I have the FileMaker Server 7v3 running on a Windows 2003 Server. I was able to connect to the server via the FM Server Administrator Console until I changed the Client Authentication Method from "FileMaker Accounts Only" to "FileMaker and External Server Accounts" using the Domain Groups.

I do require a password for the Administrator Authentication. I was able to use it to connect to the server for administration from the server or remotely until the change. Now I only receive "logon failed" when I type in the Administrator password.

I can use the domain groups to remotely access the database. That feature works great!

Why would the Client Authentication Method change the way the Administrator is authenticated? I can reinstall the FM Server but I would hate to do this every time I change the Server's features.

Appreciate Your Support! ???

You must have an fmsadmin group set up on your domain controller and have added yourself to that group in order the access the FM SAC using external authentication.

I forgot where I read it, but it is in the documentation somewhere. Took me weeks to figure that one out.

I created a local fmsadmin group and added our domain administrator to it. Additionally, I tried by creating a global fmsadmin group and adding it to the local fmsadmin along with the domain administrator. It still did not work. I went into the registry and changed the client authentication method back to it's original setting and requested the administrator not to use a password, but there is a key that is encrypted, which may of been the original password and setting, that I could not change.

When I originally set up the server, I had given the administrator a password and once I changed the client authentication method it seemed to be confused between the domain administrator and the FM server administrator password.

Since this is in pilot mode and I was trying to understand the settings, I finally reinstalled the FM Server and configured it with the outcome from my test. I am now well aware that the Administrator Authentication is linked to the Client Authentication so I have to be careful. We are upgrading from V3 to V7 and what a big change in security! I configured the fmserver to use local groups with domain accounts. The remote administration works great. The domain users can remotely access the databases without an extra login window and only work on what the priviledge sets allows them to.

Thanks ???

It happened to me too! It seems that going through that particular wizard resets the password. Try a blank password. Then, if you run the wizard again, remember to re-enter the admin password each time