Corrupt Layout?

[Rick Whitelaw]

Today I had a strange thing happen. I was entering data in a portal on a layout. I had used this layout for years through many versions (currently FMPA v12.03 Mac OS X 10.7.5). I did some work in another window then returned to the layout in question. Suddenly the portal only showed one row and there was no way to enter data. I checked the relationships and made sure Allow Creation etc. was enabled. All perfect. Finally I retrieved a backup copy of the entire solution to the desktop. In the backup all was well, but everything else was identical. Relationships etc were the same. I closed the backup and returned to the active file, created a new layout and copied all objects from the original and it works perfectly. I had expected to recreate all the objects but didn't need to. I can only conclude the Layout entity itself had become corrupt. Anyone else encounter this?

Rick.

[LaRetta]

I would be interested to see recover logs from both for comparison. BTW, had you tried closing and reopening the file and did it still show only one row? Was it served at the time? That hasn't happened to me, sorry it happened to you. I doubt that I would trust the file now.

[Rick Whitelaw]

Hi,

Yes, I tried quitting FM. I even restarted the machine. Recover shows no problems on either file. And, as I said, all relationships etc are identical. This is what makes this so quirky.

Rick

[Mark Jones]

I just upgraded to FMP 12.  I was editing a layout and my containers that are in a relationship with another file.  It won't let me edit them. Delete them or move them.  They are just stuck there.  I can edit the text fields just not the relationship container fields. 

 

It's on the last layout called Power Point.  I have never seen this happen in Filemaker going back to 3.0.

 

The file is up for download.  http://readyrangers.tzo.com/marko/rradvanc.fmp12

 

 

Mark Jones

[Lee Smith]

Hi Mark, 

 

Are you in a New Window when trying to edit?

[Mark Jones]

Thanks Lee.  It's been a while since you helped me on a calendar calculation and I appreciate your help here.

 

I am in layout mode.  I have several fields on the layout.   The relational fields from the main database.. picture and boys name are not editable.  I can't delete them or move them.  They are stuck in layout mode.  They work...but I can't affect them. I have my desktop and my laptop both respond the same when I try and edit that layout.  It's just the container fields that are locked up. The other text relational fields are editable and moveable in layout mode.  

 

I just checked the other layouts that I have not modified. The relational data (Container Fields) are not editable. 

 

The file I showed a link to.  Will do the same thing. 

 

I just installed fmp 12  3 days ago. 

 

Mark Jones

 

 

Hi Mark, 

 

Are you in a New Window when trying to edit?

[Lee Smith]

Is there a reason you didn't post your file here?

 

I downloaded your file from the link, I do not see a layout called Power Point.

 

The two related files in you relationships graph are missing.

[Mark Jones]

Here is a new set of files.

 

 

I have my own server and it was just easier for me to put them there. I tried several uploads of files but they bombed.  .

 

http://readyrangers..../rrangers.fmp12

http://readyrangers..../rradvanc.fmp12

http://readyrangers.tzo.com/marko/gph.fmp12

 

I checked out some of my other relational databases that look to the rrangers.fmp12 file for global containers like our Royal Rangers Emblem. They were acting the same way.

 

I did find with some tinkering that if I clicked on the layout once and hung around it would give me the edit bars to move change or delete it..but that is really annoying and it's never

been a factor before in any of the versions since 3.0, 4.0, 7.0 8.5 and 11.3 and now 12.

 

I have another thread in this layout forum that I am working with in this file..this is something I just discovered new.

 

The database has the little spinning circle like the hour glass in windows that shows activity but It's not been there before in 11.3 It acts like it's looking for something. The containers are all embeded in the database and they are not large graphic files most under 300k. It's just the relational containers that are acting up.

 

Mark Jones

[Mark Jones]

Here is the 3 files.  My program started in Filemaker 3.0 and I have upgraded all the way through to 12 now.  Hense all the files.  I have over 35 related files in the program. It's graphical and these 3 files are 44 meg in  size.

 

The Related Container field located on the "Full Page Power Point" layout in the RRadvanc file it's on the Body in Layout mode to the left.  On this layout it's part of a Label layout.  Yet it makes no different. It behaves the same way in my other 35 related files.  It's just the related container fields. 

 

If your in layout mode and you want to change the container layout you click on it. It doesn't do anything.  Sometimes you will have to click off

the page area and try and click it again to get the handles to show up.  This is a new glitch it hasn't been like this in any of the previous versions of Filemaker 3 - 11. 

 

If your careful and patient you can click on it on the edges of the container and get it to give you handles.  It's really clunky and frustrating.  The rest of the fields behave as normal and in layout mode you just click on them and you can change as usual.  Related Container fields are aggravating. Also the other fields if you click on them..they move on you. YOu have to click undo move to get them back in position.

 

So far everything else seems to be working. 

 

Mark Jones

 

[Mark Jones]

Hi Lee. I cleaned up these 3 new files and removed the relationship files we didn't need.   Also fixed the link to the GPH file.  These 3 files are my latest files. 

