File Referencing. . . not working

[Myrtle]

I'm working on a database that came into my possesion about three weeks ago. It has passed through many hands, has been copied a few times, backed up a few more times and some of the file referencing is a little off. The main database references three other databases to fill in fields, some with images, some with information. However, the current, up to date database that I am working in is referencing old databases. . . and I want it to reference the newer ones. I am struggling to change the file referencing, and I think it is because somehow the file extensions were lost or deleted in the process of upgrading to newer software or saving backups. From what I know, I might need to write an external script. I dont' know what this means. . . if anyone can help, that would be great. I'm a little lost. Need a filemaker friend.

[Ender]

File References can be adjusted under File->Define->File References. In there, you can set the correct path of each external file. The best format for files residing in the same directory is just to use:

file:FileName

If there are additional lines referencing an unused fixed file path or network path, you can simple delete them.

In converted solutions, there may be multiple File Reference definitions to the same file. Ideally you should consolodate these, but the process of consolidating multiple File References can be cumbersome depending on the complexity of the solution. In any case, don't delete a File Reference definition unless you know you've gone through and changed all the places it is used to another File Reference.

[Myrtle]

Great, file:FileName seems to work. However, there are a few copies of the files I am referencing (leftover) in my documents. . . I would like to consider deleting them and just relying on one. Do you see any reason why I shouldn't delete old copies?

And I am not sure what you mean by converted solutions?

[Ender]

The old and duplicate File References get there from converting a FM6 or earlier file to FM7/8. Like I said, they should ideally be consolidated, but it can get hairy. You don't want to just delete the duplicate File Reference definitions without knowing what they are used for, or you'll end up with scripts, calc, and value lists that suddenly say "".

As I recall, the process of isolating and consolidating File References is described in the Migration and Methodologies tech brief on filemaker.com:

http://www.filemaker.com/downloads/pdf/techbrief_fm8_migrtn_found.pdf

Unfortunately, since the file is already in FM7/8 format, you won't be able to use Metadata Magic's File Reference Fixer, the easiest way to fix File References across an FM5/6 solution.