Network Sharing won't share.

[Lea Alexander]

We have a solution "Hub" and want 4 clients to be able to access the file on a network drive - J drive.  We are using FM 16 on Windows.

Is it possible for multiple clients to share a file on a network - with simultaneous use?  If so, how do I set this up? 

We cannot simultaneously use the file.  When one user is logged in, the other users get an error message:  "Hub.fmp12" is currently in use and could not be opened.  If the file is shared, you can use the open Remote command to open the file on the network.  (If you've opened the file before, check the Open Recent menu.)

There are no remote files listed. 

I have Network Sharing turned on. (see attached image).

When I login and no one else is logged in, I get a warning message asking if I want to Open Without Sharing.  (see attached)  Even when I click "open" the file is not accessible to other users.

Thank you in advance!

 

 

[Lee Smith]

Do you have this setting checked

 

[Lea Alexander]

Yes.  Both extended privs are checked in all privilege sets.  Thanks.

[Lea Alexander]

I think this may be a firewall issue and have contacted our network folks. 

[Steven H. Blackwell]

OK, there is some confusion here about how all this works.

 

First, I would recommend that you use FileMaker Server to host your file, rather than try to access it peer-to-peer as you are trying to do here.  The error message you are receiving is the result of processes designed to protect your file.

if you want to employ peer-to-peer, open the FileMaker file on the machine where it physically resides. Then, from elsewhere on the network, launch FileMaker Pro and go to the hosts dialog.  Your file should be visible there.  Clicking on the link will launch the file on the guest machine. Port 5003 likely needs to be open on all machines.

 

Steven H. Blackwell

Platinum Member Emeritus, FileMaker Business Alliance

[Josh Ormond]

To add to what Steven is saying...You need to use Open Remote. Not Open...and not navigate to the folder on the network and double click the file. That error message says you are trying to open the file locally from across the network. FileMaker has a separate way to open files that are already open on another machine ( your server or another workstation ).

[Lea Alexander]

Steven -  Thank you.  I would love to use FM Server but I am in a tiny office at a university that does not have FM Server and even if I could afford it the network folks wouldn't support it.  I used it at my last job and it was great.  Now I'm stuck with peer to peer (until I and FM take over all admin operations here - insert maniacal laugh).

The file is on a network drive.  How do I open the file on the machine where it physically resides if it is on a server?  Do I need to move the file to my workstation and leave it on all the time so others can access it from there?  I'd have to check to see if my computer is automatically backed up on the network. 

If the file is on the network drive and I open it on from my workstation and leave it open, could other users then open it as a remote file? 

Thanks for your help. 

Josh -  Thanks.  I'm familiar with open remote as I used FM server at my last job.  But I can't figure it out with the file on a network drive.  See my message to Steven. 

[Josh Ormond]

8 hours ago, Leaalex said:

The file is on a network drive.  How do I open the file on the machine where it physically resides if it is on a server?  Do I need to move the file to my workstation and leave it on all the time so others can access it from there?  I'd have to check to see if my computer is automatically backed up on the network. 

If the file is on the network drive and I open it on from my workstation and leave it open, could other users then open it as a remote file? 

Yes, the file needs to be open on a local machine, then others can connect to it. It's usually best, to have a separate machine to host it. FileMaker will keep the machine busy. You don't want other processes taking up resources that could cause the file to crash.

[Lea Alexander]

Thanks Josh. That did the trick.  I appreciate your help!