Connecting to the FMP database using HOST button

[abkaplan]

I want to share my databases using internet connection via HOST button in open file window. It asks me an IP address. I write the IP address but still I can't see the databases from other computers connected to the internet. Why? Help me please. I don't want to use web pages for some reasons... Wep pages are OK. they work. When I write the same IP address on browser address line I can connect to my databases... Instant web publishing is also OK it works... but HOST never and ever...Why?

[Vaughan]

A couple of things...

Is the database shared multi-user?

Is the server behind a firewall or router that blocks FMP data?

Is the server switched on and FMP running and the datbase open?

[abkaplan]

Is the database shared multi-user? YES.. and web companion selected

Is the server behind a firewall or router that blocks FMP data?

No, I have made technicians check it before. I 've seen that it is not blocked. I've tested another variant, I put my database in a PC and connected to the internet via dial up. On the same room with another PC with another dial up connection to the internet I tried to connect to the first PC with Host using the IP given for the first PC by the dial up connection center. Again no result...

Is the server switched on and FMP running and the datbase open?

Yes...

Really thanks for your nice help... But still problem... When I write the IP program searches for a while to find the databases but then stops... Somebody , one day , had given me an IP address in America to test the connection. Then I tried it. It was successfull, I could see the databases. I mean it works but I cant use it why?

[Garry Claridge]

You do not need WebCompanion selected. However, 'Multi-User' (not hidden) should be selected. Also, the 'Preferences' - 'Application' - 'Network Protocol' should be 'TCP/IP'.

Hope this helps.

Garry

[amccallum]

Hmm... it sounds like the files are shared and they are open and that at least port 80 is open in any firewall which may be in place. It may be worthwhile asking the question about port 5003 because this is what port is used for Filemaker data, but if you have used your dialup before and actually seen the files it sounds like this is ok too.

If you have the files shared as Multi-User (hidden) you will not see the databases by clicking on the Hosts button. What you may need to do is create a script to open the databases... go to scriptmaker, create a script, remove all the default stuff and then add an open file step and see if you can specify the database using the hosts button and the ip address that way. Alternatively you could make sure the files are shared as just Multi-User.

HTH

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[abkaplan]

let me check for a while all those things once again.. Thanks ...

[ibiubu]

The comment about port 5003 is a good one. I am using Norton Personal Firewall software, and it is port 5003 that I use to access the database. But keep in mind that it will be SLOW as tar to do so. I only access my database remotely this way to make occassional design layout changes and such. But REAL SLOW.

I use web publishing to access my database remotely. It is MUCH MUCH faster doing it this way. The performance gain in my case is 10 time faster accessing my database using custom web publishing via a web browser as opposed to doing it thru FileMaker to FileMaker via TCP/IP over a internet connection.

You might also want to check you plugin settings in FileMaker and make sure that Local Data Access Companion is turned on.

LR