Importing & Exporting

A large and fairly complex FM4 file seems to have a bug in it somewhere. We want it to read in a multi-line field based on an index number, and it only calls the first line (yes, code it correct, because it works normally in the same DB on a different multi-line field). The DB being called is not at fault, because it can be called from other programs normally. Is there any way to extract all the field names and definitions from the corrupted DB to simplify creating a new one?

I have a number field that can contain a figure anywhere between $0 and $14 billion. In a layout, I have the field formatted as currency. The problem occurs when I try to export the number to a text file; it loses all formatting. Is there a way to export a formatted number or convert the formatted number to text before the export? Any help appreciated.

Hi I have an simple FM5 database (Macintosh) with only 2 fields called "name" and "message". I need to create an script that export content of field "message" into an text file called "name". For example: If in the database is a record of this type: "name"=Fred; "message"= Hi, Fred I need to create an text file called Fred and content of this file have to be: Hi Fred. Can anybody help me? thanks to all. Way

Hi I wonder if anyone can advise me about an import image query I have. I wish to import scanned images into a specific files container via a script but I don't want the user to have to search for the image. I wondered if it were possible to set the scanned file name as a variable such that it can be automatically plugged into the corresponding Filemaker records.

I would like to import a excel worksheet that has currency exchange information (that I can update daily) into Filemaker and use the currency fields in calculations within FM. Is this possible?

quote: Originally posted by Brian Buechler: I'm encountering a problem exporting files in Filemaker Pro 5.0. Every now and then, Filemaker will export files into the Filemaker 5.0 folder, rather then the folder I tell it to export into. The machine is runnign WindowsNT 4.0, and the problem most often occures when saving to a mapped network drive. Does anyone have any idea what may be causing this problem? Besides WinNT? Are you running NT or NT Workstation? Does this happen when saving to a local drive? Have you tried uninstalling and reinstalling the application? Is the drive a permanant drive mapping or are you doing it on the fly, via network neighborhoo…

Have any of you tried to import a list from Excel into a predefined check box list in FileMaker? The import works but puts eveything into "Other." Please tell me there is an answer. [ April 04, 2001: Message edited by: amanda_b ] [ April 04, 2001: Message edited by: amanda_b ]

I have a DB running in FMpro 4.1. on Mac. Now I want to create a program using Real Basic that can create, delete and update records that are in the DB. The program must connect to the DB from a computer outside our own network. So using Internet?: Does anyone know how to accomplisch this using RealBasic, how to connect to the DB and then create new-records and retrieve data from the DB to edit it. (the program must run on Mac and WIndows) Any help would be very much appreciated!

I'm working on a medical billing database that needs to send info to an electronic billing service. The billing service takes a specifically formated billing form (HCFA 1500) and expected you to lay the information on the page as if it were going to be printed on this paper form. Then, they want you to save what you would have printed as a *.txt file and then they download it to their service. I thought I could get the layout all set up and then Print, but to a file. I can't figure it out, there's no selection to print to file and save it as a .txt. format, the only choice is the *.prn format. Any ideas? Edited - I didn't realize taht a few post below, the same qu…

I'm trying to create a script that will export each record in the database to a separate text file. I need to create an individual HTML file for each record in the database (I've stored HTML tags in global fields). I cannot seem to figure out a way to logically do this in the script. I thought the Omit Record/Show Omitted commands were the answer, but I can't figure out a way to then continue looping through the records in the correct order. Any suggestions?

I'm trying to get filmaker pro to mail merge into my word (windows) document. I've gotten all the odbc set up done but can only merge in 5 fields. I need to merge in 80plus. What am I doing wrong.

So I now got real basic ver. 2.1 installed on my Mac. Now I want to create a program that can "talk" to a FMpro DB-file. I want be able to insert data in textfields, then on pressing Go I want that the data is inserted in the right field in the DB. (also be able te retrieve data from the DB back to the progam) Next step is that the program mus run on a computer outside the netwerk, but on the Internet. I aint got no ideas how or where to start this.. any help would be very much apreciated!

I'm working with FM5pro. I would like to convert a "PRN" file into "TXT" or "DOC" file. In DBIIIplus there was this chance! ex: "report form pippo(.frm) to file(.txt)" I know a PRN file is similar to postscript file! and than : A possibility is to export dat into "html" file, but it is not so beautiful! Sorry about my "english" Thanks 1000 of all !! ! ! ! Manuela

Somewhere in this section I read about problems existing in FM5 with passwords and importing. Can anyone enlighten me as to what the difficulties are?

