I have a file with external data source as:

file:Company_Data

fmnet:/xx.xxx.xx.xxx/Company_Data

Originally I had them reversed but when I needed to design in the file and wanted to reference my local dummy copy of the program, I couldn't switch them once I had opened the file (I had to close the served version so it would find the local copy). So now I have the local version first and if I want to activate the file, I remove the Company_data file locally and when it opens, it then finds the served version.

But, while I'm testing, I'm afraid it might not always grab the local version. I would like a way to display which source is being used before I begin changing the data with my tests. It makes me very nervous and I just want to be SURE!

I realize I can specify a data source and even Open Manage data sources with script. Is this how I'll have to confirm which is being used?

All I want is a Custom Dialog (which I click a button) to display: file:Company_data OR fmnet:/xx.xxx.xx.xxx/Company_Data ... or even the words "local files" or "served files".

It's probably right in front of my face; sometimes its difficult to see up close.

UPATE: Oh, I realize I can change some data and then check the date/time of the file but I don't want to find out THAT way because it would be too late; I'd be changing live data which could be bad. I just want to be SURE which source is being accessed. Maybe I can always trust that, if there is a local copy, it is being accessed but ... I don't do well with trust.

LaRetta

Edited January 28, 200817 yr by Guest
Added update

If you have a preference file in the solution you could put "Server File" or "Local File" in a "Location" field within it. Then you could just call up a Custom Dialog to display that fields data.

You could also use a Global, but you'll need to make the change in the file before hosting it on the server. (Unless you use a FileMaker Server-side script to set the global value -- those stick!)

I suppose another option would be to just have a script in the file that is different from the server copy vs. the local copy. Without modifying the schema at all, just call the script to display a dialog with the text you specify in the calculation (Server or Local message).

Edited January 28, 200817 yr by Guest

why not just have a global calculation using "Get (HostName)"?

Thank you both for the suggestions!! In truth, I figured there must be a way to accomplish it without adding a field (which was my goal) and Mr. Vodka just handed it to me ... script in data file with (as Breezer suggested), Get (HostName ) in a Custom Dialog. I simply call the script (upon open) as subscript from my file. Now I have the best of both worlds ... I can feel safe when I open my file that I'm accessing the correct data file and I won't need to add an unnecessary field to do it.

Much appreciated. :smile2: