Crystal Reports Modifying Existing Reports

Let’s suppose that a third party designed the report you need, but you have to modify it. Where to begin? Follow this checklist to give you, as the report modifier, answers that you may need to go forward.

Save the report with a new name so you keep the original. (Work on the copy for your own mental health.)Go to the Database Expert. Check the connection type on the Data Tab - that will tell you only the type of connection (e.g, local, OLE DB, SQL etc).Still in the Database Expert, click on the Links Tab. Check to be sure the tables used for the report are linked correctly.Now check with the Select Expert to see how the records are filtered.What fields did they use?? What restrictions did they put on the records? For example, did they filter for only records with an order date of 2009?If any or all of the filters are no longer valid, delete them by clicking on the tab and clicking on Delete.Refresh the report. You probably will get more records than the original report as you have removed the filters.Now, you may need to filter for the new report you are designing. You will use the Select Expert. Choose the database field you need to use and design the filter using the two dropdowns on each tab, the first is the operators and the second is the criteria.For example, your report needs to show the data for NM, ID, and AK. The operator: is one of and the criteria: NM, ID, AK.

If necessary, go to Print Preview.Remember to save it as you work.Refresh the report.You would continue on in this manner until your report displays the data that you need, according to the request.

Remember, everything takes practice. The more you work in Crystal Reports, the easier it will become. Take your time and practice.

Happy Reporting!

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