Hi there, I have the following question. I have created a FM-pro db with ver. 4.1. Now I want to create a little program that runs on a remote computer. The program should pull data from the db, and be able to update the data. (Also delete and new records). Can I create the program using Visual Basic and how? Any help would be very much appreciated!

i have a problem with importing a picture into a container field with the option 'store only a reference to the file'. this works fine on my desktop mac, but on the powerbook (3400, system 8.5, FP3) it imports and gets stuck in some sort of loop, where it's keeps repeating the import forever (the 'importing' box with the progress bar) until i press a key. it may then stop until i switch to another record and then it does the same thing. like i say, it works perfect on the desktop, so it shouldn't have anything to do with the actual file or its script. it also works when importing the actual picture, rather than just the reference. thanks for any help, stefan

Is there a way to set up a script so that it runs automatically at a certain time daily without user intervention, like a cron job? ------------------ Thanks, B.

How is it possible to import into a repeating field in a same record, from an excel spreadsheet or any other format? I have a field that contains 30 repeating fields. I need from 30 different rows import that information to the repeating field. I have tried, but know luck, just the first line get imported and nothing else, or on the other hand it crates 30 new records with just the first line of the repeating field being imported [This message has been edited by Odysey_2000 (edited March 13, 2001).]

I'm trying to devise a simple method to import form data (prbably from multiple Word docs) into a FM database. Is there an easy way to have to have FM look at a group of fields in the import data and enter one value based on which checkbox was marked? The Word form has 4 checkboxes, which export as individual fields with either 0 or 1, while the DB has just one corresponding field with the value entered as text. Do I have to set up fields in FM that match the ones from Word, then create 4 calc fields that pass text to the one field that I want filled in? Any general pointers about importing form data appreciated.

can i get the import records option to work in a standalone solution without leaving all access priveleges on, or with stripping the database structure with the binder?. i want my users to be able to import but if i do anything with the access priveleges that option goes ; even scripts. - further if i use the 'stripping' option - even with full privileges, the 'import' option goes. when i restrict the menu and bind - the import function also goes. i'll keep playing around, thanks in advance! stog

G'Day viewers ! Being a new user of FileMaker Pro 5, I have entered a number of records in an FM5 database, listing user names, phone numbers and email addresses. I would like to be able to export this database in a format that can be imported into a Microsoft Outlook 2000 client's contact listing. My question is, is this possible, and if so, would someone please explain how ?

I have a photo database created with FM4 is there a way to export all the pictures out to a different file?

FMP Import Experts, Does anyone know why importing the contents of a container field isn't allowed via ODBC? Is it because there is no supported SQL datatype suitable for getting the data in there? I guess that makes sense... I'd just like to be able to import a bitmap by giving FMP the *.BMP filename. Would it be possible to write a FMP script to do this? Someting like this: All of the bitmaps are on the PC and there is a container field in the FMP database named "bitmap". A FMP script runs and pulls the bitmaps into the bitmap container field for each record. Sound possible? Michael

Have a runtime FM 5 solution that resides on client stations. In it, there's a predetermined tab delimited export which is imported into WebObjects through a browser, WO then builds and populates an OpenBase db based on that exported file. Process works great when a PC creates the export. However, when a mac creates the export...WO only creates a single record and errors out. What's happening is that the line break characters are different for each file. What we need to do is to figure out how to save the Mac tab delimited file export with PC line breaks. Have thought about creating a single field which concatenates all the records and have it manually place the PC retu…

FMP Import Experts, I am using ODBC and SQL to UPDATE a FMP file and I can't seem to find out how to format a time field type to make FMP's ODBC driver happy. I tried single quotes '12:00:00' and it didn't like that. I then tried the curly brackets (where did that little beauty come from? I have never heard of that in SQL before!) that made the time look like {12:00:00}, but this just caused an error that the data didn't appear to be a date (duh, that's because it is a time). The errors I get are below. Is it possible to update a time value using SQL and ODBC? If so, how to I let the ODBC engine know that I am sending a time value? Am I supposed to convert it to a…

Has anyone had any success getting text out of a Quark 4 document into FMP 5 ?? I found a program called Xcatalog from EM software that's supposed to add ODBC support to Quark so that it can interact with FMP, but I haven't ahd any success in getting it to work.

