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Error: 'Could not load file or assembly' when running a Crystal Report

Steps you can take to resolve the 'Could not load file or assembly' error that appears when running a Crystal Report in ASC.

Written by Arthur Ashdown

You may see the following error message when trying to run anything that relies on a Crystal Report:

Could not load file or assembly 'CrystalDecisions.CrystalReports.Engine, Version=x.x.xxx.x, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=xxxx' or one of its dependencies. The system cannot find the file specified.

This error means that the Crystal Reports Runtime did not complete its installation during the ASC install process. It typically occurs after a new ASC Client install.

⚠️Important: The steps below must be completed by a local administrator on the affected machine.

Option 1: Run UpgradeClient.exe as an administrator

As a first step, run UpgradeClient.exe as an administrator from the Client Application folder on the affected machine:

  1. Log out of the ASC Client on the affected computer.

  2. Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\Access Applications\ASC7.2.2\Client Application.

  3. Right-click on UpgradeClient.exe and select Run as administrator.

  4. In the InstallShield Wizard, click Next.

  5. Click Install.

  6. Once all of the prerequisites have installed, cancel out before the main installer runs.

📌Note: Cancel the wizard after the prerequisites have finished installing — do not allow the main installer to run.

Option 2: Install Crystal Reports Runtime manually

If running UpgradeClient.exe does not resolve the issue, install the Crystal Reports Runtime manually:

  1. Log on to the affected PC with administrative permissions.

  2. Browse to the \Prerequisites folder of your ASC installation media.

  3. Double-click on the file named CRRuntime_{version number}.msi.

  4. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the software.

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