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cViewSERVER FAQs 1 | 2
See also: cViewMANAGER vs. cViewSERVER in Crystal Reports.

Pricing | Buy it now! | Version History


Can I use the same Multirun Control file for several reports?

Yes. The multirun form displays the name of the multirun control file. This can be changed to another file. Several Reports can share the same multirun file.


Does cViewSERVER support multi value parameters?

Yes. You can enter multi value parameters when setting up the schedule.


The install says I need IIS4. How do I install this on Windows XP?

On Windows XP, use the Control Panel.

  • Select Add/remove Programs

  • Add remove Windows components

  • Make sure “Internet Information Services” is ticked. That includes the SMTP service we use for emailing reports.


Does cViewSERVER support range parameters?

No. Range parameters are not currently supported in our schedulers. They are planned for a future release. (Multi value parameters are supported). Range parameters are supported within cView our report viewer.


Do you have Web viewing?

To have your intranet include information from cViewSERVER or cViewMANAGER, the machine must be running Web services. cViewSERVER must be installed on a machine running as a Web server (this is optional for cViewMANAGER).

cViewMANAGER and cViewSERVER include Web status pages displaying the current server status, and the current log.

Web and Log Status
1. Create a virtual directory to map to the \Web folder. (This is done automatically during the cViewSERVER setup)
2. Then link the URL on your intranet to http://server/Webfolder.htm

Help File
 The help file can also be viewed as a Web folder. Make the \help folder a virtual Web folder. Point your browser to http://server/helpfolder/.htm or just open the \Web subfolder to view the current log or status.

Viewing your reports via a Web interface

• You can manually export to HTML with cView or automatically export to HTML with cViewMANAGER or cViewSERVER. This is push publishing pre-defined reports with predefined parameters and record selection.

• If your users need interactive reports, use Crystal Enterprise or a 3rd Party product like ReCrystallize.

You can also open the HTML pages directly from another PC if you have network permissions to these folders.


Can I run my scheduled report from a command line or 3rd party program?

Yes, you can. You will need our cViewBATCH utility program. This is a separate program and so there is a purchase cost.


I get the error message “Invalid TLV record.” What does this mean?

This message usually occurs if you are trying to view a version 9 or 10 Crystal report with version 8.xx of cView, cViewSERVER or cViewMANAGER.

Fix: Use the 9.xx version to process the report.


I do not want to give the database password to people who are simply viewing reports with cView. How do I avoid giving it out, without losing functionality?

You will not have to give out the database password. The database password is stored inside cView and can be locked away from the user. If the user clicks refresh, cVIew uses this saved password when it connects to the database. The user does not need to enter a database password to view the report.

If you are using our schedulers with cView, the schedule administrator simply puts the password into the cViewMANAGER or cViewSERVER schedule and this is not seen by anyone else.


I want to view reports on the same machine I use to administer the schedule. Do I need to install cView on the same machine as cViewSERVER?

No, you do not need to purchase cView for the administrator’s machine. cViewSERVER is managed by cViewREMOTE and this includes the cView report viewing component. You can view reports--and schedule them--without needing to purchase a cView license for that machine.


How many licenses will I need of cViewSERVER, cViewREMOTE, and cView?

You can automatically schedule and distribute your reports and enable users to view and refresh reports from the database, using a combination of cViewSERVER, cViewREMOTE and cView.

cViewSERVER has the added advantage of running as a service. This means the process starts when the machine starts and will automatically start if the machine is rebooted. Another advantage is that you do not need to be logged in as a user or as administrator – this is an important security consideration.


• cViewSERVER is the scheduler that runs as a service and only needs to be installed on the PC scheduling the reports (and not on the PCs of the people receiving the reports).
• cViewREMOTE is the front end to cViewSERVER and is used by the report administrator. One copy comes free with cViewSERVER. If you have more than one report administrator using a different server, you can purchase extra individual copies of cViewREMOTE to enable company-wide report administration of your reports.
• cView is the viewer and is installed on the PCs of the people receiving the reports

A license is required for each server cViewSERVER is installed on:
• cViewSERVER is usually installed by someone who has administrator rights to see the data and process the reports.
• If someone has a different set of security permissions to see a different set of data or reports, a separate license is needed to cover that set of data and reports.
• If someone is on a separate physical network (or even different city) with their own reports and data, a separate license is needed to cover that set of data and reports.
• If you have a backup server which is simply used in the case of failure of your main server, we will not charge you for a second license of cViewSERVER for the backup server
• cViewSERVER only needs to be installed on the PC scheduling the reports (and not on the PCs of the people receiving the reports).
• Volume discounts are available


cView is licensed per user.
• If a user has multiple machines then a single license is fine.
• If several users share one machine for report viewing then a license needs to be purchased for each report viewer.
• On a terminal server machine, a cView license is required for each user who views reports.

The prices include support for 12 months from purchase date. After then, there is an optional maintenance and support option for an extra 15% which would also entitle you to upgrades.


