FM Server 8 Can't Open Files After Upgrade

[Jim Strickland]

We just upgraded our FM server from version 7 to 8.0v4. Everything seemed to go successfully until it came time to open files. I have 89 files being hosted. 85 of those files open fine. However, I have four that won't open. When I look at the FM Server logs it shows errors for these files stating that they could not be opened because they may be damaged.

I have run each file through FM 8 Recover. They still will not open in FM Server 8. They open up fine directly through FM Pro 8 and 8.5.

I would appreciate any assistance, especially since one of these is our main database file.

[Fenton]

First, do NOT run files through Recover, then use them. It's poorly documented perhaps, but Recover is really "recover data"; it can damage your structure. Probably not, but why take a chance. Go back to earlier files if possible.

This problem of not opening is known. It's because 8 uses a better routine to check the files.

The recommended procedure is to Save a Copy as Compacted (after closing the hosted file of course), then use that copy. Do not use the new File Maintenance command in FileMaker Advanced, use the old way; once again poorly documented. Sigh.

The good news is your files will probably open after that. It was a fairly common thing.

[Jim Strickland]

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately, even Save a Copy as Compacted did not work.

I have read that my next option is to Save a New Copy (empty), then import the data from the old file.

Currently, even though it is not ideal, I have turned off consistency checking, until the issue can be resolved.

Edited January 20, 2007 by Guest

[Fenton]

If you're having trouble with a newer file, wouldn't you want to save a clone of an older file, then import the data from the newer file (with newer data)?

[Steven H. Blackwell]

Currently, even though it is not ideal, I have turned off consistency checking, until the issue can be resolved.

[color:red]Whoops. Continuing to use the files in this state will simply damage them further. Leave the consistency check on. You need to fix the 4 damaged files ASAP.

Steven

[Jim Strickland]

I understand. I am working on fixing it. However, while I am fixing it, I at least need to provide a file for my users to be able to browse.

Yes, when I said new copy (empty) I meant clone. I just couldn't remember the exact term.

[Jim Strickland]

When I perform a save as clone on a file that has many tables, is there a quick method for importing all of those tables, or do I have to do it manually, one table at a time?

[Steven H. Blackwell]

I think one at a time from exported data from the damaged file, not directly from the damaged file itself. To be effective this must be done from a clone from before the damage happened, not from a clone of the damaged file itself.

And let me re-emphasize that you not be hosting the damaged files as you will exacerbate their damage.

Steven