Query FMP 7 Database with VB.NET

[Jason Vetter]

Hi,

I am new to FileMaker but am an experienced VB.NET/VB/ASP/SQL Server Developer.

I am now working for a University where we have many FileMaker databases of varying versions from 5.5 to 7.

I am trying to figure out how to query a version 7 database from VB.NET.

I have read that I must do it via ODBC. So, I have installed the Version ODBC driver that I got from FileMaker's website.

When I go to create a System DSN, these are my only two FileMaker related options:

FileMaker Text Driver (*.*)

FileMaker Oracle8 Driver

Using the Text driver, it only asks for a directory and not a specific .fp7 file.

Can someone point me in the right direction to get me started?

Many thanks in advance!

Jason

[Wim Decorte]

ODBC is not your only choice. You may get better results through www.fmDotNet.org (a true .NET 2.0 class that uses FM's XML publishing).

If you really want to use ODBC:

You're not seeing the FM ODBC drivers because FM uses a 3rd party company to provide them. What you're looking for is the DataDirect SequeLink 5.4 drivers.

[Jason Vetter]

Okay. I have downloaded that but Im not yet sure if it will work as the database im working with is not setup to be web enabled.

I do have that 3rd party ODBC driver now but cannot seem to get that to work.

Must my database be a server edition of FileMaker?

My copy is not a server version and im not accessing it thru a web page.

[Wim Decorte]

You need FileMaker Server Advanced to make XML requests or ODBC requests from across the network.

Regular FileMaker Pro can be an ODBC data source but only for apps on the same machine as FMP