Missing container files...

[applecork]

After studying the forum discussions I have been unable to find a solution to my particular problem. Any help would be appreciated.

My movie library database includes 678 QT movie trailers. The QT trailers were being presented in a Container field.

I recently bought a new computer and after consolidating two hard drives, my QT trailers were moved and now FM no longer sees them and the container field is presenting me with a message stating: 'The file cannot be found:'

I have begun relinking the container and the source files manually and I'm wondering if there is a better way to do this?

The manuals do not offer a solution and after going through a couple of hundred records I gave up.

This is unsatisfactory! A simple line of code could be used to restore the path/relationship between the container field and the source files but if there is such a solution I cannot find it.

[Fenton]

I don't have time to go into details at the moment. But it can be done. Basically, you still have the old path to the movie files, in the container field. Use GetAsText ( container field ) in a calculation field, result text, to see it. You need to use that info in a new calculation field, result Container, in order to produce a valid FileMaker syntax path to the images.

Either that or use Import Folder command, into the container field, with the Matching records option, matching file names (if unique). Or a combo of both methods.

I'm surprised you didn't see anything about this search here. Though a solution to your problem requires some more information from you, about what is different in the paths, and about the file names. Then we can fine tune the best solution.

However, "A simple line of code could be used to restore the path/relationship between the container field and the source files" is somewhat misleading. Because you cannot restore that path with code. You can use a calculation field instead, or you can restore it via an Import Folder.

[comment]

I believe it's possible to to replace the path directly in the original container field (while losing some information such as size and relative path). Something like:

Replace Field Contents [ Container ; Substitute ( RightValues ( Container ; 1 ) ; "" ; "" ) ]

However, it might be more convenient to do something similar to Fenton's suggestion:

1. Put the path to the new folder into a global text field;

2. Extract the movies names into a text field;

3. Define a calculation field (result is Container) = gPath & MovieName

This way you can move the folder to a new location and have Filemaker "chase" the contents by simply correcting the global path.

Edited January 2, 2008 by Guest

[Dudley Dufort]

So, if I understand the replies to this query the only way to "find" empty container fields is to create a new calc field that tests if the container is empty then you do a "find" on the new calc field. Am I reading this right?

Dudley

[comment]

Am I reading this right?

Probably not, since this thread has nothing to do with finding empty container fields.

You do need a calc field to find empty container fields. However, if a container field holds a reference to a file, then Filemaker considers the field as not empty - even if the referenced file doesn't exist.

[Dudley Dufort]

Sorry I posted to the wrong topic. Thanks for the help.

Dudley