When I open the file "matters.fp7" or run this script:

tell application "FileMaker Pro Advanced"

activate

open "Macintosh HD:Fees_Program:Fees Data:matters.fp7"

end tell

I get the message:

"FileMaker cannot share files because another user is already sharing files using FileMaker Pro on this computer."

Clicking "OK" opens the file and it appears full functional, but, of course, the script hangs because of the dialogue......

I am not running FM Pro Server - I tried to install a trial and struck problems. I have uninstalled it using appzapper (makes a great noise!).

What's the John Dory (i.e. story)?

It sounds like the system is trying to open either another copy of FileMaker - or the same copy twice - neither of which will work. Thats all I got so far.

If I try turning off sharing - with no files open - I get:

"FileMaker cannot share files because another user is already sharing files using FileMaker Pro on this computer."

Use the FileMaker uninstaller.

Use the FileMaker uninstaller.

There isn't one (Its Mac) - but I reinstalled it (again) without uninstalling and it is not playing up now

I spoke too soon - its back to its old tricks, which suggests I must have had FMP open but minimised in order to be fooled