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.

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.

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, 200718 yr by Guest

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)?

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

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.

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?

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