Groups | Search | Server Info | Keyboard shortcuts | Login | Register [http] [https] [nntp] [nntps]

Groups > comp.databases.filemaker > #2928 > unrolled thread

Filemaker and dropbox problems

Back to article view | Back to comp.databases.filemaker

Contents

  Filemaker and dropbox problems Erik <ursus.kirk@gmail.com> - 2017-12-09 14:24 +0100
    Re: Filemaker and dropbox problems Helpful Harry <HelpfulHarry@BusyWorking.com> - 2017-12-10 09:59 +1300
      Re: Filemaker and dropbox problems borgobello-NO@SPAM-alice.it (Aladino) - 2017-12-09 22:09 +0100
        Re: Filemaker and dropbox problems Helpful Harry <HelpfulHarry@BusyWorking.com> - 2017-12-10 11:46 +1300
          Re: Filemaker and dropbox problems Erik <ursus.kirk@gmail.com> - 2017-12-10 09:24 +0100
            Re: Filemaker and dropbox problems Helpful Harry <HelpfulHarry@BusyWorking.com> - 2017-12-11 09:43 +1300
          Re: Filemaker and dropbox problems pippo2@disney.com (Jack) - 2018-01-05 21:49 +0100
            Re: Filemaker and dropbox problems Helpful Harry <HelpfulHarry@BusyWorking.com> - 2018-01-06 14:10 +1300
    Re: Filemaker and dropbox problems Los_Indios <losindios.m@gmail.com> - 2018-01-07 02:00 -0800
      Re: Filemaker and dropbox problems Helpful Harry <HelpfulHarry@BusyWorking.com> - 2018-01-08 09:00 +1300

#2928 — Filemaker and dropbox problems

I have some prblems in changing the contents of a Filemaker Pro 16 
solution where the file itself resides in dropbox. It is a pre-existing 
solutions, created on the same computer, I just wanted to move the file 
from it's creation-directory to dropbox. After the move I can open the 
file but can't change it and get a warning 'this file can't be edited'. 
All normal menu-items are greyed out as well.

At first I suspected an issue with the files security properties. But 
these checked out OK. Then I looked into the same for the dropbox 
folder. All is OK. Then I tried moving the filemaker file around. In 
every other folder, local and shared, it opened and I could edit it 
without problems.

I then tried to create a new solution inside the dropboxfolder. 
Filemaker wouldn't create the file. Again it did in every other folder.

Just to make sure I checked the security properties of the dropbox file, 
but since I have no issues with any other program (like word and excel) 
there must something be going on between filemaker and dropbox.

Any ideas?

What might be going on here?

Keep well, Ursus

[toc] | [next] | [standalone]

#2929

On 2017-12-09 13:24:28 +0000, Erik said:

> I have some prblems in changing the contents of a Filemaker Pro 16 
> solution where the file itself resides in dropbox. It is a pre-existing 
> solutions, created on the same computer, I just wanted to move the file 
> from it's creation-directory to dropbox. After the move I can open the 
> file but can't change it and get a warning 'this file can't be edited'. 
> All normal menu-items are greyed out as well.
> 
> At first I suspected an issue with the files security properties. But 
> these checked out OK. Then I looked into the same for the dropbox 
> folder. All is OK. Then I tried moving the filemaker file around. In 
> every other folder, local and shared, it opened and I could edit it 
> without problems.
> 
> I then tried to create a new solution inside the dropboxfolder. 
> Filemaker wouldn't create the file. Again it did in every other folder.
> 
> Just to make sure I checked the security properties of the dropbox 
> file, but since I have no issues with any other program (like word and 
> excel) there must something be going on between filemaker and dropbox.
> 
> Any ideas?
> 
> What might be going on here?

Do not open FileMaker Pro databases via Dropbox nor any other similar 
network services (iCloud, iDrive, etc.). You shouldn't even open 
FileMaker Pro files directly over a local network connection. The way 
FileMaker Pro works means that should always use a files stored on your 
computer's own drive OR use a file stored on a proper FileMaker Pro 
Server host.

