Resolving the Cannot open SQL server Error When Using Access in Crystal Reports

Описание: Learn how to troubleshoot and fix the ‘Cannot open SQL server’ error when trying to run a Crystal Report using MS Access, with step-by-step guidance and code examples.
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Troubleshooting the "Cannot Open SQL Server" Error in Crystal Reports with Access

When working with Crystal Reports (CR) to generate reports based on an MS Access database, you may encounter the frustrating Cannot open SQL server error. This can be particularly puzzling if you're confident that you're using Access as your database. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps needed to solve this issue, ensuring that your reports run smoothly without any hiccups.

Understanding the Issue

What Causes the Error?

The Cannot open SQL server error typically indicates that Crystal Reports is having trouble connecting to the specified database source. Here are some common reasons for this error:

Incorrect database connection settings.

Mismatches between database drivers and the source format.

Incorrect authentication credentials for database access.

Your Scenario

In your specific case, you are using VB 6.0 to run a report from Crystal Reports 8.5 while intending to extract data from an MS Access database. Below is a simplified version of the code you attempted to run:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Despite this, you receive the Cannot open SQL server error.

Step-by-Step Solution to Resolve the Error

To rectify this issue, you'll need to properly set up your report's database connection in your code. Follow these organized steps to do so:

Step 1: Enable Necessary Libraries

Before diving into the code, ensure that your project has the proper references set up:

Add a reference to the Crystal Reports 8.5 ActiveX Designer Run Time Library in your project.

On the form where you’re triggering the report, insert a CrystalActiveXReportViewer control (commonly named crView).

Step 2: Update the Report Opening Code

Modify your report opening code to ensure the database connection is properly set up. Below is the revised approach:

Create a Subroutine to Open the Report

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Step 3: Set the Report Database Connection

Make sure that the subroutine SetReportDatabase correctly establishes the connection without issues. Here’s how to do it:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

In the above subroutine:

We iterate through each table in the report to check if it requires a database connection.

We adjust the connection properties to use the correct ODBC driver for MS Access, ensuring that the connection string is formatted correctly.

Important Notes

Make sure you replace "MyPassword" in the connection string with your actual database password.

Confirm that the DataPath parameter is correctly pointing to your Access database file path.

Double-check the driver name used in the connection string matches the version of your installed Access Driver.

Conclusion

By following the structured approach outlined above, you should be able to resolve the Cannot open SQL server error and successfully generate your reports using Crystal Reports with MS Access as the data source. If you continue to experience issues, verify your database path and driver compatibility or consult the Crystal Reports documentation for additional troubleshooting steps.

For more programming tips and solutions, stay tuned to our blog!