Shrink Wrap Solution Developers

Hi, We all face the issue with our own software we develop, of new feature requests, bug reporting and fixing and knowing what features were in which version of our software. I am about to write my own Filemaker/Web Enabled software to do that. My question is does anyone have something like this for sale or they would like to share ? If not, I'll report back when I have something if anyone shows an interest. Glenn S.

I have posted previously about the PDF creation in a runtime solution. People have offered suggestions although things like monkey bread software etc.. seem a bit complicated. I have created a runtime solution and this is the last piece of the puzzle. The customer is getting ticked off that this last part has become complicated. The PDFs they create are multi layout then I have append in a script to create one PDF across tables etc... One of my solutions was to have the endusers purchase a subscription to Filemaker and then we wouldn't have to worry about the limitations of runtime. The customer was not receptive to this idea. I've looked into plug ins but most are a litt…

I have an application, already developed and now I would like to create a Demo Version, based on the quantity of time the software has been opened. For e.g., if a person has opened the Trial Version after 30 times, he will be informed by a dialogue message telling him that "the evaluation copy has expired". If anyone can guide/help me on this stat up script, I would really appreciate.

Looking for feedback on early build beta release of a schedule creation database I'm working on. The basic idea is this: Many industries uses 'repeating' schedules to accomplish projects. Every time they do a similar project, the same set of steps needs to occur and they can be stored in a template. The template contains all the info needed to build the schedule except a key date. When will the schedule begin or end. From there, the template can count forward or backward and create all the right tasks on the right dates, perfect every time. My initial goal is NOT to provide an all-in-once scheduling database...but instead a tool to create schedules. I'll provide basic…

We created a runtime soltuion many years ago which we distributed. We are in the process of updating it with Filemaker Pro Advanced 13. I have done a lot of modifications over the last few months, and one the new features which has been scripted in multiple forms to be able to create PDFs, append to PDFs (gather reports together to create one pdf), create attachments etc... I did not realize till yesterday that when you create the runtime app you lose the functionality of saving as pdfs due to Filemaker not wanting to license. My bad, didn't even think that would be an issue . This s a huge issue. I need to find a solution. Is there a plugin that would allow us to do …

Hello all, I'm sorry if this is not the place to post my question but I've searched for a section for this topic but I couldn't familiarize it anywhere. I was currently hired to create a solution for a company that would like to sell the solution to people/ companies, they want to have a licensing system where people will buy let's say 1 license / 10 licenses / 50 licenses / etc. What are the steps I should take to build a system that will be secure to validate licenses bought, what is required to do this transition, what I need in order to perform this task. For now all I know is that I should have another server hosting licenses with their own system to …

This has been driving me crazy for a long time while working on the runtime solution I plan to market later this year: what would be the "best" date format to code it in for data input? I'd like to market it first in the U.S. and Canada, then worldwide. Here's the thing... Here in the U.S., we use the MM-DD-YYYY format; our friends to the north use both DD-MM-YYYY ( as in 03-MAR-2013) and ISO 8601's YYYY-MM-DD format; other nations have their own or similar formats. What I want to avoid is having to create different versions of the same runtime for use in different countries--that would be a headache to maintain. Two problems right off the bat are that it's a …

I'm looking for a company or script that can allow my to put my solution on a server then provide customer's with a password or link that will let them download the software. The password or link would then expire within some number of days. We used to use a service like this up to a few years ago but they were bought out and the service was cancelled, and I can't find anything else like this. I think one problem is that I don't know what to search for. It seems like this has to be a fairly popular service or script but I can't seem to be able to find anything. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. --------------------- Edited... I should have m…

I am in the final stages of develpment in FM Pro 12 for an application that I am going to attempt to market and sell. The market I am going after is a small one and I'm not going to get rich, but it is something that I think will have value to my target market and make me a little walking around money. It is an RV logbook program, useful to people who own motor homes and travel trailers. I have designed this solution to run on a computer and a tablet. It works very well on an iPad with Filemaker Go. It will work on an iPhone too, but things get too small to read on that platform. I don't know if it works on an Android device - I have never tested it on that platform. …

