New to FM - Exporting Database Info? Field data?

[Calantha]

Hello,

I apologize if this question has been asked previously (I was unable to find solutions by searching through the Forum).

I have just been given a task to re-create and merge multiple databases. I have never used FileMaker Pro until this point (and quite frankly never worked with databases).

These databases contain multiple extensive calculations and data fields. Is it possible to somehow transfer those fields complete with calculation information over to my new database?

The old databases with be kept as backups but no longer updated so I understand I cannot "Relate" the databases...

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Sorry if my question is vague, as I mentioned before I'm learning the program from scratch as I type...!

Thank you!

[Lee Smith]

You should update your Profile to reflect the OS, platform and version of Filemaker you are using.

[Calantha]

Done.

Thanks.

[Lee Smith]

I have just been given a task to re-create and merge multiple databases. I have never used FileMaker Pro until this point (and quite frankly never worked with databases).

!

recreating from what to what? or are you just converting an earlier version of FM to v6 or 7?

These databases contain multiple extensive calculations and data fields. Is it possible to somehow transfer those fields complete with calculation information over to my new database?

Unless you are converting an earlier version to a new version using FM ability to convert, you will have to copy each of the calculations separately into it's corresponding field in the new file.

The old databases with be kept as backups but no longer updated so I understand I cannot "Relate" the databases...

Once converted, you wouldn't want to interact with the older files anyway, except to move the data over if they are not being converted by Filemaker.

I know this can be confusing, but just ask the question where you need clarity and we'll do our best to get you going.

HTH

Lee

[Calantha]

Thank you for your reply.

I am not swapping to a new version, just merely taking multiple databases, cleaning them up and merging them into one large database. Many people not quite sure about the program have been working on this database throughout the years and it is one confusing mess at this point.

In everything I read it seemed to say I would have to copy everything over individually. Unfortunately that could take awhile. It is unfortunate that they do not provide an opportunity to save layouts with fields and field definitions for importing into new databases... but I am sure there is some logical reason behind it that is just beyond my database comprehension at the current time.

Thank you again,

Calantha

[Lee Smith]

You might want to look at the utilities listed at

http://www.fmfiles.com/dev1.html

Especially the ones that show a link "URL"

HTH

Lee