If you need to *store* the file in Dropbox, then you should copy the 
file from Dropbox to your computer's own storage, make the changes and 
quit Filemaker Pro, then copy the file back to Dropbox (as a backup).

Helpful Harry  :o)

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#2930

Helpful Harry <HelpfulHarry@BusyWorking.com> wrote:

> Do not open FileMaker Pro databases via Dropbox nor any other similar
> network services
Probably you have your resons to say this... but I work with FileMaker
file on dropbox without any problem since I use dropbox, and I'm realla
an early adopter...

-- 
Per rispondere, togliere -NOSPAM- dall'indirizzo.

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#2931

On 2017-12-09 21:09:46 +0000, Aladino said:
> Helpful Harry <HelpfulHarry@BusyWorking.com> wrote:
>> 
>> Do not open FileMaker Pro databases via Dropbox nor any other similar
>> network services
> 
> Probably you have your resons to say this... but I work with FileMaker
> file on dropbox without any problem since I use dropbox, and I'm realla
> an early adopter...

The reason I said it is because FileMaker Pro themselves officially 
advise to not use database files over a network, except via proper 
FileMaker Pro hosting.

Filemaker Pro doesn't simply open and save files in the same way as 
most other applications do, such as MS Word for example, so it's not 
advisable to use FileMaker Pro databases via a normal network 
protocols, including via the Internet, Dropbox, etc.

Personally, I have many times opened and used databases over a local 
network without using FileMaker hosting and not had any issues, but I 
still wouldn't advise anyone else to do that.

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#2932

Op 9-12-2017 om 23:46 schreef Helpful Harry:
> On 2017-12-09 21:09:46 +0000, Aladino said:
>> Helpful Harry <HelpfulHarry@BusyWorking.com> wrote:
>>>
>>> Do not open FileMaker Pro databases via Dropbox nor any other similar
>>> network services
>>
>> Probably you have your resons to say this... but I work with FileMaker
>> file on dropbox without any problem since I use dropbox, and I'm realla
>> an early adopter...
> 
> The reason I said it is because FileMaker Pro themselves officially 
> advise to not use database files over a network, except via proper 
> FileMaker Pro hosting.
> 
> Filemaker Pro doesn't simply open and save files in the same way as most 
> other applications do, such as MS Word for example, so it's not 
> advisable to use FileMaker Pro databases via a normal network protocols, 
> including via the Internet, Dropbox, etc.
> 
> Personally, I have many times opened and used databases over a local 
> network without using FileMaker hosting and not had any issues, but I 
> still wouldn't advise anyone else to do that.
> 
> 
I don't know why Filemaker would say that, because the file I open still 
is a local file in a local folder, only shared/backed up/uploaded by 
dropbox.
I could easily write a script that makes a copy to dropbox everytime I 
close that file.

-- 
Ursus

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#2933

On 2017-12-10 08:24:33 +0000, Erik said:

> Op 9-12-2017 om 23:46 schreef Helpful Harry:
>> On 2017-12-09 21:09:46 +0000, Aladino said:
>>> Helpful Harry <HelpfulHarry@BusyWorking.com> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> Do not open FileMaker Pro databases via Dropbox nor any other similar
>>>> network services
>>> 
>>> Probably you have your resons to say this... but I work with FileMaker
>>> file on dropbox without any problem since I use dropbox, and I'm realla
>>> an early adopter...
>> 
>> The reason I said it is because FileMaker Pro themselves officially 
>> advise to not use database files over a network, except via proper 
>> FileMaker Pro hosting.
>> 
>> Filemaker Pro doesn't simply open and save files in the same way as 
>> most other applications do, such as MS Word for example, so it's not 
>> advisable to use FileMaker Pro databases via a normal network 
>> protocols, including via the Internet, Dropbox, etc.
>> 
>> Personally, I have many times opened and used databases over a local 
>> network without using FileMaker hosting and not had any issues, but I 
>> still wouldn't advise anyone else to do that.
> 
> I don't know why Filemaker would say that, because the file I open 
> still is a local file in a local folder, only shared/backed up/uploaded 
> by dropbox.
> I could easily write a script that makes a copy to dropbox everytime I 
> close that file.

