Unable to modify layout

[burtonk]

Hello,

I've been asked to modify the layout for a FM 8.5 database. I'm very new to filemaker pro, so I'll describe what I've found so far, and what the problem is. Go easy on me, but feel free to offer any thoughts you have and I'll try to answer any questions:

1 - The "database" is actually two databases. One database for the entry form, and one database for the data.

2 - Each database has it's own user list. It looks like in the past they just setup two accounts for each user: one in the "layout" database and one in the "data" database. The user must login twice to enter data into the form. I've offered to setup LDAP authentication, or have users login to the form as "Guest" but both ideas have been rejected.

The problems

1 - I am unable to modify the layout. It almost seems "locked" somehow. I am unable to change to "layout" view, which I think is how I should be able to edit the layout. If it helps, the menus on this database are not the standard File/Edit/View menus in the "data" database. They have been customized. The only standard menu available is "Define", and I'm unable to find anything in that menu that will allow me to select layout view.

2 - There is a print layout that I can't find anywhere. I think this is related to to the problem above, but I could be looking in the wrong place too.

I am logged on as an admin with full access. Please let me know if you have any ideas.

Thank you,

Kelly

[bcooney]

If you truly have the full access password, you need to restore the default FM menus. I believe in FMA 8.5 you should have a Tools menu, and the choice to restore default menus should be there.

[burtonk]

If you truly have the full access password, you need to restore the default FM menus. I believe in 8.5 you should have a Tools menu, and the choice to restore default menus should be there.

I don't have a tools menu in the layout. Do you think it's because there are other people using the layout database? I'm going to try disabling the FM server, and opening the database locally to see if that makes a difference.

Thanks,

Kelly

[bcooney]

I found a copy of FMA9 on my Mac, and in that version there is a Tools menu. You are running FM8.5 Advanced, correct? You need the Advanced version to turn off custom menus. Btw, the data/interface structure you have is called the Separation Model and is a method used by many developers. You should be able to get under the hood without disabling server.

[burtonk]

I found a copy of FMA9 on my Mac, and in that version there is a Tools menu. You are running FM8.5 Advanced, correct? You need the Advanced version to turn off custom menus. Btw, the data/interface structure you have is called the Separation Model and is a method used by many developers. You should be able to get under the hood without disabling server.

Well, you're right. Disabling the server didn't help. We do not have the "advanced" version of 8.5. But shouldn't I be able to click on the Browse/Layout/Preview button on the bottom to switch modes? the button is there, but when I click it won't switch off "browse" mode.

[bcooney]

You need advanced to turn off the custom menus. You should change your profile on the forums and remove the Advanced.