Two methods of working with reports in the Change Data source Database Migration and Conversion wizard

Synopsis

The Data source / Database Migration and Conversion Wizard has two methods in which you can work with reports. What are they? When / how do you use them?

Solution

There are two ways in which the Change Data source / Database Migration and Conversion Wizard can be used. Method 1 - working with reports opened in the main application, where the reports are in-memory. See details below and a two screen shots describing this method. Method 2 - working with reports opened directly by the wizard from a local file system / network share / Enterprise folders. See details below and a screen shot describing this method. Method 1: This is the recommended method. With this method, reports are first opened in the main application prior to starting the wizard. All reports that are opened in the main application are opened to memory and therefore all changes that are done to the reports, including in the wizard -- are done to memory until you commit them by saving the reports. Therefore this is the safest approach -- since you can always confirm the changes on the Database tab (click here for an explanation of the various tabs on the Objects pane) and decide not to commit the changes.

1. Start .rpt Inspector
2. Open your report(s) in the main application
3. Start the Change Data source / Database Migration and Conversion Wizard
4. From the upper left pane, click on Opened Reports node
5. Select the report(s) you want the wizard to work with from the bottom left pane
6. Go through the rest of the wizard
7. When wizard finishes, you can go to the Database tab and review the changes that were made in memory or click on SAVE and select the report(s) to commit the changes to

If you're using .rpt Inspector Enterprise Suite, then you can open report(s) directly from the enterprise environment as well as from the local file system / network share.

If you're using .rpt Inspector Professional Suite, then you can only open report(s) from the local file system / nework share.

Method 2: This is not our recommended method. With this method, reports are opened directly by the wizard as it processes them and the changes are committed immediately. Therefore safer approach is using method 1.

1. Start .rpt Inspector
2. You do not need to open any report(s) in the main application
3. Start the Change Data source / Database Migration and Conversion Wizard
4. From the upper left pane, click on the drive and folder node and navigate to where your report(s) reside or click on the Enterprise Folders node (this is only available if you are using .rpt Inspector Enterprise Suite) and navigate your enterprise environment
5. Select the report(s) you want the wizard to work with from the bottom left pane
6. Go through the rest of the wizard
7. When wizard shows the finish screen, the changes were automatically committed and saved to the reports

If you're using .rpt Inspector Enterprise Suite, then you can open report(s) directly from the enterprise environment as well as from the local file system / network share.

If you're using .rpt Inspector Professional Suite, then you can only open report(s) from the local file system / nework share.