Can I import tables into one file?

[DPS]

I have a database that was first built in FM 5 or earlier. At that time, each database was it's own file with relationships that keep breaking etc...

Now FM 7 and up can have all those tables in one file. Is there any ways I can bring all my files together in one and re-link them or do I have to re-build everything from scratch?

[Ender]

With FM8 Advanced, you can import the tables from other files and reset the references. The scripts can be imported separately, and the layouts and value lists must be manually recreated (by copying & pasting, if you wish.)

There is no such built-in functionality in FM7, but if you have access to the Developer version, there is a utility called FM Robot that can import much of the elements from other files.

I have done several file merges without either tools, and it really wasn't bad Here's the process:

1. Print to PDF, the field list of the source file, open the PDF in Preview.

2. Go into Define Database in the destination file and type (or copy & paste) all of the fields exactly as they were in the source file, skipping the calculation definitions until last.

3. Redefine the table sources on the relationship graph to use the local tables.

4. Define a blank layout for each layout in the source file, with the exact same name as the originals.

5. Import the relevant scripts in ScriptMaker. The layout references should link up to the correct layouts.

6. Copy & paste or redefine the value lists that were used in the source file.

7. Copy the layout elements from each source layout & paste to the destination layout. The buttons should link up to the correct scripts.

8. Check the calcs, scripts, value lists, and layout fields and buttons to make sure everything linked up correctly.

Having FM8 Advanced will let you skip steps 1 & 2 with the click of a button, but the rest still must be done manually.