I'm attempting to export a database of name, address, and phone number -- but the phone numbers are in a RELATED file and there's more than one phone per household. Is there a way to (through related or repeating fields) to export all phone numbers for a particular individual into a single record? Although FMP5 will export all the phone numbers, only the first exported phone number is associated with the person's name and address ... subsequent phone numbers are exported into SEPARATE records. Not helpful! I'm rather proficient at FMP programming, and would like to find a solution that's short of exporting the phone numbers to a WORD file, changing subsequent return…

I just signed up for a web dedicated FM server for our web site. We have FM server in house and I have another machine for ODBC. I am using FM 5 for all. Here is my question: Can I mirror the 2 databases? I would like to use the web databse for just data and use our in house database for all interface and in house data. I am trying to achieve having all online information entered query into our in house database. Can this be done and how hard is it to set up?

Is there a way to pass along a filename from a field to a script for import? I want to automate the script process (which I've done) but I still have to tell the script which filename(this changes daily)and directory to find the import file. I wanted to pass these values from the data in the database (they exist).

I am creating a script that will select a series of records based on one field, and export selected fields to one text file (delimited) and all fields to another text file...I am just starting with it and am using the "get" method, and am getting memory errors (108), and cannot figure out why...any help??? tell application "FileMaker Pro" every cell of current record end tell also... tell application "FileMaker Pro" cell "Description" as text every record whose cell "DiscoveryId" = "JEFF FOOTT.00001" end tell

Im trying to import records from several files to a main file. Each file contains only a record. Manually there is no problem as I specify each time for every file "keeping them in the original record" and it works. But on a script you can't specify "keep..." so it takes the default (splitting them in different records). As a result of this the record is multiply several times. Thanks for your help.

Our comapany uses the same DOS accounting software that Dell has, and we're engrained (read "too afraid" to change to anything else) into using it still... but it does run OK. I've been using exports from this program and making FM databases to extend it's capabilities and make things easier for people to research certain information. Now I've hit a wall. We have one module which stores information about vendors for any given part number - one part could have up to 24 different vendors, and include prices and last purchased information. Only trrouble is, it doesn't have a relationship to the vendor database, it's information purely put in by hand and for display purpose…

What is the proper way to set up an unique ID# field that is used in a relationship, especially with regards to importing records into an updates file? I'll try to explain this. I have a main database with a text field "serial" [auto-entered serial number (starting with "0001", step 1)]. There is a calculated field (text, "AB-" & serial). This field is used to create a relationship with a child database. This works fine. This solution is used by several individual users, I mean they are not networked (it's a runtime version). Now I make some changes and fixed some errors in the main database. I want to distribute this "update" to the users. But how to pr…

I almost have this working. Here's the background. My wife designed a survey, and collected all the data and put it into Excel. Then, she wanted to import this data into FileMaker and develop reports (actually, have me develop reports). So, I created a database, with several fields that had value lists. After all, this was what the survey looked like: a question, followed by several choices that could be checked, and more than one could be checked in each field. Then, I manipulated the data in the Excel spreadsheet to look like what I had exported, and then opened it in Word to create all the tabs, soft returns, and hard returns as needed. Then, I opened FM5, and w…

quote: Originally posted by JeffreyE: Does anyone know how to do a full import from ACT! to FM5? Export the data from Act to a text file. Then import that text file into Filemaker. Or you could open the file in Excel and then import into Filemaker. ------------------ =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Kurt Knippel Consultant Database Resources mailto:[email protected] http://www.database-resources.com =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

I recently bought and installed Filemaker 5 on my Macintosh Computer. I have a file created in Microsoft Access (.mdb). I am kind of a newby and tried just opening with Filemaker using the open command. It converted the file into a bunc of gibberish. I keeny aware that I am not doing it right?! How do you open an Microsoft Access file in Filemaker?:? ------------------

This sounds like a good question for the Access forum! . I don't know what import formats Access will handle, but some formats that FM can create will carry field name information. Try DIF, DBF or SYLK. The only limitation is DIF and DBF limit text field size and will truncate long text strings. I'm not sure if SYLK limits text length. Of course, you could alway put off the corporate MIS types and stay with FM. . -bd

Mailto protocol is working fine. We receive all e-mails with the files on the exchange server account. My question now is How can i import all this files on the main database file. Thanks a lot for your help