In that case, the file isn't being used via a network connection, but 
it's probably Dropbox continually trying to sync with the server that 
is causing the issue. Put the database file in a 'normal' local folder 
and you should find the problem goes away (unless the file has been 
corrupted). Unlike Word which simply opens and saves a document file, 
FileMaker is constantly making changes to the file.

Helpful Harry   :o)

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#2934

Helpful Harry <HelpfulHarry@BusyWorking.com> wrote:

> On 2017-12-09 21:09:46 +0000, Aladino said:
> > Helpful Harry <HelpfulHarry@BusyWorking.com> wrote:
> >> 
> >> Do not open FileMaker Pro databases via Dropbox nor any other similar
> >> network services
> > 
> > Probably you have your resons to say this... but I work with FileMaker
> > file on dropbox without any problem since I use dropbox, and I'm realla
> > an early adopter...
> 
> The reason I said it is because FileMaker Pro themselves officially 
> advise to not use database files over a network, except via proper 
> FileMaker Pro hosting.
> 
> Filemaker Pro doesn't simply open and save files in the same way as 
> most other applications do, such as MS Word for example, so it's not 
> advisable to use FileMaker Pro databases via a normal network 
> protocols, including via the Internet, Dropbox, etc.
> 
> Personally, I have many times opened and used databases over a local 
> network without using FileMaker hosting and not had any issues, but I
> still wouldn't advise anyone else to do that.

Files in Dropbox ARE local. They are stored on the HD, and the
synchronized on Dropbox cloud.

Bye Jack
-- 
Yoda of Borg am I! Assimilated shall you be! Futile resistance is, hmm?

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#2935

On 2018-01-05 20:49:25 +0000, Jack said:

> Helpful Harry <HelpfulHarry@BusyWorking.com> wrote:
> 
>> On 2017-12-09 21:09:46 +0000, Aladino said:
>>> Helpful Harry <HelpfulHarry@BusyWorking.com> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> Do not open FileMaker Pro databases via Dropbox nor any other similar
>>>> network services
>>> 
>>> Probably you have your resons to say this... but I work with FileMaker
>>> file on dropbox without any problem since I use dropbox, and I'm realla
>>> an early adopter...
>> 
>> The reason I said it is because FileMaker Pro themselves officially
>> advise to not use database files over a network, except via proper
>> FileMaker Pro hosting.
>> 
>> Filemaker Pro doesn't simply open and save files in the same way as
>> most other applications do, such as MS Word for example, so it's not
>> advisable to use FileMaker Pro databases via a normal network
>> protocols, including via the Internet, Dropbox, etc.
>> 
>> Personally, I have many times opened and used databases over a local
>> network without using FileMaker hosting and not had any issues, but I
>> still wouldn't advise anyone else to do that.
> 
> Files in Dropbox ARE local. They are stored on the HD, and the
> synchronized on Dropbox cloud.

Yes, but they are also being accessed by Dropbox's networking system to 
do the syncing at the same time you're trying to use them within 
FileMaker Pro ... that is likely the cause of the problem.

Copy the document files to a normal local folder and use them from 
there. Then, if needed, copy them to the Dropbox folder after quitting 
FileMaker Pro. Don't use the Dropbox files within FileMaker Pro.

Same goes for any other similar services, including Apple's iCloud 
syncing and whatever similar thing Microsoft has.

