>I think it is now the time to convert - at least the reports - to windows. So the application will stay in DOS and the Reports section will be in Windows activated by a separate icon. The report generator used will use the tables located in the DOS application directory.
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>I am not decided yet. Should I use the VFP report generator or Crystal report? Since you probably used both, what would be your suggestion?

The answer probably lies in exactly what capabilities you want in a report tool. The VFP Report Writer is a fine tool for creating a number of kinds of reports, and can handle making them look quite nice. I'd probably start there, since it's integrated into the product and it does have a lot of features (in spite of no real upgrades in the last two versions of the product).

Why would I use Crystal? Because it has features that I need that the Report Writer can't do well. Two features that spring to mind right off the bat are: needed data external to VFP (say, perhaps, SQL-Server data), exporting to other formats such as PDFs, Word, or Excel. Because it's a stand-alone reporting tool for use by many languages and data sources, it has many more features than the VFP Report Writer (conditional formatting is just one many). These features are nice, REALLY nice, but you may not need them.

Something to consider about Crystal: it's a separate control and ancillary files that need to be shipped and installed with your application (one more support issue). It's not difficult, but it does introduce another level of complexity (and support) to your applications.

So I'd start by converting to VFP Report Writer. See if that does what you need (ask questions here, if you need to...collectively, this community has found a wealth of ways to make the Report Writer do some awesome things). Check out the Crystal site (www.crystaldecisions.com) to become familiar with the features and determine if it has something you need that VFP can't do. You'll need to balance your needs against what the products can do, and if you need to purchase and support one product (VFP) or two (VFP & Crystal).

Hope this helps,

- della