This weekend I updated my Mac mini, which acts as my server, to MacOS 10.15 (Catalina). Now everything works as before the upgrade - databases are accessible via FMP and FM Go, and the Admin Console is accessible. However, I cannot access the databases via web direct either locally by opening the launch center (http://127.0.0.1/fmi/webd) or on the dedicated url. Attempting either I get an error message on the web browser about being unable to connect to the server. This obviously was caused by the OS update, but I’m not sure how exactly. I am currently running FMS 17.0.5, FMP 18, Java version is 8-231, the SSL certificate is current and working properly, and in the Admin Console, the FM WebDirect toggle is Enabled, and the WPE is running (although it doesn’t turn on automatically when the server is restarted, which is strange).

I would like to avoid having to reinstall FMS because everything else seems to be working just as before. But I’m really stumped about what to do to get Webdirect working again.

I have been victim of this may times too.

As far as I understand it FMS runs the http service with settings that are generated during the FMS install. Sadly, when macOS updates then the http service may be left incompatible with the FMS settings. You mention that the WPE doesn't start automatically is one I have witnessed too. Ultimately this needs a re-install.

Personally I turn off OS-updates and Java updates too. Purists might reckon I'm leaving the machine "exposed", but I don't really want to be a slave to the machine! I've also managed to work out manual starting of the web services, but they also fail eventually.

Incidentally, if you plan to upgrade to FMS18 then be prepared for the Java changes - after FMS 18.2 Java is no longer included with the installer so check the installation notes thoroughly; ideally trial run on a spare machine.

 

Note that only FMS18v3 is supported on Catalina: https://support.filemaker.com/s/answerview?language=en_US&anum=5677

So roll back your OS update or upgrade to the most recent FMS.  It really does not pay whatsoever to upgrade servers to the newest OS without testing carefully first,  And Catalina is a totally different animal than any macOS before.  So if you absolutely must have Catalina, then also be prepared to upgrade FMS as part of that move.

How do you roll back macOS updates?

Restore from a backup or reinstall the OS...