Crystal Report Redistributable - Not

[Glen Harvy 0]

Hi, Using the version of CR that comes with VS2005 is it necessary to include in the distribution package any merge items or redistributable files. If so - what files are required and how do I add them to the distribution?

Glen Harvy

[Aaron Dilliard]

It depends on if the client computers already have it, in my case they did not. Google for Crystal Reports redistributable, and you should get the crystal reports website. You will need to download the merge module for the VS2005 version of Crystal Reports. Note that the clients will have to have admin access to install the merge module. Aaron

[Glen Harvy 0]

This is where I get confused. In the VS2005 documentation it talks about embedded reports BUT I guess this just refers to the actual report.cs file that I create and not to actually embedding the CR Engine into my project. Can you confirm this please. Also, my program distribution (which will largely be via the net) has now blown out to over 26 meg in size by including the CR redistributable! Is it possible to distribute the redistributable as a seperate exercise? Thanks for your advice, Regards,

Glen Harvy

[c guy3811]

The CR Engine is a managed library that is referenced in your project. Most client computers that dont have the .NET SDK will lack these .dll's, which is why you need the merge module. 26mb sounds about right. You can create an installer just to install the merge module, then have your end users download it only if they experience problems. To do that, just create a setup project, then in the solution panel right click and select add merge module. Browse to the CR_2005 merge module and select it. This will install the merge module only. Note, as I said before, your clients will need to have admin access to install. If you need anything else, just let me know. Aaron