inconsistent import/export paths

[mcbarnicle]

Hello, I have a question for you FMP experts regarding how FMP 5.5 Server / Client "remembers" or recalls the file path for importing and exporting data.

I've been working on a legacy (fmp 2) solution that a client requested be placed on their FMP 5.5 Server and some additional functionality. (they did not want a total redesign, that I suggested)

The current data flow runs like this A databases (inventory) exports some records to an FM database (temp) then runs two external scripts that import various fields from this newly exported database. These databases then export tab delimited files based on the imported data.

This was originally run as a single user local solution.

Problem: Export seems to randomly select the location to place the exported FM database, sometimes writing it to the local client hard drive.

When the external scripts are performed, they either cannot find the (temp) DB to import from or when they do, they export their tab-delimited files on the local HD or on the Server in an arbitary fashion.

Can someone tell me how this works? How does FMP "remember" where it should place export files when run off FMP server. Are the paths relative to the client or the server? Also when a DB looks for another DB to perform an import how does FMP "remember" the relative path or host path?

Also when i open the solution from the client machine and access the import scripts, it allows me to point at a file on the client host, but for exports I only get a local machine option (no hosts button appears)

Will I need to install a plugin to tell FMP where to look for the import/export files? (Personally I would rather redesign this whole solution, and ultimatley the client may agree, but if there is a work around I'd like to know) Can I store this information in a field and insert it into the import and export scripts?

Thanks in advance for any insights you may have on this.

-mc b

[wlewnka]

Wish I could help you, I am having the same problem. Have you found a solution yet?

Bill F.

[jasonwood]

I am not even on a network and I have this problem.

I have a script which exports my price list which I then upload it to my web site for the shopping cart.

Normally the exported file ends up on the desktop, but occasionally it finds itself in strange places on the hard drive.

This time I found it in System Folder > Help > Mac Tutorials > shrd > Internet Basics > itemsexport.txt

Using OS X so I can't see how I could ever invoke anything that causes the file to end up deep within the OS 9 system folder... any help?

Thanks.

[LarryLogic]

I ran into same problem. It seems to go to the last marker in the system, not the program. "A" drive seems to stay consistent for backing up, however, if the

disk isn't in, it just exports to C without a message. ??

Larry

[Fitch]

Your best bet is to open the files as a guest and re-define the export scripts. Make the exported files go into the FileMaker folder on the local drive.

For ultimate control and reliability, use a plugin such as Troi File.