Do I need to re-link tables if I use new version crystal report

Catherine Han

I am new to Crystal Report. I will use Crystal Report to generate customer report. My Raiser'e Edge version is 7.96. If I purchase Crystal Report 2013 or 2016, should I relink all tables or all tables already linked correctly? What version should I buy? suggestions please.

Elizabeth Johnson

I would highly recommend you read through this article . . .
Which version of Crystal Reports is compatible with Blackbaud software? 


If you are the only one that will be creating the Crystal Reports for RE you shouldn't have to purchase any additional licenses. Other users can access the reports without an install.


Hope this helps,

Elizabeth

Catherine Han

Great thanks, Elizabeth.

Melissa S Graves

If you did not get Crystal Reports with your install - talk to support - they can send it to you. You only get one lisence but that is often enough.

Catherine Han

Thanks Melissa. I contacted Blackbaud just now. Once I created export from Raiser's Edge, and open in Crystal Report. All tables should be linked, correct?

Denise Covington

Catherine Han:

Thanks Melissa. I contacted Blackbaud just now. Once I created export from Raiser's Edge, and open in Crystal Report. All tables should be linked, correct?

If you are upgrading from Crystal 8.5 to XI or higher, you will need to break all links and re-link.  Or click on every link and be sure it is a LEFT outer join.  If you are currently using XI or higher, it is my understanding that you don't have to re-link.  However, we have run into issues in which we have to re-look at linking when adding new tables to your export.  Sometimes they don't link properly.  ALL links should be left outer join.


Just in case you are upgrading from 8.5, here are the instructions for that:

• Open each report in Crystal, fix links
  • Select Database>Database Expert
  • Links Tab
    • Clear Links
    • Auto-link by name
    • Change all links to Left Outer Join
      • Right Click on link line>Link Options
        • *Shortcut: Arrow Down, Enter
      • They will have arrow pointing right, instead of plain line with dot

 

Catherine Han

Thanks Denise. I will go in to take a look. very helpful.