SAP Knowledge Base Article - Public

3018680 - Error: 'The database connector 'crdb_v12_dsl_driver.dll' could not be loaded.' when refreshing a report in Crystal Reports

Symptom

  • Unable to refresh a report.
  • Error: "The database connector 'crdb_v12_dsl_driver.dll' could not be loaded."
  • When refreshing a report in Crystal Reports, it display the error:
     
    " Failed to load database information.
      Details: The database connector 'crdb_v12_dsl_driver.dll' could not be loaded.
      The correct version of the database client for this database type might not be installed. "
      
       Refresh_Error.png 

Environment

  • SAP Crystal Reports 2016
  • SAP Crystal Reports 2020
  • SAP Crystal Reports 2025 

Reproducing the Issue

  1. In Crystal Reports, open a report. 
  2. When refreshing the report, it fails with the error: 
    "The database connector 'crdb_v12_dsl_driver.dll' could not be loaded..."

Cause

  • In brief, the report was not created in Crystal Reports, and therefore this is why it fails to refresh.
        
  • In more details, there are 2 different versions of Crystal Reports:
    • SAP Crystal Reports
    • SAP Crystal Reports for Enterprise  ( Deprecated from SAP BusinessObjects BI 2025 )
             
  • Both product uses different technologies to connect to data sources, and this error occur when a report created in Crystal Reports for Enterprise based on a Universe, is open and refreshed in Crystal Reports.

Resolution

  • For SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence Platform 4.2 and lower:
      
    1. Start Crystal Reports for Enterprise. 

      If you do not have Crystal Reports for Enterprise installed, download the software following the steps found in the SAP Knowledge Base Article: 171423 
        
      Important Note
      Download the exact same version as the version of SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence platform you are using, or SAP Crystal Server you are using, including the Support Pack. For example: If you are using SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence platform 4.2 - Support Pack 8, then download Crystal Reports for Enterprise 4.2 - Support Pack 08
            
    2. In Crystal Reports for Enterprise, open and refresh the report.     
       
          
  • For SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence platform 2025:

    Note: There is no Crystal Reports for Enterprise anymore because it has been deprecated from SAP BusinessObjects BI 2025
      
    1. Open the report in Crystal Reports 2025
          
    2. Under the menu "Database", select "Set Database Location"
          
    3. Change the connection of the report to connect to your data source.
        
    4. Save the report.

Keywords

CR, UNX, CRFE, CR4E, CR for E , KBA , BI-RA-CR , Crystal Reports designer or Business View Manager , Problem

Product

SAP Crystal Reports 2016 ; SAP Crystal Reports 2020 ; SAP Crystal Reports 2025