ACC2000: Error with Linked Crosstab Subform or Subreport

When you print or preview a report, you may receive the following error message:

Unless a crosstab query uses fixed column headings, you cannot preview or print a main report with a bound subreport that is based on a crosstab query.

To work around this behavior, add fixed column headings to the crosstab query's properties. For example, the following steps show how to fix the problem created in the "Steps to Reproduce Behavior" section of this article:

1. Change the Field in the Xtab query (created in step 1 of the "Steps to Reproduce Behavior" section) from ShipVia to Shipper: "Shipper " & [ShipVia]
2. On the View menu, click Properties.
3. In the Column Headings box, type "Shipper 1","Shipper 2", "Shipper 3"

Another workaround is to delete the LinkChildFields and LinkMasterFields properties of the subreport. You will then be able to run the report; however, the report will show every record in the subreport.

Steps to Reproduce Behavior

1. Open the sample database Northwind.mdb.
2. Create the following crosstab query based on the Orders table. Save the query as Xtab:

      Query: Xtab
      --------------------
      Type: Crosstab Query
   
      Field: EmployeeID
         Total: Group By
         Crosstab: Row Heading
   
      Field: ShipVia
         Total: Group By
         Crosstab: Column Heading
   
      Field: Freight
         Total: Sum
         Crosstab: Value
   					

3. Use the Report Wizard to create a new report based on the Xtab query. Include all the query fields in your report. Save the report as XtabSub.
4. Use the Report Wizard to create another new report based on the Xtab query. Include only the EmployeeID field in this report, and sort by the EmployeeID field. Save this report as XtabMain.
5. Embed the XtabSub report in the detail section of the XtabMain report. You can do this by dragging the subreport from the Database window to the detail section of the main report (which must be open in Design view).
6. In Design view of the main report, view the property sheet for the XtabSub report. Verify that the LinkChildFields and LinkMasterFields properties are set to EmployeeID.
7. Preview or print the XtabMain report. Note that you receive the error message mentioned in the "Symptoms" section.

For more information about the ColumnHeadings property, click Microsoft Access Help on the Help menu, type ColumnHeadings property in the Office Assistant or the Answer Wizard, and then click Search to view the topic.