I know the question's been asked many different ways and answered, or not answered, in many different ways. I think that one problem in answering the question is that every developer has a slightly different situation. There are too many variables and that makes it difficult to provide a solid answer. Also, I think in part, there is no good answer. My questions, comments and downright personal opinions are all blended together but hopefully the format reads well and in addition to getting answers for myself, I hope you'll post your thoughts so other shrink wrap developers can get some definitive answers. FIRST - WHAT I'VE DONE IN THE PAST... I have a s…

I have a solution I am bringing to a very small and narrow market. Rather than doing something elaborate, I am looking for a very simple approach to protect it. Registration will be via email, and the user will initially have a 30 day grace period to register - I can accomplish that by writting the system date to a field and comparing ect... I thought about how to generate a unique key that gets emailed to me - that binds the solution to that user's pc. I thought about getting the system NIC, but if they have multiple NICs, or flip from wifi to hardline, that would cause issues. I then thought - what about using the get hostname and apply a fo…

PROJECT TOOLBOX PATCH FOR WINDOWS 7 – 64 BIT I sell a FileMaker program that has a project toolbox that performs the following task: Create a sub folder in the Projects folder with the project number entered by user. Copy files from a Template folder to the project folder. Create a shortcut to the project main menu in our program group The current Toolbox is written in Visual Basic 3 – 16 bit and is not compatible with Window 7 – 64 bit. I need a patch written to install on current users Window 7 – 64 bit PC’s. The Windows 7 – 64 bit patch must be bundled into an executable file that can be e-mailed to the client for installation. It can be written in any u…

I'm working on a runtime solution and I want to make sure that in an upgrade scenario users have the ability to import from one file to another. When I'm testing this functionality I'm getting "Your access privileges do not allow you to perform this action." when I try to import. Are there any access privileges that prevent importing? I would have thought if it was an accounts permissions issue it would at least ask for a valid account and password, but it doesn't. This file has admin access stripped out on building the runtime. Is this the problem? Best, Rob

I have created a Runtime SDK using Filemaker Advanced 11v3 and tested it on my Windows XP SP3 computer. After installing the Runtime SDK on a customers Windows XP SP3 computer, I cannot get the Runtime SDK to Start-up. Any ideas as to why this is happening would be greatly appreciated.

Does anyone know of a way to have a FileMaker solution check a web site to validate a key code? I have a solution. I have key codes that my customers will get when they purchase. I don't have a good way to limit the use of that key code to keep one user from sharing it with anyone they like. I plan to maintain a black list of serial numbers so I can deactivate them with product updates, but until those updates happen, I don't have a great solution. Ideally I'd like the FileMaker solution to be able to reach out to a URL, and pull back a list of bad key codes and compare them to the key code in use. I don't want to be so strict about it that customers are overly annoy…

I'm running FM11 Advanced on the Windows platform. I thought that I could compile a runtime version for either Windows or MAC using my standard purchased application. Do I need to purchase add'l software to create a MAX runtime? Right now, I can't locate any MAC runtime information on my install disk. Thnx Arny

Hi, I have a runtime solution that I distribute on Mac and Windows. I had a windows 7 user have an issue with a damaged file so had him go to the Runtime folder which was installed in the Program Files (x86) directory. When he checked he noticed that the file had a modification date several weeks old and he uses the software daily. He sent the file, I recovered and found that the data was several weeks back. After searching we found that another copy of the runtime data files had been copied to “\users\%user.name%\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files\%Runtime_Name%” Apparently Windows wants data files stored here and the FileMaker runtime engine…

I have Filemaker Advanced 11.0v2 running on Snow Leopard. I am logged in with Admin privileged. When I go to build the runtime, during the process the error message appears "This file is locked or is in use". Some files are created, but the runtime solution doesn't work. Any ideas? Thanks, Ed

Anyone ever try code x from www.hi-voltage.com.au? does it have any advantage over just creating the right permissions and stripping out full access?

Is there some general methodology for creating an update routine that will convert/transfer data from an existing solution to a new version? I'm just looking for general guidelines, nothing specific.