Hi-I am a new user to FM5-so, be gentle!! I want to create reports from a database built on my Mac and email them to PC users to print out. The Pc users do not have Filemaker, so Is it possible for me to save the reports in a word or excel file and then send them? I would also like to create some graphs and charts and email them to these Pc's. Is this possible? Thanks, Terri

I am having problems importing data from a backup file on floppy disc using a script in FM5. The whole thing works fine if I allow the dialog to display but when I include 'perform without dialog' it produces an error saying the script has been cancelled. The original files were converted from fp3 where it all worked fine (and still does) but I have created new files in FM5 and can still reproduce the problem. It only happens if the access privileges on both files do not allow access to the whole file (although all the options can be ticked and it still doesn't work). Has nayone encountered this problem? The script I am using is: Enter Browse Mode [] Show All Records…

A department in my company is using a video tape logging software product based in FM. Each entry has an assorted number of text/number fields and a container with a jpeg that is capture from the video tape. nothing too special here. The problem I am running into is that they want to export the material to post on a web site. For a number of reasons, I am hesitant to put the DB out there live using the web companion plug-in. It does work and will post the pictures and data. I would really prefer a static page. The export records option with the HTML table will not export containers, so I lose the jpg. Is there any way to create static web pages that will contain the jpgs …

Hi Guys, I'm trying to write information to a single ACSII file. I would like the very first record to contain descriptive information about the file. i.e. external filename, number of detail records, totals, and possibly a transaction date. The detail records containing information found within a specific subset from the database. Is this possible? Thanks

So I've set a script to import records, and have checked "Update matching records in current found set," and "Add remaining records." The problem is, the import adds ALL the records, including ones which have matching records in the file. What gives?

Hi all, this is another problem i'm having (might be easier than the other one!). When i export the records to the text file, i need to export ONE header record - which has several fields - followed by each client record. The way i currently have things set up is that the header record is at the beginning of each client record like this: header record : client record header record : client record header record : client record etc.. but it needs to be like this header record client record client record client record etc... I know that this is because i have the header as the same record as each client (different layouts) but i'm not sure how to things…

I hope I understand what you mean? You could use some of the text functions like Length(), left(), right() and create an automatic calculation which would split your data into your defined fields. i.e xx abcde xyz field 1 = xx field 2 = abcde field 3 =xyz

What is the best way ? From the master file call a script in an other file to 'import' the selected records or export the selected records directly from the master file to an other file ? Any suggestion will be welcom

I am using fm5 to allocate customers to dealers, and to send out promotional letters to both parties. A prospective customer asks for info about a product, and depending on the state/county where they live (ie their address field), they are allocated a local company representative. Both are sent generic letters created automatically by the program (which I do not know at all!) Until now, the customer and rep have both recieved generic letters, however, (and here is the problem)as of now an individual product must now result in a specific letter being sent out. This letter is currently stored in msword, and I must import it into fm5, and flag it to the product. Put sim…

I have a purchase requisition db in FMP5 with two tables, Req Header and Req Lines related on ReqNbr field. I wish to import these two related tables (979 & 4032 records) into one table with the Req Line records going into repeating fields. When I try, I am able to import the header records and only the first record for that header from the line table (Using matching records). Is this possible to do? How do I do this? There are 1 to 6 req lines per req header. Mike

Hi all, i'm designing a filemaker database for a charity organisation and as i don't have any sort of background in filemaker i'm having a couple of problems i was hoping someone could help me with. The client records need to be electronically sent to a government department and so the transmission format of the file has to be exactly as the department wants it. I export the filemaker database to a comma separated textfile, but the problem is all the fields are enclosed in quotation marks and the department does NOT want number fields to be enclosed in quotation marks. So to say that again, can i export records to a comma separated textfile and get quotation marks…

I just registered and am a new user -- I hope this is a place to ask questions among other FM Pro users. I am having a problem when importing from one FM Pro database to another. The problem doesn't happen a lot, but causes us grief from time to time. We have a large number of FM Pro databases on a FM Pro Server. When we create an invoice, we run a script that imports information from another FM Pro database to the "invoice" database. Occasionaly information ends up in the wrong fields. We get descriptive information in a pricing field, for example. It is usually the same two fields that have the problem. Anyone know of this problem?

