SAP Knowledge Base Article - Public

3602380 - Error: "UFL 'u25samp1.dll' that implements this function is missing." when viewing a report in Crystal Reports

Symptom

  • Error when refreshing some reports.
  • Able to refresh the same report on other computers.
  • Able to refresh the same report when logged on the computer using a different MS Windows user.
  • When opening a report with saved data in Crystal Reports, it display the message:

        "The saved data will be discarded since one or more formulas failed to compile."
        
  • When refreshing a report in Crystal Reports, it fails with the error: 

        "UFL 'U25samp1.dll' that implements this function is missing."

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: 
      
    "UFL 'U25samp1.dll' that implements this function is missing."

Cause

  • A formula on the report uses one of the following functions:
    • LooksLike
    • Now
    • Picture
    • Soundex
        
  • The above functions are added to Crystal Reports by the User Function Library: u25samp1.dll
      
  • The error occurs when the UFL file u25samp1.dll:
    • Is missing; or
    • The MS Windows user does not have read rights to the UFL file.

Resolution

  • Verify if the User Function Library (UFL) file: u25samp1.dll is missing:
       
    1. On the computer where Crystal Reports is installed, go to the directory:

      • For Crystal Reports 2016:  (32bit)
        C:\Program Files (x86)\SAP BusinessObjects\SAP BusinessObjects Enterprise XI 4.0\win32_x86
          
      • For Crystal Reports 2020, 2025:  (64 bit)
        C:\Program Files (x86)\SAP BusinessObjects\SAP BusinessObjects Enterprise XI 4.0\win64_x64
           
      • Note: The above is the default installation directory, and therefore if the application is not installed in the default location, the beginning of the path will be different.
           
    2. Find the file: u25samp1.dll
           
    3. If the file cannot be found, then the solution it's to re-install Crystal Reports as the local computer Administrator, because contrary to most UFL that are developed by third party, this UFL was developed by SAP, and it is part of Crystal Reports installation.
         
        
  • If the UFL is present on the computer, then confirm the MS Windows user have rights to see it:
      
    1. On the computer where Crystal Reports is installed, go to the directory:
      • For Crystal Reports 2016:  (32bit)
        C:\Program Files (x86)\SAP BusinessObjects\SAP BusinessObjects Enterprise XI 4.0\win32_x86
          
      • For Crystal Reports 2020, 2025:  (64 bit)
        C:\Program Files (x86)\SAP BusinessObjects\SAP BusinessObjects Enterprise XI 4.0\win64_x64
           
      • Note: The above is the default installation directory, and therefore if the application is not installed in the default location, the beginning of the path will be different.
          
    1. Right click on the file: u25samp1.dll, and select "Properties"
        
    2. In Properties, under the tab "Security", select the user.
        
    3. At the bottom, it list all the rights for the selected user. Ensure the user have the rights
      - "Read & Execute"
      - "Read"
      If not, add the following rights.
        
    4. Click "Apply"
        
    5. When opening a report in Crystal Reports, it will now refresh successfully.
                
      If after performing the above, it still fails, then ensure the MS Windows User have read rights for the folder where the UFL files are located. For the folder path, see step 1.

Keywords

CR, UFL , 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