Clearing 'Maximum Number of Users Reached' message

[LaRetta]

We are currently running at maximum (without Server 7 yet). A few times, one of our systems crashes and needs to be restarted. When this happens and the User again tries to run the Opener, we get a message 'Maximum Number of Users Reached' message (Opener just performs external subscript from main file). In the past when this has happened, I kicked everyone out of FM and restarted the Host and it solved the problem.

We had it happen again today and we received this message again. But, just as I was posting about it, I tried again (10 minutes after the first attempt) and it let me in!! No users had signed off. Can someone explain how FileMaker tracks this? And what is the best way for me to handle it? Will waiting 10 minutes always resolve the problem or should I clear out some temp files somewhere? Restarting the Host always works but I get dirty looks from my Users when I kick them off.

Uh, yeah, I know the BEST answer ... get Server 7. It's coming. Until then, I do the best with what I have to work with. And (obviously) I'm new to networking FM.

LaRetta

[Kurt Knippel]

It is just updating a count on some set interval behind the scenes. Clearing out inactive guests at other times. Since there is no way to set the start of either of these tasks, it is hard to judge when they will happen.

Set the Server to log-off inactive guests after 5 minutes or so. That should help.

First and foremost find out why your server is crashing...it should not be. Start by turning off filesharing...you know its on...

[LaRetta]

Hi Kurt, I was unclear ...

"First and foremost find out why your server is crashing...it should not be. Start by turning off filesharing...you know its on... "

It isn't our server that crashes. You mean our network server? This is our individual computers which gets an illegal operation (or blue screen of death) of one sort or the other - never our network server (it has only crashed twice in a year) - both times, pre-FM. And the lockups aren't FM related but FM was open (minimized) at the time. Our host is on a computer by itself with static IP. It's rock solid and has never crashed (knock on wood).

Start by turning off file sharing? The Openers (Vaughan's Opener) are not set to share - only the main file on the host is set to share (and a few support files also in host directory). We use FMNet File Reference. No FM files exist on our server. Can you explain a bit more about this?

Our computer crashes are random and usually occur when someone has accessed Act (which we will soon be burying if I can figure how to pull it's history and activities) and sometimes Outlook freezes up. There are also memory resident programs installed on each system - Spybot, MemTurbo (per owner's request). I have turned off all screen savers on all systems, periodically optimize, scandisk and clear temps. I restart all computers once a day - and the host is restarted twice a day (morning and night). The host system never runs anything but FM and is not allowed to be touched at all. In fact, I'm considering putting masking tape over it. :^) Do I sound like a paranoid mother? Yep.

My personal feeling is that memory-resident 'memory savers' usually use more memory than they save. ^) But then, I'm no expert on the subject. And how often should I run file maintenance (compact and optimize) on the host file? I want to keep everything as pure as possible. Our main file is 285 mb (clone with no records is 1.1 mb) with 99% native FM graphics. I have never touched our network server. I know it produces a string of error messages in the event logs. IT person (outside contractor) said just clear them out and leave it alone. I clear the error messages 4-5 times a day. This seems strange to me - that these messages should mean that something needs fixed but I do as I'm told - this is Win2000, computers are WinXP Professional.

I also back up host file 4-5 times a day - using 'Save a Copy As.' So FM will clear itself of the crashed user after a certain interval? This will make my users very happy - which will make me happy. I can not find where I can disconnect a user after a certain idol period. We've been dragging our feet on purchasing Server7, hoping to find Server7 Advanced on eBay for a steal! Any other input would be most welcome.

LaRetta