Looks like the Mac App store will bring some interesting opportunities. But the expectation will be for apps that can be easily registered, and apps that can be updated automatically. Will FileMaker runtimes qualify and how will these issues be addressed? It won't be realistic to try to answer these questions until more info about the App Store is officially released.

Is there a way to prevent a user from accessing your scripts? For example, can you distribute the FP7 file and use security to allow them to run the application but not modify it? Change scripts, layouts, etc.?

I have a stand alone app and am curious what others are doing to safeguard piracy or unauthorized installs? Ideally I would like to do the traditional serial number assigned to that specific user install. Any suggestions. examples, or advice?

hi all. i'm trying to create a runtime solution to run on a windows computer. problem is, i'm creating it on a mac. how would i convert this in to an exe application? i have read on here about 'inno setup' but from what i can tell, it's only for windows. i am using filemaker pro adv 10.

Hi. This is a big question, and I'm not sure where to start - despite numerous searches on the web. I have a package that is almost ready to be distributed to companies/users in that induftry that could use it. I would be looking for a company that does the technical support, hosting (etc) for it as I cannot see myself havig time to answer all questions - although happy to work on updates and enhancements. I understand there would be fees involved. Does anybody here (or out there) do this sort of thing specifically for Filemaker? Cheers, Greg

I need to create a solution that will be running on a computer (Mac) and I do not want the user to be able to exit the application. It's really a very simple solution. It's for customers to enter their emails in so that we can add them to our email notification list. It's a retail store. Pen and paper don't work because we can't read them way too often. So the solution will simply present a screen with one field on it "email" for them to type it in and click a "Save" button, which will present a "thank you" screen and then return to the "enter email screen". I would like to remove the menu completely and have the solution restart if they click the clos…

Can a runtime solution deployed on a user computer access a remote data file hosted on an internet server then write back to this file? Thanks

My runtime solution is being deployed in FileMaker 11v2 for both Windows and Macintosh users. I currently have no need for the Quick Find widget in the Status Area, and it causes a couple of user interface complications for my solution. While I have removed the Quick Find widget by customizing my Status Area prior to creating the runtime, the Quick Find widget appears by default when I install my runtime on a new user's machine. I expect that it is due to the widget being an application setting and not a file setting. Is there a reliable and supported way to remove the QuickFind widget so that my users won't have to edit their Status Area manually? I …

Has anyone developed a solution that can schedule course and student schedules at the middle school and high school levels? or Does anyone use an external program to do scheduling and then import the data into Filemaker? We use a program to schedule students during the summer and then import the data once a year into our Filemaker solution and make any further changes during the year right in our Filemaker solution. So, we are looking for a program to do once per year school scheduling producing data that can be easily utilized in Filemaker. The program we are using now is not very compatible.

I have a runtime app with about 70 users. For the most part, it is running well. However, an oddity has showed up with a new user. His screens are not drawing correctly at all. When he switches layouts, a ghost image of the previous layout will overlay across the active layout (see attachment). If he minimizes and then maximizes the window it goes away but the moment he changes layouts, the same thing happens (regardless of layout or record). I had him test a FileMaker version of the solution and it works fine. However, he doesn't own FileMaker (it was the 30-day demo) so that isn't THE solution. I've also had him completely delete the runtime and rein…

I'm not sure if this is right place to ask this, but here goes: is it possible to hide the fact that you are using FileMaker for your database application? I'd like to brand my solution as my own and not ever let the user see that they are using FileMaker. I'm sure others have asked this before, but I have been unable to find anything on this on the web.

I am a newbie and looking for a head start on the normal procedure that would be followed to update a solution. I have a single-file solution that is close to being distributed and I know there will need to be updates. How do I give them an updated file without losing any data that they've entered? Any help or ideas appreciated.

