I've created a runtime solution for my database and placed both it and the USR file on our shared server. When one user is working with it, nobody else can connect. Is this how it's supposed to work? Is there a workaround to allow multiple users to access simultaneously?

As always, thanks in advance for any advice!

Yes, creating a runtime solution is single-user. Otherwise, FileMaker wouldn't be able to make any money or have to charge licensing fees for distribution of runtime solutions.

All you have to do is use FileMaker Pro 8 (5 simultaneous users) or FileMaker Server 8 (250 simultaneous users) as a host on a dedicated computer. Then, each client or guest will need a copy of FileMaker Pro to access the solution through Open Remote.

Thanks, John. I just need to get licenses for each of the users, then?

So a runtime solution is for ... what, sending files to a client or some such thing?

Runtime is for situations where there will be only one user.

When you get your FileMaker licenses: don't put the files on a shared server like you were doing with the USR files. OS file sharing leads to performance problems and eventually to file corruption. The files need to be opened locally with either FileMaker Server or FileMaker Pro and everyone else needs to use "open remote" to connect to the host.