Can I send one recipient an Excel Worksheet and another a PDF Acrobat document? Similarly can another user receive a Word document, etc?

Yes. Select the MultiRun feature and click 'Custom' for the output format. Each run can output a different format.


Can the schedulers include a sub-list in a list?

Yes. Include an entry in the list file of and it will be processed correctly. This enables you to create groups of lists and include each one where required. You can go down several levels, but circular references are not permitted.


Can I modify the Multirun or List file with a text file editor in cViewMANAGER?

Yes. The reason we used a text file for the multiruns was so you could use another program to modify them. The original requirement was so that we could use a Crystal Report to generate the data needed for the multirun or list.


Can I view the cViewMANAGER or cViewSERVER schedule status from another machine?

Yes. With the release of versions 8.20 and 9.20 (and above), we include a Web status page. If your machine is running Web services, make the help folder a virtual Web folder and point your browser to http://machine/cViewMANAGER/server.htm or just open the \Web subfolder to view the current log or status.


cViewSERVER trial version allows only two reports. What is the limit in the full version?

The trial version of cViewSERVER has restricted functionality and will allow you to schedule only two reports. The full version of cViewSERVER has an unlimited number of reports.


Do cViewMANAGER or cViewSERVER work with Outlook XP?

Yes. Any email client can view the reports sent from the scheduler. The sending of email uses SMTP direct to the mail server. cViewSERVER uses the SMTP service included with Windows 2000 and Windows XP.


I get an error message when I double click on the License.XML file Why does this happen?

You do not need to double click on the file. Simply place it in the same folder you created when you downloaded our trial version of the software. Our software reads the license file automatically when you run it.


I am having trouble connecting to the database. Why?

cView, cViewMANAGER, and cViewSERVER all require live connections to the database. If you are having problems with database access check the following:

• The Database client must be installed on the cView machine. This includes any SQL client, Oracle client etc.
• If you are using ODBC, the DSN must be configured the same as the report designer machine.
• Password information is stored in the File/Settings/Connections form. Make sure you “Save” the settings here.
• Our report engine appears to work best with Server authentication rather than NT authentication.
• If your database requires a reference to a mapped drive on a remote you will not be able to use cViewSERVER. You will need to revert to cViewMANAGER or use a UNC path if available. cViewSERVER, like all services cannot see mapped drives.


Is there a maximum number of parameters in cViewSERVER?

No.


My report is processed, but the email message doesn't get sent. Why?

There may be several reasons for this.

• Use Server/View STMP log and see if anything obvious is revealed in the discussion with the SMTP server.
• You may need to increase the timer value in the SMTP configuration form.
• Increase the timer value in steps of 10 to see what setting works on your site.


Reports will not run as scheduled in cViewSERVER. Why?

The cViewSERVER schedule is a list of reports and when they need to run.

• The Schedule needs to 'Start' before this will happen. Use the Server/Start menu item.
• To have a report run, your must set it to “Scheduled” and specify when it is to next run.
• Any reports with a run date prior to now, will run immediately.


What happens if I schedule two reports for the same time?

The first report will process, and then the second report will start as soon as the first is completed. Which comes first is based on the report numbers within the schedule. If several reports are overdue, then the most overdue report is run first.


What server authentication do I need to use?

We prefer you use Server authentication, rather than NT authentication.


I got an error message 'Invalid License File' when I tried to unlock the trial version.

All the cView family of products use a 'License.XML' file to unlock the demo version. While these files have similar formats, they have different unlock codes for each product. You may have been sent a license file for the wrong product, or the encryption may have got corrupted.

Fix : Email us or your distributor and we will send you a new license file.


How will a list file in my schedule help me?

It will save you time. A list file can be used in the place of an email list or a parameter value. If you have several reports being sent to the same group of people, then use a list file in the cViewMANAGER or cViewSERVER schedule. Then when the membership of the list file changes, you only need to make one change for a series of reports. A list file can contain a reference to other list files.


Will cViewSERVER work with my MS Exchange Server?

Yes. The Exchange server will need to be configured so that it will accept SMTP relay from the cViewMANAGER/cViewSERVER machine. If this isn't acceptable to your SMTP server administrator, then you will need to identify a SMTP server that you can access.


I've created a list of email addresses so I can email a report to multiple people. Where do I put the name of the list file? When I put the path/name of the file into the field where its looking for the email address--I get an error as it's trying to use the path/filename AS the email address.

The list file is used where you would enter the email address. Use the file name surrounded by angle brackets <>. If the lst file is in the same folder as cViewMANGER, no file or path is required. cViewSERVER has a \lists subfolder where it expects to find list files.


What are the steps to install cViewSERVER and cViewREMOTE?

Installation instructions cViewSERVER and cViewREMOTE v9
These are the high level steps and the detailed instructions are listed below:
1. Please ensure you have the optimal operating environment (see below)
2. Run the set-up programs to install the cViewSERVER and cViewREMOTE applications
3. Configure the Windows Service
4. Connect cViewREMOTE to cViewSERVER
5. Configure SMTP settings
6. Configure Web Log Settings
7. Load the Schedule
8. Install a License File (This is not required for the trial version , only if you decide to purchase the products)
9. Install Live Web Status

Detailed instructions:

To assist you in a smooth and efficient installation of cViewSERVER and cViewREMOTE please ensure you have the following:
Windows2000 or WindowsXP later.
(We recommend Windows 2003 Server or Windows 2000 Server.)

