Running Runtime off of CD

[Renee B]

Hello everyone-

Here is my problem: I need to run the Runtime file off of the CD and place all the remaining relational/dll files onto the hard drive of the user's computer. The relational files need to be on the hard drive and not on the CD because I have complex searches where data is written to these files.

Is this possible?

The reason I need this done is for security. I am going to be using Hexalock CD-R's and wish to run my main file off the CD so users cannot give the CD to others without losing their access to the files.

Thank you in advance.

If this question has been posted before, please let me know. I searched and didn't find anything that answered my question.

-Renee

**These files are going to run in Windows 2000

Edited October 14, 2005 by Guest

[BrentHedden]

I've had the runtime file(s) in a separate directory than the database files before, because of client request simular to yours.

Each time they run the software, it'll pop up an "error" message stating "File X cannot be found and is required for this operation", because it's expecting that file in the same directory as the runtime files. A slight irritation, but it'll work.

This really won't add any security, since someone might think "Hey, why don't I just buy FileMaker, and open these database files with it, instead of using the CD?". Or, they could buy Developer/Advanced and create their own runtime files based off the main database files. Crazy and probably won't happen, but it is possible.

It appears that you are already aware of such, but the database files themselves can't be on the CD, since the CD is read-only.

I'm basing this off of my knowledge of FM6, not 7/8. I don't see any reason why this would have changed, though.

[Renee B]

I had a feeling that there was no way around the error message. Since my customer is charging a lot of money for this product, I have a feeling that the error message will be unacceptable. Guess I'll have to find another way to protect the contents of the CD.

Thanks for the help-

Renee