Hello there I am new in FileMaker ..... Ok, I just want to do a simple search button with the text box for the user to enter their keywords? result in all data shown below based on the keyword that the user has entered to put yourself in my situation my application is for HR so I'm seeking the position/job open for a future candidate. So when the User type in the position/job name in my layout I can see the info/data from my position/job. That All In the script I try to use my text box to validate the content and do my research in my database .... But my god it's hard to understand it does not work. Can you just tell me what I should do, what script…

I've just built a new runtime with the new 11.0.2 update on Mac OS X 10.6.4. The runtime builds fine with no issue. When I try to run the runtime it hangs and must be force quit. Building on 11.0 with the same files works fine. Is anyone else having this issue? Thanks in advance. Thomas

I distribute autonomous solutions generated under FMP 9 Advanced. A user tells me he cannot use on his two eMac. The minimal configuration (Mac OS X 10.4.8 Computer Mac with processor PowerPC G3, G4, G5 or Intel Mo de RAM) seems however respected even exceeded. In the afternoon I went on the eMac of a friend (10.4.11 / 768Mo Ram) and I met the same failure (see Image1). The reading of the information gives me Image2) The solution requires Quicktime and Flash (for some plugins) which seem to me normally on the machine. What components could be absent? Have you ideas to solve the problem ? Thanks Noël Image_1.pdf Image_2.pdf

Interested if anyone has tried the update which states... Are these libraries now included and installed as expected? Can I move to version 11 with relative impunity? Regards Simon Clement Designer & Developer Arawak Database Solutions 1/340 Main Street Mornington 3931 www.arawak.com.au

Does anyone have what they feel is a good way to push updates to customers and then import data into their new current file? I'm looking for a non-runtime and non-separation model solution. One of the things that I'm trying to overcome here is to allow the user to have a shortcut to one, seemingly unchanging file. What comes to mind is: - Have the actual solution in a second/related file named by the build number such as 1234.fp7 - Name the file that the user will actually launch using the solutions name (mySolution.fp7) With that as a start, the though is to be able to provide an update using a different filename so the user can maintain a link to on…

Hi I have an Electronic Download version of FMPA 11 for Mac. I understand the Windows runtime file is in the installation CD but I can´t find the file in the Installation Pack Disk even running Parallels. So, Need to buy another $499 FMPA 11 for Windows?

Hello, I have a runtime solution that is designed to grab the PC's Username and use that as the Primary user account for the solution. On first launch after installation the FileMaker run-time solution runs a Script which grabs the Username and creates an Account based on a pre-defined privilege set. This process works fine on Windows XP and Windows 7 version. But when I run the Mac OS X run-time version it fails to create the Account. The Script is running with Full Access Privileges. I know this has something to do with the OS level permissions but I cannot find a common pattern here. Any suggestions? Best Regards, FMBiz.net

Are there any Filemaker EMR Software out there that are made for home healthcare (esp the billing part?). I've been trying to find this solution for a while and I cant find one. Directions will be very much appreciated.

Hi, I have never tried to create a runtime so please accept my apologies if this is a daft question. I have created my first run time (using FM11). It has created a .EXE file which I have run successfully in Windows. It has also created a .APP file which I thought would run okay on my MAC OS (Leopard). However, when I try to execute the .APP file I am getting the error " You can't open the application Invoices.APP because the classic environment is no longer supported". It would appear that I have created a MAC executable but for an old version of the MAC OS. Please can some kind person put me out of my misery and tell me what I am doing wrong. Thanks, Craig

I seemed force into this 'Inno thing..or some installer.. runtimes crash my XP/vista/window7 people that don't have this ??MS Visual special new libs.. Inno setup is scary at first look.. there's a bunch of samples - NO FM... wondering you all... since my runtimes, or the general built stuff, are the same as yours except.. Plus I need to add -this MS library? ..so my demo's run Would anyone share there Inno Setup script? *.iss file ..hoping its that simple Thank you

With FMP11 Advanced, how do I create serial number for installers and have trials expire? I assume trial expire would be a script. How do I create an EXE file with an installer? Do I have to buy Install Creator Pro or does anyone have any other ideas? Links, specific info, resources, would be appreciated. With 11 coming out, they said at the meeting debut something about with 11 now you can make it people cant just rename the database and copy it. I assume that is only for people using the database on FMP environment and I dont need to worry about this. But for future reference, how do you do that?

So you have a solution that you provide to your customer that only uses it as a single user or perhaps peer to peer, but say you decide to have separation model. Or have multiple files, you provide a folder to contain their solution. I was curious so I attempted something and wonder if it is a 'good' practice and would be a good model? I made a new iPhoto library (click option when launching ) then I right clicked on the library to Show Package Contents and delete all the contents inside it. Then I put my solution files with in the package. MySolution > soluiton.fp7 > data > dataFile.fp7 By first adding a sub directory for your 'support…

I've heard this term before, and I'm not clear on what is meant. Could someone provide a good definition? Thanks!

My business partner was testing a runtime version of an application I am developing. One of the scripts sends an Excel file via SMTP and then stores a copy of the file locally. I make sure that Filemaker runtimes get installed in a specifically named folder at the C: level on machines that it is to run on. The application works fine under Windows 7 and under Windows XP. My partner's machine is running Windows Vista 64 bit. When he tries to run the script that sends and stores the Excel file, it sends the file properly using SMTP but the local storage attempt yields an error dialog that says ""TCSoutput.xls" could not be created on this disk. Use a different name, make mo…

I sell a shrink wrapped solution currently on FM Pro 6. It can be installed using a FM Pro 6 in a runtime solution or by installing FM Pro 6 first for our multi-user clients. A client has Vista Home edition and after a normal install of the software he gets an error when trying to launch it. "FileMaker Pro Runtime has stopped working. A problem has caused the program to stop working correctly. Windows will close the program and notify you if a solution is available." Updating Vista, removing and re-installing have not changed the problem. I have other clients with Vista who did not get any errors with this install. Any ideas to try?

I have recently created a runtime version of a database file. This file presents a layout of table records in a list and a script that is attached to each line that will pop-up a new window with a new layout showing the fields associated with the selected list record. everything seems to work fine in the runtime version, except the Close box on all of the displayed windows is disabled. Is there some restriction inherent in the runtime that does not allow you to close windows?

Hi. I sell a runtime solution online and occasional get complaints from Windows users that the "file is not modifiable". What steps to I need to take (I'm a Mac user, not a power Windows user) to ensure that the privileges are set correctly? If I right-click the folder that I'm going to point the installer at (I'm using Advance Installer 7.3.1), and set the privileges that way am I good to go? Might there be an obvious reason why some users get this problem? Thanks! Regards Simon Clement Designer & Developer Arawak Database Solutions 1/340 Main Street Mornington 3931 www.arawak.com.au

I have a runtime that I deploy to various users. Each time a new user opens my solution for the first time they are forced to manually locate and enable the text formatting toolbar, then move it to the proper location. They are also forced to manually select "Enlarge Windows Content to Improve Readability". I can not find a way to auto enable these settings in advance. Even if I build the runtime with these enabled, my solution installs with them disabled. I even tried opening the runtime build and making sure the settings are enabled before deploying. Still, when ever it's installed on a different machine my solution opens with these disabled. Is there any wor…

I am absolutely new to FileMaker and have a client with a shrinkwrap solution that no longer suits their needs. They have extensive data in their FM Pro-based application which needs to be migrated to a new system. My problem is that whenever they start FileMaker it autolaunches the shrinkwrap application and gives no access to FM-Pro directly so I cannot directly use the FM export capabilities. I would appreciate help with either of two approaches I see to migrating their data: 1. Disable whatever autostart feature the shrinkwrap solution put in place. 2. Create an ODBC data source to the FM Pro DB and use that as the migration path. Also, I BELIEVE tha…

Hi, I've made a runtime on Mac, and made it work on Windows XP. Is there any certainty that it will work on Vista and Windows 7, or do I really have to make a version for every OS ? Thanks,

Hi, Although a developer for 35 years I am new in Filemaker. I am working on a database (run-time) and would like to change the run-time icon from filemaker into one of my own. Is there an option for that or do I need to hack the file? Regards Theo

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If you strip administrator privileges from a runtime, how secure is it? Data such as registration details, time-bomb dates etc - could they be hacked?

This forum is for anyone with an interest in the development of FileMaker shrink-wrap products