At least one printer installed and configured
Web Services installed and configured. Internet Information Services includes the SMTP service we use to send email reports.

You will also need to install any database client software
(Oracle, SQL server, MDAC, PervasiveSQL, etc)

Installation Instructions
CViewSERVER and cViewREMOTE require the following steps to install correctly.
Install the Applications
1. Run the setup program. You can copy this file from the Web or it can be supplied on a CD. The programs will install by default into the C:\Program Files\cViewSERVER folder but you may change this if required.
2. The install program lets you select if you want to install cViewSERVER, cViewREMOTE or both programs. We recommend you install both applications on your main server and cViewREMOTE on a separate management computer. Additional cViewREMOTE licenses are available if you want to install additional management computers.


Configure the Windows Service
3. The cViewSERVER now needs to be configured as a windows service. Start cViewREMOTE and select from the Menu Server/Service/Install cViewSERVER.
4. Now check the status of the service with Server/Service/cViewSERVER Status
5. cViewSERVER requires rights to create folders, modify the schedule databases and process the crystal reports. Use the Windows Computer Management console to modify these service properties if they are not enable by default. You may wish to set the Service to a Startup Type of 'Automatic'. On Windows 2000 Server, you will need to use a user account with Administration rights. On Windows 2003 Server, the LocalSystem account is sufficient.
6. cViewREMOTE can start and stop the service from the Server/Service menu. Confirm that you can start and stop the program correctly. Use the Windows Computer Management Console to modify any security settings.


Connect cViewREMOTE to cViewSERVER
7. cViewREMOTE now needs to connect to the cViewSERVER database. Use the menu item Server/Connect to find the cView.XML file that contains the schedule database.
8. You may now expand the Server tree and add reports, folders and modify report properties.
9. For remote access make the cViewSERVER program folder a share folder. From your other workstation open the cView.XML in that share folder.
10. cViewREMOTE places XML commands in the \Remote subfolder. If the service is running, it will check that folder and process any commands you have made.
11. Remember that cViewREMOTE must wait until the service has processed the command you have just entered. This can take up to 60 seconds. We plan to improve this response in the future.
Configure SMTP settings
12. If you wish to email reports you will need to configure the SMTP settings. Expand the Explorer Tree to Server/System/SMTP and enter the server name and the sender email address.
13. It can also be useful to configure a Test Message and recipient. Use the Menu Help/Send Test message to confirm the SMTP is configured correctly


Configure Web Log Settings
14. You can configure cViewSERVER to automatically email you a report of the log of activity. This is in the System/Log Settings
Loading the Schedule
15. Once the service is started, you may add reports to the schedule. We recommend for performance reason you use a copy of the reports on a folder on the Primary Server, but this is not essential.
Install a License File
16. The license file is a small xml file with your company name and a license code. This information is encrypted for security reasons.
17. This license.xml file will be emailed to you on purchase of the software. You will need to save this file into the cViewSERVER program folder.
Install Live Web Status
18. The cViewSERVER machine must be running Web delivery services and be an operational we server.
19. cViewSERVER maintains a subfolder of \Web with a live Web status of what is happening on the Web server.
20. Create a virtual Web folder to map to the \web subfolder. We recommend a Web folder name of cViewSERVER, but you can use any name you wish.
21. Your Web server can now display the current cViewSERVER status on the page server.htm. this page links to livestat.htm and logstat.htm. You may link directly to these other pages if you wish.


Is it possible to save sub report parameters, as well as parameters for the main report?

Yes. The solution is to create a parameter in the main report and link it into the subreport parameter. Then cViewMANAGER will process it correctly.


I want to send a report to my manager and another party. I need to do this for many 15 reports. How do I send the report to two email messages?

Older versions required a list file. Create a text file using a text editor or the list editor within cViewMANAGER. Invoke the list by surrounding the file name with angle brackets.


Can cViewMANAGER or cViewSERVER process On-Demand Subreports?

No. This is because on-demand subreports are not run at the same time as the main report but are run when requested. So a scheduled report is not a request for an on-demand subreport. It doesn’t know when or if the on-demand subreport is required, so does not process it.

  • Fix 1: One solution is to make the on-demand subreport a separate external report and run that separately in the schedule.
  • Fix 2: Another solution is to use cView, our report viewer which can view the report with saved data. If the on-demand subreport is requested, then it will process the subreport with the correct values. This is not a solution for remote users because cView would need access to the database to refresh the data.

Can I control the schedule so that some of my reports print landscape and some print portrait?

Yes - The version (v 8.13/9.13 and above) of cViewMANAGER and cViewSERVER allow you to control page orientation and the number of copies.

 

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