How do I add a column to an rdlc's dataset and have it appear for use in the report?

Question

I have an rdlc that has a separately-defined dataset. The time has come that I have the need to add a column to one of the tables, which I can do without issue. However, when I open the rdlc to use the new column, it does not appear in the Report Data pane.

This issue was reported to Microsoft here, but it was closed as by design. The workaround offered with the issue does not seem to work for VS2010 (refresh the dataset or the table; neither does anything).

Has anyone seen this problem, and if so, how did you get around it?

Answer 1

Well, I resolved my problem, but I don't like how I had to do it.

For reference, (as far as I can tell) the only way to add a column to a dataset that is already attached to an rdlc is to hand-edit the xml (i.e. open the rdlc with your favorite text editor and add a Field to the appropriate table). After doing this, the field appears in the Report Data pane, and I can use it as if it were there from the beginning.

I would still like to know how to perform this seemingly simple task from the UI, but nonetheless my current problem is solved.

Answer 2

For those people who googled and got here, the Report Data panel is often hidden and can be found in the menu under View -> Report Data (Ctrl + Alt +D)... it's right at the bottom: http://www.codeease.com/about-update-dataset-for-a-rdlc-file-in-visual-studio-2010.html

Once that's up you can right click on the report data sets and refresh or edit them. This has always worked for me (once I remember and find the Report Data panel!), so I'm not sure why it didn't work for the OP.