Helpful Harry  :o)

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#2936

Τη Σάββατο, 9 Δεκεμβρίου 2017 - 3:24:33 μ.μ. UTC+2, ο χρήστης Erik έγραψε:
> I have some prblems in changing the contents of a Filemaker Pro 16 
> solution where the file itself resides in dropbox. It is a pre-existing 
> solutions, created on the same computer, I just wanted to move the file 
> from it's creation-directory to dropbox. After the move I can open the 
> file but can't change it and get a warning 'this file can't be edited'. 
> All normal menu-items are greyed out as well.
> 
> At first I suspected an issue with the files security properties. But 
> these checked out OK. Then I looked into the same for the dropbox 
> folder. All is OK. Then I tried moving the filemaker file around. In 
> every other folder, local and shared, it opened and I could edit it 
> without problems.
> 
> I then tried to create a new solution inside the dropboxfolder. 
> Filemaker wouldn't create the file. Again it did in every other folder.
> 
> Just to make sure I checked the security properties of the dropbox file, 
> but since I have no issues with any other program (like word and excel) 
> there must something be going on between filemaker and dropbox.
> 
> Any ideas?
> 
> What might be going on here?
> 
> Keep well, Ursus

Helpful Harry thanks for your support, generally speaking.

Dear Friends,

on January 2017 someone called me to upgrade his databases to FileMaker 14. The installation had one server at the lower appartment where located all the customer's support services. All machines (Mac) communicate to each other via wireless network and the router connected to the Internet using an ISP.
At the upper appartment, completely separated phisically and mecanically from the lower appartment using an OTHER ISP and cables totally unrelated to the lower section, there were located the economic services of the company. They thought that this way none can aproach the economic information of the company.
It was very funny to see that the P2P networking system of FMP14 wireleslly found the other network via WiFi when I search for the path of the original files in the wireless netweork. All economic records were in my hands and Reversely.
NO they are NOT using FMPS14 just the ability of a simple FMP to work as a server for 5 files. The installation uses 5 databases at the lower appartment and 3 databases at the upper appartment and all of them commmunicate to each other without any obstagles.
I don’t know how much I helped to solve your problem, I simply report because it has relation with the way that FMP manages the networked connections.

Happy New Year
Manos

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#2937

On 2018-01-07 10:00:23 +0000, Los_Indios said:
> 
> Helpful Harry thanks for your support, generally speaking.
> 
> Dear Friends,
> 
> on January 2017 someone called me to upgrade his databases to FileMaker 
> 14. The installation had one server at the lower appartment where 
> located all the customer's support services. All machines (Mac) 
> communicate to each other via wireless network and the router connected 
> to the Internet using an ISP.
> At the upper appartment, completely separated phisically and 
> mecanically from the lower appartment using an OTHER ISP and cables 
> totally unrelated to the lower section, there were located the economic 
> services of the company. They thought that this way none can aproach 
> the economic information of the company.
> It was very funny to see that the P2P networking system of FMP14 
> wireleslly found the other network via WiFi when I search for the path 
> of the original files in the wireless netweork. All economic records 
> were in my hands and Reversely.
> NO they are NOT using FMPS14 just the ability of a simple FMP to work 
> as a server for 5 files. The installation uses 5 databases at the lower 
> appartment and 3 databases at the upper appartment and all of them 
> commmunicate to each other without any obstagles.
> I don’t know how much I helped to solve your problem, I simply report 
> because it has relation with the way that FMP manages the networked 
> connections.
> 
> Happy New Year
> Manos

You don't specifically need a FileMaker Pro Server running. For only a 
few users you can use a normal copy of FileMaker Pro to act as the 
"host" for the other copies to access, but you need to remember that 
computer always needs to be last one to quit from FileMaker Pro or be 
shutdown.

FileMaker Pro databases should *always* be either stored locally or 
hosted by a copy of FileMaker Pro / FileMaker Pro Server for other 
network users to access. To stop unauthorised access, you need to 
set-up the database's user passwords and privileges properly.

What you're NOT meant to do is store FileMaker database files on a 
normal network fileserver system and open them by simply 
double-clciking them or using the standard Open command. Doing so can 
cause database file corruption.


Helpful Harry  :o)

[toc] | [prev] | [standalone]

Back to top | Article view | comp.databases.filemaker

csiph-web