locked file

[Aussie John]

I posted this in the general section but maybe should of placed it here.

I was working on a database on a remote server whereapon the connection dropped out. after reconnecting I was able to make a copy of the file but was locked out of it. I can move it to the trash but it wont delete (the sever is on MAc OS9.2) and I am running OSX.

How an I unlock this file?

[Bill Thackrey]

Can you clarify your question a bit? The remote "server" is a database server running Filemaker Server under OS 9.2 -- or are you opening the file from a remote FILE server running OS 9.2?

If you're running Filemaker Server, I suspect you can disconnect the original instance of yourself using remote server administration - but you'll not be able to delete the file as long as FM Server has it open. If it is a file server then your disconnected session has the file marked as in use by the operating system on the remote machine. The only likely fix is to reboot the remote server.

[Aussie John]

The problem has resurfaced so I will re post.

Running OSX 10.2.1 and 10.1.5 on the remote machine and Filemaker 6.0

I have a standard file on a remote computer running the standard version of Filemaker. While accesing it the connection went down. Now when I try to access it it says it is already being used ( by me presumably)

Now I cant copy it or open it.

Is there any way I can recover it? or force it to open?

Thanks

[bbaliner]

So then it IS the file server, not the FileMaker Server?

Try clearing out the TCP/IP in preferences, robooting both, and then reinstating TCP/IP, maybe.

[Anatoli]

It doesn't make any sense.

If you are using the hosted file somewhere else via HOST button, you have around 10 remote user slots with FM client hosting this file or 250 slots if the file is hosted from FM server.

And no, you cannot copy it or open it directly from OS level. OS sharing should be disabled.

[Aussie John]

I have been able to make a copy to another computer and move the old version out of the way. ( but not delete) so I am back to work with it.

I had set the file up as a single user ( i didnt know you could multi user it till last week)

when clicking on the file or trying to trash it says file currently being used as if i am still logged onto it.

I have now changed to multi user but if the compter server goes down again i could still get locked out.

TCP/ip seems to be working fine and I cant trash it as i am not there at the moment.

Seems to me filemaker has locked off the file while i was using it and now wont release it.

At first I couldnt even copy it but let me if it was to a different volume.

Interesting.

[Anatoli]

You are still accessing the file from operating system and that is NO NO NO NO! And you will have more and more problems with that.

Why don't you follow the manual and do the things right way?

[Kurt Knippel]

What Anatoli means is that the ONLY way that you should open hosted mult-user file is by first running Filemaker Pro. Then selecting the File menu -> Open -> Hosts and then select the database to open.

[Aussie John]

I dont think you need to be so condesending Anatoli. As far as i can see the manual doesnt say not to open the file via the finder.

and you must admit that it is not vey intuative to only open via the filemaker dialogue. It means you cant use aliases.

I come here to get some advise and and give out some if i can- not be insulted. That said I do appreciate any constructive comments you might have.

Also the file wasnt multi user when the problem first arose.

[IdealData]

Hi AussieJohn

You must forgive Anatoli - I think I'd get hat and bothered living in 100 degrees and 90% humidity all day. I'll try my best at clarification:

FMI sell a product called "FileMaker Server" which is distinctly different to FileMaker 6.0.

FMP6 has a full user interface and can be used to develop your custom DB solutions. It can also be use to share the DBs within a network and gives correct multi-user activity to support record locking (et al.) so your data is secure from corruption.

The same FMP6 session can also be used on the "host" computer but this will impact severely on performance. DON'T DO IT !.

On the other hand, FileMaker Server (FMS) is a dedicated Database server application designed WITHOUT user interface and solely for the purposes of "hosting" DBs in a network. You cannot use it to create custom applications, only to "host" applications already created in FMP6.

Because FMS is dedicated to "hosting", then it does it with far greater speed and efficiency than FMP6 can. (Now you realise the confusion in this thread). FMS also has some specific features which are "server land" stuff, like scheduled backups with the files open. It is also more robust and extremely crash "tolerant".

In summary, if you use FMP6 to "host" the files then put it on a dedicated machine with no other applications running. If you are on OS 9 (or less) you must place FMP6 in the "foreground" for peak performance - otherwise it is dire ! If you are on OS X then I don't suppose it matters about "foreground" as I don't think there is any application priority. But in all instances the machine must be DEDICATED. Once you are past 10 users as "guests" then performance is likely to be intolerable - then you need to go to FMS

You should also run FMS on a dedicated machine and the rules are the same as FMP6

The thing about your files getting locked is due to FMP6 (as "host") crashing and damaging the files. Use the RECOVER facility to repair these files. If the recovery fails then you must return to BACKUPS (you have got some

Finally, Anatoli is quite correct that you MUST NOT OPEN the files which are located on THE DISK of a remote machine. If you do then you can become the "host" of the file, however your data connection is strung across the network and highly prone to failure. Run a copy of FMP6 as dedicated "host" and all other users should select the files to open via the "hosts" dialog. Turn off FILE SHARING on the "hosting" machine to prevent direct file access.

You can download loads of docs at www.filemaker.com - including the FMServer admin guide - this should give some clues about FMS.

G'day

Hey, Anatoli - try to help NOT hinder !

[Aussie John]

thanks that is much clearer now

[Anatoli]

I don't see any problem with RTFM advice