export script step - filename in field?

[cdenby]

How can I have the export script step pick up the contents of a field and use it as the filename of the exported file? It doesn't seem to be an option. I'd like users to have a "hands-off" approach to archiving data. (dates and extra info, maybe usernames, etc as exported names).

[Afeina]

Hello,

If you are on the Windows platform, we have a plugin called AfFiler that will do this. Check out http://www.afeina.com

Thanks,

Martin Wiedemann

[ September 12, 2001: Message edited by: Afeina Software ]

[AndriesV]

Hi 'cdenby',

Assuming you're 'running on Windows' I have the following workaround.

In short:

- export your data to a fixed file-A

- export your desired batch commands into a fixed file-B.bat

- From within Filemaker run a BAT file that will call file-B.bat; so file-A is renamed or moved according to the specification in batch File-B and then erase file-B so no error messages will come up on the next export.

For executing a BAT file within Filemaker:

-Create a global container field

-Copy the BAT file (3rd file) in this field. This file should never change and have only 1 line like 'call c:tempexportfile2.bat'

-Create a script that does a Go to Field (select/perform, "your global field"), this should execute the BAT file. The automatically opened command window should close automatically after the BAT file has finished.

Please note that you can only do a 'go to field' script step when the field is on the current layout.

The container field does not have to have 'allow entry into field' enabled, but make sure to navigate away from the field in your script as the 'go to field' script step will take you there anyway.

If this is a hosted database please note that the Global field can only be really changed (for all users) when only 1 user has the file open. So open the file, stop sharing, change the content of the global container field and start sharing the file again.

Good luck,

Andries

[colink]

I have wanted to know how to do this for quite a long time. Thanks.

Colin