any help is well appreciated. Thanks.

[randem]

I don't use PDW or it's affiliates. But I can tell you what you need to do and have done so.

Yes, you have to include the CR installation with your installation. There is a process and you cannot short cut it.

[randem]

You probably should dump PDW and use Inno Setup or another installer that will let you accomplish that simple task or it will be like pulling teeth down the road. PDW is only for the simplest of deployment anything after that is a tremendous headache.

[captdylanhunt]

The site you gave me would have all that right? Thanks

[captdylanhunt]

What does PDW stand for anyway. I thought VS made them .msi?

[randem]

The CR Merge Modules are there...

[captdylanhunt]

Thanks. I downloaded 2 files from there. I am also registering for their forum. I do thank you for all the help you have provided.