hi Tim,
i'm a bit confused as to the issue...if there are no records in the table at all (i.e. an empty xml hierarchy or applicable node) then there can't be anything returned to the report.
or do you mean that the xml file is in fact populated with data, but the filter is not working as it should be? if it's the latter, it may not be a bug but rather the syntax of the record selection filter that is failing. in these types of cases when the filter is not constructed in a certain way, the processing does not happen at the database level but all records come back to crystal reports and then the filters are applied. an indicator for this behaviour is on the bottom status bar of crystal and the N of M Records
can you please attach the report with saved data as well as the xml file?...or at least paste your record selection filter.
thanks
jamie