Before attempting to convert any existing R:BASE report, you need to be sure that the report has been saved in the 6.5++ version of R:BASE for Windows before proceeding.

While every effort to salvage existing R:BASE 6.5++ Reports has been made, there are a few things to be aware of:

1.Sub-Totals and Totals  

·To calculate sub-totals and totals of table columns, you used to create Aggregate Variables to do this job. Now, the R:BASE 7.6 for Windows Report Designer has a built-in object called DBCalc which performs these same functions on table columns without creating the extra overhead of variables.  

2.DATE, TIME, Document, and Page Information  

·R:BASE 7.6 for Windows Report Designer now has an object called System Variable which allows you to place the current DATE, TIME, Document Name, Print DATE and TIME, or one of five Page Numbering options.  

3.Vertical Lines and other Presentation Objects Spanning Multiple Bands  

·In prior version of R:BASE for Windows, the OLDLINE option allowed vertical lines and other presentation objects to span multiple report bands. In the R:BASE 7.6 for Windows Report Designer, you now use the Page Style band to apply multiple band presentation objects.  

4.Lookup Variable Tip  

·Recently added to the R:BASE 7.6 Report Designer was the option to run a command file (or action) for a form before the Report Designer is launched. In the Report Designer, choose "Report" from the Menu bar, the select "Actions" > "On Before Design...".  

This allows you to create any variables that Lookup Variables are based upon to avoid annoying error messages when the report is opened in the designer. An example of a lookup variable based upon another variable would be...  
 
1 : TEXT    vCompany = Company IN Customer WHERE CustID = .vCustID  
 
The error message appears because the variable vCustID is not defined. Adding the following to the "On Before Design..." action will alleviate this error message:  
 
SET VAR vCustID INTEGER  

5.Report Variables  
 
·Report variables that perform calculations or combine a number of values should be enclosed in parenthesis. If you are getting an error messages for a variables performing calculations, like the one below,  
 
2 : CURRENCY    vTotal = price * quantity  
 
add parenthesis as follows:  
 
2 : CURRENCY    vTotal = (price * quantity)  

6.Report Totals  

·To be sure your report totals are calculating correctly on all NULL and not NULL records, make sure your ZERO setting is ON. Check the setting under "Settings" > "Configuration Settings".