I am constructing a new file. about two weeks ago the file was called "Names". I then changed the name to "FixNation DB".

Now,when I open the file, and the first time I try to select Define Database , I get a message saying:

"Names.fp7" could not be opened. (Not Found).

Next a selection window opens, I select "Cancel", and then everything works OK.

This only happens the first time I try to open the DB Definitions window, but it is an annoyance, and I don't want to eventually turn this over to the users with this flaw. I have done a search, and there is no file named "Names.fp7" anywhere (except on my Time Machine backup disk.

How do I track down and eliminate this phantom file?

It is not a phantom "file," it is more of a phantom "File Reference." I don't know which version of FileMaker you're using. You need to update your profile here, because it is obviously not FileMaker 5 you're using.

But in the File menu you will see something like Manage (used to be Define Database), then External Data Sources (used to be File References). Somewhere in there you likely have a "Names.fp7" reference. Now, what to do with it. My understanding is that you do not need this at all, because it is supposed to be a reference to your current file; but a file does not need a reference to itself, it's implied.* So, I would likely delete it, after looking at the Relationship Graph to make sure there were no table occurrences based on it.

Or you could change it to the name of the current file instead. But that's a little weird, in my opinion.

If this is a multi-file solution, you should NOT rename the files manually. You should get FileMaker Pro Advanced, which has a Tool to do that correctly; it adjusts the internal references for you.

*Imports, etc., can have a script reference to the current file, but that's different from a File Reference.

P.S. If this file was converted from a FileMaker pre-7 version, you may see all kinds of other junk in the File References. In which case you should post again, as you've got some tricky clean-up you could (should) do.

P.P.S. Always backup your file before messing with this serious stuff.

Edited July 3, 200916 yr by Guest
Serious stuff

Thanks for the lead - I am using FMP 7 - I went to the File References menu and deleted Names.fp7, and all is now working correctly.