problem with crystal reports in vb.net

[bpprog]

I am doing a project with vb.net front end and sql2000 as backend. I have different types of users .Hence I want to create all my reports in a text form (.txt file) so that the users can download the report and print with their printer which is not common through out.

But the crystal report in vb.net doesnot allow creation of .txt file only .rtf file it allows which cannot be opened and printed like normal text file.


How should I go about ?

Please somebody help me out to solve the issue.

Thanks for those who come forward to help me (Before in hand)

 

[stnkyminky]

Does the printing capabilities of the crystalreportviewer not work for you?

Since you said "download" I'm going to assume this is a web app that displays data via crystalreport and then allows the user to select a format to download.




Scott
Programmer Analyst
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[bpprog]

Thanks for the response Mr.stnkyminky


The crystalreportviewer doesnot help me in this. It converts the crystal report to rich text format or xls or .doc files and no option provided for .txt conversion.
The rich text file while opening in a notepad does open with all controls characters. Hence this is not helpful for us.

The problem is this packages is used by many in remote part of the country and there is a less chances of these people having office 97. Thus converting the output to .xls is also rulled out by me.

Waiting for your valuable response.

 

[stnkyminky]

Doesn't look too good. I've found several sites that say its not supported.

I did find a sample app on crystal's web site that shows how to export to different formats. However a txt file was one of them.

http://support.crystaldecisions.com/communityCS/FilesAndUpdates/vbnet_win_export.exe.asp

I open a case with crystal support asking if this is possible. I'll let you know something when I hear from them.

Scott
Programmer Analyst
<{{><

 

[stnkyminky]

Dear Scott,

Thank you for using Answer By Email (ABE) service

Unfortunately it is not possible to export to text format. Exporting to
text option is not available in CR for VS.NET. CR for VS.NET has only
limited functionality. Sorry for inconvenience caused.

Please let us know if you require further assistance and we will be happy
to assist you.

Best Regards,

Balamurugen | Developer Support Team | Crystal Decisions
Tech ID: SLSH105

http://www.crystaldecisions.com

Access. Analyze. Report. Share


Scott
Programmer Analyst
<{{><

 

[phantomCO]

bpprog,

Maybe I'm lost but are you just looking to create a viewable/printable text file?
If so, why not just create it in code rather than CR? We've used a lot of that over the years and in some cases just shelled to notepad as a viewer. Abandoned CR long time ago as we found it more work than it was worth.

phan

 

[bpprog]

Thank you all,

I have stopped the search for conversion to .txt and as Mr. Phan said I am doing the coding job now as my time for completion of my job is nearing. We are shifting from COBOL to vs.net but the coding aspect is still not leaving us.

Thanks again

bpprog

 

[SHelton]

Why not use the Crystal engine to convert the report to PDF ? Acrobat Reader is free and should ensure that all users get the same result regardless of their printer. A PDF format will also prevent any possibility of users 'adjusting' the report ;-)

 

[bpprog]

Thank you Shelton,

I havenot tried this , let me try to know how it works.But this will not solve my problem as I have to think of my users knowledge level in this field and they sit in various parts of the country.
If it is a text file notepad will do to open and view it. I am viewing at the users angle.


Regards

BPPROG