FM 8.5 unexpectedly quits when I use one specific field.

[JulieG]

Hi All - Thanks in advance for reading my post on my problem.

I have a FM database to record qualitative historical research. It's all been going fine until today. I went to create a new record, and when I wrote in one specific field and then clicked the previous record button, the program unexpectedly quit. Only in that sequence of events does this happen - but it happens every time I do it.

I have several backups of earlier versions of the database but it doesn't seem to be happening on them - only on the most recent version of the database when I create a new record.

I have been using FM for a few years, but am not very tech savvy and am at a loss for how to approach this. Should I try to reinstall the program on my computer?

Thanks in advance -

Julie

[mr_vodka]

First try saving a copy as compacted. Ideally, to be safe, you may want to export the data from your current file and import it into a clean cloned copy from a backup.

[JulieG]

Hey John - Thanks for your response. Hey, I just noticed that when the issue happens, a file-a-report message comes up and it's filled w/ code. I know nothing about code, but is there some information embedded in all this that could tell me something about why it's failing?

Thanks again - Julie

[mr_vodka]

Did you save a copy as compacted?

Also it wont hurt to reinstall client

[JulieG]

Your original suggestion did the trick, I'm pretty sure. I cloned the db, ran recovery on the clone, then exported the data in each layout, and then imported the merge data, and it seems to be working well w/o recreating the problem. Just want to follow up to say thanks for your help and also for other novice types who might have a similar problem to know how my problem resolved. The guy who helped me at FM was named John too and since this database is my whole PhD life, perhaps I will name my first child after you guys :-)