Errors in value list from unknown source

[megan]

I have been experiencing some problems with a very simple fm 5.0 database. The problem is that a value list in the database does not seem to save information consistantly. The value list utilizes checkboxes, with each 'value' being connected to three checkboxes. Only one of the three boxes is marked at any one time. The problem seems to be that when I uncheck one box and check another, this change does not always save. I have not been able to decipher a pattern concerning the problem records, or the way in which I utilize the records themselves.

It is possible that this problem began after I had added new values to the list.

I would really appreciate any help with this issue. I am fairly new at using filemaker, and so am unsure of how to begin investigating the cause of this problem.

Thanks,

Megan

[Ugo DI LUCA]

The problem seems to be that when I uncheck one box and check another, this change does not always save.

Do you mean that it keeps the previous value checked ? Or that it doesn't enter the new value ?

[megan]

When I make the change by unchecking one box (call it box x) and checking the adjacent one (box y), the database appears to work normally. When I close the database and open it again the check boxes no longer show the change that I made, i.e., box x is checked, and box y is not.

Thanks for your help,

Megan

[Ugo DI LUCA]

Weird behaviour

What about the field set up ? What is checked/unchecked from the menu "define fields" ?

What exactly is your list like ? Is it related ?

Did you tried using a menu or value list instead of checkboxes ?

[megan]

What about the field set up ? What is checked/unchecked from the menu "define fields" ?-- Are you asking about the field type? If so, it is a Text field.

What exactly is your list like ? Is it related ?-- The list is actually three different fields that are indexed to the same list.

Did you tried using a menu or value list instead of checkboxes ?-- I do not understand this question, because I was under the impression that the checkboxes are a type of value list.

I have not yet tried changing the database. What is the advantage of having a menu rather than a value list?

Is there any way that I can send you a prototype of the database? I tried to send one as an attachment, but the server would not allow me to.

[Ugo DI LUCA]

Megan,

Actually, your problem is so odd that I considered all options here, but it is true that changing from checkboxes to menu should not change anything.

I often use a menu/pop-up instead of checkboxes when I only want one record to be choosen.

Really, if it is a text field with no options (unique, validate by calc) and if you've got no message when you choose a value from this list, I must say I cannot help much.

I had a strange behaviour once. I just deleted the value list, recreated it, de-format the field and reforma again and it worked fine. I never understood what was going on. It appeared to me as if FM had stored some previous conditions setted (validate by calc in that case).

Last thought. Are you sure you are not using somehow another value list with same index ?

Really curious if anyone here coulde tell.

[Vaughan]

Is the file multi-user, or are other people using the file when you are not?

Is it a global text field?

[megan]

The file is not set to multi-user, but I do share the database with one other person. However, we have been communicating very frequently about daily use of the database, as well as this problem.

The field is not a global text field, but is indexed.

Thanks,

Megan

[megan]

Well, thanks for your help. I am not using another value list with the same index. It appears that I might have to rebuild the whole value list-- although this is what I was hoping to avoid!

Thanks again,

Megan

[Vaughan]

How are you sharing the file? Is it on a network file server? Are you sure there is only one copy of the file?

[megan]

The file is being shared on a network file server, and yes, there is only one copy of the file.

[Lee Smith]

Hi megan,

I started to write this yesterday, but since Vaughan had hinted at the Serve Global fields, I though he would reply. Your problem lies in the fact that the global fields stay local in a served environment.

HTH

Lee

[Ugo DI LUCA]

Multi user was the info needed... Vaughan and Lee are right

[Vaughan]

Sharing it on a network file server is the *worst* way -- it leads to lots of file corruption especially when it gets used a lot. Consultants make good money cleaning up corrupted databases and setting up dedicated FM servers to stop it from happening again!

The file should always be on the computer's local hard disk for best performance. One person should open it in FMP each day and the other connects to it through the "Open Remote..." command (or the Hosts button depending on version).

Lee -- I enjoy letting other people have a chance to answer questions once in a while!

[crazybake]

I finally found this thread....

I STILL have this problem (I am running FM Server on WIN2K with approx 5 or 6 users and multiple workstation OS: WIN NT, XP, 2K)

I have many date fields. One in particular is associated with calculation fields (many of them). The odd thing that happens is a user will click on any button to run a script (we have not narrowed it down to a particular button yet) and the screen will redraw and one by one (record by record) this date field will change to today's date.

Any thoughts (sorry about the vagueness... I am just and can't think of all the particulars)