I have a "processing" Database that imports an Excel Spreadsheet and places the appropriate data into Filemaker Tables. Its a long story but I am forced to do this in a two step process.

First I import the data into a FM database called ConvertedData.fp7 and then I process that data from a second Filemaker Database. When I import the Excel data into ConvertedData, I close the ConvertedData.fp7 and go on my merry way with the second Database processing as it should.

The problem is, if I proceed to run another spreadsheet through this process and attempt to "overwrite" the ConvertedData.fp7 file it stops me and says it's locked and can't overwrite the DB. I have to close my Processing Database and completely quit Filemaker and then re-open the processing Database and run the import script again in order to overwrite the ConvertedData.fp7 DB.

This happens in both Windows and MAC (I develop in both). I understand how a file can be locked when your using it but I've closed the ConvertedData.fp7 Database via a Script step and it's closed. The other Processing Database is open but it has no reason to keep this first DB open It has already put the data from ConvertedData.fp7 into it's tables. That file should not be locked.

I hope this makes sense. Any light on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Im not sure what you mean by "overwrite"... are you physically replacing the actual file with a new file? Or are you simply emptying the contents of the file and processing a new spreadsheet thru it? If you are simply deleting data in this table so that it can be reused, what is the purpose of closing it?

Something to keep in mind: If you have relational links in your tables that refer to this file, Filemaker will keep the file open but "hidden". Have you checked the "Window" menu under "Show Window" to verify your file actually closed?

Yes, I am literally "replacing" or "overwriting" the file with a new one. I did just check that "show window" menu choice and it's greyed out so my guess is that its closed.

But, I just noticed that there was a unrelated relationship of the ConvertedData datbase in the "relationships" section of the processing database. I removed that, and whala (sp?) it worked.

It helps to keep your relationships window real large so you can see everything in there.

:

Thanks for your help.

Another safeguard is to always go to a null layout when closing.