This is a mutli-user system running on a Macintosh based Filemaker Server. The database that the data is coming from during the import is open and in use by many workstations. The database that the data is going into is accessible to many, but in reality there is only one person who really uses it or has it open. I guess it is possible that mutliple people could have it open when the errors occur, but it is unlikely.

I would like to wite a script to export the current record i am viewing. Can this be done? If so can someone tell me how ?

In my windows program, after upgrading and installing my revised solutions program, I want to import the data from the old file into the new file. I go to import records, select the old file, click open, but then nothing happens. I Changed the name of the old file, but it still would not open. I placed the old file on a different drive than the new file, but still I could not open the old file to import those records. There must be a simple solution to this windows problem. Any suggestions?

Can you export data from Filemaker directly into an Excel spreadsheet into specific cells? Right now I am just importing into Excel into one worksheet all in the same row, then the second worksheet puts the data into the right place. But then when I save the excel file to email to my customer, I have to reformat so that just one worksheet shows so as not to confuse them. I was just hoping that FMPro 5.0 and the newer versions on MS Excel would save me some time..... Thanks!

Hi I am a Database Newbie. Just so that you know... I have created a database some time ago with various Value Lists. I have since edited the Value Lists to reflect changes or simply to correct spelling errors. This was after I had previously selected items on these list. Now, when I export my data contained in the lists, the old data appear along with the new data, even though I can't see trace of the old data anywhere!... For instance, I had a list that displayed with check boxes. one of the item was Consultant, and after a few week I changed this item to Consulting. When I publish the data on the web or when I export as a SYLK or something else, the entry Consultan…

Is there any way to stop filemaker from omitting data when exporting data that's been summarised? I have a db that has a summary field that I would like to export but when I use the 'summarise by' export option it only exports the changed data. So if the first 20 exported lines have the same age it only puts 13 (or whatever) on the first line and leaves the other 19 blank until there's a change in value. Thanks in advance

Is it possible to automatically insert the name of a file that you are importing data from into a field? The type of file i am importing from is an excel spreadsheet. -nikhil [This message has been edited by nikhil (edited August 04, 2000).]

I am trying to convert a text file to FMP 5.0 I want 3 parts of one text file to be separated into 3 FM fields in the text file these parts are separated by a blank line (I am trying to convert PubMed text files into FM) THANKS!!

How can I use a Microsoft Works (.wdb) file into FMP 5 for the Mac? I receive a PC .wdb file (a Microsoft Works database), and want to open it with My FMP 5 app on my Macintosh. Is it possible, how do it do it?

I have a container field which contains multiple images. (This is Windows by the way). Is there a way to export these images? I've tried copying to the clipboard, but only a box of the correct size and the name of the graphic appears in the clipboard or on the layout. Any ideas? I'd prefer not to have to buy a plugin.. Thanks Peek

When attemping to import a picture into a container field (or even directly to a layout), I get the following error message: "pic.gif could not be imported. The required filter could not be located or is installed incorrectly." I can copy the image in a graphic program but I cannot get the image in there directly. Needless to say, this approach is causing my databases to be much bigger than they need to be. Any ideas on what could be causing this error?

I have a filemaker file of records (Windows98), one field of which contains the pathname to a jpg file. I would like to automate the importation of each jpg (preferably via its pathname in the above mentioned field) into a container field within the record. Is there a way--script, plug-in (I've considered Troi's File plugin, but I think it deals with text only), or maybe an editor like Winbatch? Any help would be appreciated--Aaron. [email protected]

Hi all... I a newbie so be kind <g>. I am working with an existing FM database that holds a list of open jobs with the persons that have applied for the position. Each job record contains a repeating field of the applicants to that position. I receive an Excel file from our IS department with the applicant and job applied for as separate records. Is there a way to import these separate records into a repeating field?? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

quote: Originally posted by Macman: Greetings! I've been over this a few times with tech support of two companies, went through the list of plug-ins, and have tried all known solutions without success. I'm using FM5 to "extend" our DOS based accounting program's sales capabilities and reporting, and importing data from this program requires a bit much; true, it is job security, but who wants these guys calling me when I'm nursing a flu! Our acct. program cannot export in tab delimited or dbf. It can export comma delimited, but the use of commas in the fields (like company names, etc.) wreaks havoc on importing; one off comma and the whole thing goes off kilt…

I've gone through the demo, and Filemaker looks good. However, I need to import a number of old Q&A databases. Is this possible?