convert fm pro 7 to fm 5.5?

[janey420]

I have a client that has a FM 5.5 file that he wants me to modify. I only have FM Pro 7.

Is there any way that I can open his file in FM 7 to modify, then save back to FM 5.5?

Please help! I am stuck!!!

Thanks,

Kelly

[Lee Smith]

In a word - No.

The two applications are totally different, and not backwards compatible.

You might be able to download a demo of v6, and make your changes in it. Those two files are compatible, but you still have to be mindful of the changes that were made in v6.

HTH

LEE

[JoanieAKBoat]

Hey Lee,

Can you tell me what the similariities with between v6 and v7 are?

I've got a small office w/ 5 licenses. The host server is on v5.5, I've got one v6 license, and I'm in the process of upgrading all licenses to v7. My assumption is that v5/v5.5/v6 were all compatible and the same and all would need to be 'migrated' to v7. From your suggestion to Kelly I'm wondering if a stepped conversion might be helpful.

As a side, my 'migration plan' is to make the necessary script changes in v5.5/6 in order to convert to v7 and to give my boss the email capabilities, and then continue with the real v7 development, ie learning/utilizing the new table system.

So - are there any benefits to converting v5.5 to v6 and then migrating to v7?

Thanks, Joanie

[Lee Smith]

Hi Joanie,

I'll answer the easiest question first.

are there any benefits to converting v5.5 to v6 and then migrating to v7?

No, you should be able to migrate each of the file types you mentioned directly into v7, no need to migrate them through v6 first. However, just so you know, I'm new to v7 too, and have just started to kick the tires, and look under the hood. I plan to do a lot of Searches of this Forum as I work my way through the learning curve. I remember a lot of good advice being given in the past (still is), so I know most of my questions have already been asked the answers.

I know from experience, that when converting older versions to the newer versions, FileMaker has done a good job of making it as painless as possible. However, if I were considering making any changes to a file, I would Create a new file with the desired feature(s) in the latest version because, with each new release of FileMaker, they have usually incorporated a few new features to help us do our job better, and it offers a good opportunity to learn the new version.

I hope this makes sense.

Anyway good luck in your migration.

HTH

LEE