We have a folder containing a DB solution that starts from a Main Menu file located within the FM Server (5.5) folder (running on a Windows LAN).

To make a shortcut so that the opening Main Menu file is visible in hosts on remote computers do we create a shortcut to the file or the folder...then restart FM Server...and/or should FM Server be stopped before doing it.

Out techie is away for 3 weeks and I' mthe only one who knows about FM Pro but I'm not up to speed with Server!!! (or Windows!!!)

TIA

Stephen K

Stephen K:

Do NOT create an OS-level shortcut to the Main Menu file. The best way to create what amounts to a shortcut is to make an "opener file" (there are many posts regarding this), which is a local FileMaker file, which will open your Main Menu file. You can create this file on one computer and distribute it to the other users on the network who have FileMaker, and it will work for all of them:

1. In FileMaker Pro, create a new database. It doesn't need any fields, so dismiss the field definition window that should automatically open.

2. Go to the Scripts menu item, and thus to "ScriptMaker."

3. Type "Startup" in the box and click "create."

4. In the resulting window, highlight the entire script in the right-hand pane (it's a default script) and delete it, then scroll down in the menu on the left to the "File" section, and select "Open."

5. In the resulting dialog box, click on "Hosts" (in the lower-right) and find your "Main Menu" file hosted on the server, and select that.

6. Save the script by clicking "OK" in that window, and then "done" in the main ScriptMaker window.

7. Go to the "FileMaker Pro" menu item, and select Preferences>Document...

8. In the ensuing dialog, select your script as the startup script.

Now, when this file is opened, it will automatically open your "Main Menu" file via the server. You can also add a second script step (Close File) to close the opener file, and lots of other things too.

It'll work until your IT guy gets back, and then some.

-Stanley

Thanks Stanley

But...I'm basically working in a Windows environment with most people accessing the file through Windows machines...the DBs are hosted on a Windows based server.

I'm not sure that your solution helps in that case?

Thanks

Stephen

Sorry Stanley

For some reason I was thinking Applescript rather than Scriptmaker...I will investigate!!!

Stephen

Stephen K:

That solution is totally cross-platform, which is why it is so commonly used.

-Stanley

But...I'm basically working in a Windows environment with most people accessing the file through Windows machines...the DBs are hosted on a Windows based server.

I hope this does not, repeat not mean that the files are being directly accessed off some file server by OS level sharing. If so, make plans today for their demise.

Using FIleMaker Server, they should be accessed via Open Remote. I thought this was what you were doing; however this description casts doubt.

HTH

Steven