How to dynamically change the text of a TextObject with embedded DataField?

Question

Hi
I'm trying to dynamically change the text of a TextObject at runtime, by using the .NET library. My problem is that if one or more DatabaseFieldDefinition is embedded inside my text, I'm unable to change the "static text" only, by keeping the field, e.g. I have :
Text1 => "Contact Name: {Contact.Name}"
and I'd like to change it to anything else like:
Text1 => "Nom du Contact: {Contact.Name}"
Half of my TextObject is static text while second part comes from the dataset.
(of course the translation is dynamic - it is called at run-time and the new value to be set depends on the calling application language)
If I simply modify the Text property of my TextObject, the {Contact.Name} embedded field is not evaluated anymore by the Crystal Engine, but considered as a single text.
Using formulas or parameters looks quite difficult, because it means having many ones just for translation needs - I cannot control the way my users will create their reports and "force them" to use complex methods just in order to put a text and a value together...
Anyone knows how to deal with that ?

Answer 1

Only way I can think of doing this:
1) Create a formula (call it lang) and enter the string "Contact Name" in it
2) Place the  {Contact.Name} field next to the string
3) So now you have:
ContactName:  {Contact.Name}
4) Check what localization you are after. If you need "Nom du Contact", change the lang formula so it shows "Nom du Contact" using the code below:
Imports CrystalDecisions.CrystalReports.Engine
Imports CrystalDecisions.Shared
Public Class Form1
Inherits System.Windows.Forms.Form
Dim Report As New CrystalReport1()
Dim FormulaFields As FormulaFieldDefinitions
Dim FormulaField As FormulaFieldDefinition
Private Sub Form1_Load(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As System.EventArgs) Handles MyBase.Load
FormulaFields = Report.DataDefinition.FormulaFields
FormulaField = FormulaFields.Item(0)
FormulaField.Text = "[formula text]"
CrystalReportViewer1.ReportSource = Report
End Sub
I realize this may not give you consistent spacing as the translations may have strings of differnt length. Perhaps someone has other idea(s)...