Backing Up Host Filemaker Pro

[DanMarks]

Hi,

My client can't doesn't want to get FileMaker server at the moment, they only have five users and sharing a database on FileMaker Pro is working well. However then need a backing up system.

The host file is stored on a server, and I have been trying to work out a way to backup the file.

I have created a save copy as script, but I can only get this to work by running this on the host machine.

Is there a way to run this script from the client end without having to remotely access the server?

Or the other option I investigated was scheduling a database close at 4am.

This would allow for the database to be backed up from its location.

And then reopen the database at 4.30am.

However, I can not get the database to remember the user name & password, and so reopening of the database is not successfull without user input. I also do not want the database to use 'Log in using...' as it poses as a security risk when sharing remotely.

So i've kinda drawn a blank, and just wondered if anyone had any ideas?

Cheers,

Dan

[bcooney]

"The host file is stored on a server" -- a Filemaker file should only be hosted on a FM Server box or shared using peer-to-peer. It should never reside on a fileserver.

They might want to consider a hosting service.

[VincentO'B]

Hi Dan

I remember someone posting about this years ago on this site but I cannot find it now.

I do not know if you are using Mac or PC but if it is a Mac you can use iCal to open any file at a given date and time.

So you can create a .fp7 file specifically for this purpose, create an opening script and use it to close your Main file make a back-up of it and re-open it again.

Not sure of your set-up so you may have some issues getting it working correctly.

Vincent

[IdealData]

Look at using OnTimerScript to execute a script to run the Save A Copy As script step. With a little work using a variable for a filename you should easily make up a script to save the database with date and time encoded in the filename.

Incidentally, as bcooney also points out, under NO CIRCUMSTANCES have a file stored on a "server" - that is, where it can be accessed through conventional file sharing - always access using FileMaker sharing, with a copy of FMPro or FMServer actually hosting the file(s).

[bcooney]

Save a Copy as is not available for a hosted file. How could he use an OnTimer script?

If they value their data, they'd get FMS or a person dedicated to closing the file and manually backing it up.

[DanMarks]

Sorry to confuse every one, the file is is shared from the server via the 5003 port.

It is not a case of valuing data, it is cost, it is a relative small business, that have just invested several grand into database development, and the moment they cannot afford to pay the extra for the server just for the backup benefit when they do not need the rest of the features. This solution is a short term solution until they can afford to invest further money.

Vincent, that would be a great solution but unfortunately its Windows 2008 R2 server .

Ideal Data, would Install On Time function not work, if I got it to run on the hosted database on the server, and entered 86400 in the seconds (24 hours). Meaning that it would save copy as every 24hrs.

Thanks,

Dan

[bcooney]

"Just for the backup benefit," seriously?

[IdealData]

Save a Copy as is not available for a hosted file

Oh yes it is - when you are THE HOST

How could he use an OnTimer script?

As the host you can trigger a new window and an OnTimerScript at start up - just detect if you are host or client.

Point taken about FMS, however I have my own clients running FMP as host "server" and still using the host as an active user. Although in all instances the database(s) being served and FMP installation are on the same computer, without file sharing and thus forcing FM networking.

None of the above I would recommend from a "purist" aspect - but then you need to bring MONEY into the equation.

[bcooney]

"have just invested several grand into database development"-- with no thought to backup. Yikes.

[IdealData]

Ideal Data, would Install On Time function not work, if I got it to run on the hosted database on the server, and entered 86400 in the seconds (24 hours). Meaning that it would save copy as every 24hrs.

Yes, every 86400 seconds. I presume your setup is a dedicated FMP host on the Windows Server, sharing the database via FM networking, and clients connect via File > Open Remote. It's as good as it gets without FMS.

Incidentally, FMS is not just a "better backup option", it is much more robust and dedicated database server. It is fine tuned for multi-core processors and much more resilient to application crashes.

Please make sure YOU keep a copy of the delivered installation file if the client file should become damaged, although I suspect this all part of your service.