Migrating server 5.5 from Mac to Windows - Issues?

[Whit Porter]

I have a client who wants to move his FMS 5.5 solution from an old mac to a new PC. I'm wondering if there are any issues I should be aware of? Has any one had any eexperience in such a move worth sharing?

Many thanks in advance.

[DykstrL]

Here's the things to look for:

1. Make sure all served files have the FP5 extension (or a runtime extension).

2. If the new box is going to use a different server name and/or IP address, you will probably have to re-point some relationships, external script pointers - anything to do with related files, they sometimes break in a migration to a new server.

The big difference between server 5 on the Mac and Win is that on WIndows, FM server runs as a service - there is no window to administer the server such as opening/closing files, etc. Those tasks can be done via a command prompt window or - my recommendation - via the Server administrator plug-in. It is installed on a client box (Mac or Win).

[Whit Porter]

Thanks for your comments which are very helpful. Question: is there a recommended version of Win for running an FMP server?

ALso - the server administrator plug-in that you mention. It comes with FM Server 5.5 for Windows, or is is part of windows itself. (Sorry - I'm not familiar with windows. Yet. (Heavy sigh.)

Thanks again!

[DykstrL]

I would not run FMS 5.5 on anything older than Win2000. FMS seems to work very well with Win 2000 with SP4 or XP with SP1. We are just now doing testing on XP SP2 - so no recommendation on that.

Yes - the server administrator plug-in is on the Server install disk. To install it on a client machine, run the install and select custom install - there one of the options is to install just the admin plug-in. The same option is used to install the admin plug-in on a Mac client.