 

Is there a reason you didn't post your file here?

 

I downloaded your file from the link, I do not see a layout called Power Point.

 

The two related files in you relationships graph are missing.

I tried the upload file and the advanced upload file choices. Each time it acted like it was uploading and then it would give a red flag bar and say file not there.  I tried with my wireless laptop in town and when I got home off my desktop.  So I put the files back on my server and updated them. 

 

The container issue needs to be figured out.  Filemaker is too good of a program to have something like this in there.

 

Mark Jones

[Lee Smith]

Be sure you have met the requirement that your file or folder has been ZIPPED

 

Do not use "POST" Instead use "More Reply Options"

Go to the bottom of the page and note 

Attach Files

Choose File (no file selected) this takes you to your HD to find the file. Select the file and choose OKAY or enter...

Your file should now appear next to the Choose File where it previously said (no file selected)

Now click on "Attach this File"

Now you can "Add Reply"

 

If you are positive you have done this and you are still having problems, let me know.

[Mark Jones]

ok  This is what I get from my 45 meg upload.  Same thing with one file or a zipped file or a zipped folder.

RRadvanc.zip

No file was selected for upload

 

Mark Jones

These files are the same files.  Just on my server.

 

http://readyrangers..../rrangers.fmp12

http://readyrangers..../rradvanc.fmp12

http://readyrangers....marko/gph.fmp12

[Lee Smith]

That means that you didn't select RRadvanc.zip.

 

I'm not sure why this isn't completing. Once you have selected RRadvanc.zip in the Choose File window and the click on the button "Okay" or whatever windows has for saying Okay, and RRadvanc.zip should then show next to Choose File.

 

If you still can't make it work, I could walk you through it. Do you have Skype or AOL, iMessage or some other form of chatting?

[LaRetta]

Hi Mark,

 

Are the Student Name and Image the two fields showing in the center which say <file missing>?  And all your relationships are missing in the single file I received so I don't know what to check for you.  On that layout, tell me exactly what you can do to show me how it breaks because I see two breaks and they are in the center.

[Mark Jones]

Will try this again.  This is a video file showing what I am talking about on the layout mode and the relational Container fields.

The file seems to have uploaded this time.  1st time out of about 8 tries. 

 

Mark Jones

 

[LaRetta]

No attachment.

[Mark Jones]

It didnt' work. I will post the file on my server and let you grab it there.   File is http://readyrangers.tzo.com/marko.zip

It contains the 3 Filemaker 12 files and a pdf file the powerpoint look alike and the video of what I am talking about using Filemaker pro.  It's capturing the screen and me talking.  You may have to turn your volume up to hear me.

 

Mark Jones

[LaRetta]

While it is downloading, I want to commend you for hanging in there and for providing this detail so we can help you.  Wow, these files are huge - no wonder ... it says 30 minutes to download, LOL.  I'll be back later. ;-)

[Mark Jones]

Put the 3 files in the same folder.  I am sorry most of my data files are separte files.  The database is over 20 years old before we could put it all in one file  Most of these files have been around and working for years and years.  So I haven't changed them.

 

I appreciate your help on this layout issue.  You all have always been very helpful and I don't like to bother you unless I can't figure it out.  My ways are simple but they work.

 

 

Mark Jones

[LaRetta]

Hmmm, it is saying the files AREN'T that huge but I am still at only 8% of the first file.  I have had files which were corrupt run dawg-slow during download and it makes me wonder ...  Anyway, still only at 10% so bye for now.

[Mark Jones]

Sorry for the slow download.  The avi file may not play.  It was using a older codec you may not have.  I put up a different avi file in the marko.zip file that should play.

 

Yes the database is highly graphical.  Lots of emblems and pictures and such.  Church boyscouts love patches. 

 

I am to going to hit the sack.  So if you get a chance to look at that layout issue with the handles holler at me.

Mark Jones

[LaRetta]

Well, it says it downloaded just fine and it is only 80MB but when I open it it says it is corrupt.  If you wish to email me your file, send me a private message and I will try one last time. 

 

ADDED:  I decided to download it again.  38 minutes later (now) it is only at 90% downloading at 47.5kb/second.  I was hoping to surprise you when you woke up with an answer but now *I'm* going to bed so ...    geez ... only 91%.

Edited March 21, 2013 by LaRetta

[Mark Jones]

Well. I just checked the logs.  We had a backpack and hike and this last saturday and there was over a hundred hits checking out the photo's.  My server runs off my home dsl connection.  upload speed is only 1.2 meg and if that gets split between 10 users it can get slow.  It works well for my not for profit uses. 

 

Thanks for bearing with the slow speed. 

 

Mark Jones

[Mark Jones]

You will be able to view the avi file with Real Player play it full screen to get the right resolution. 

 

Mark Jones

[LaRetta]

I got it downloaded last night. I can open but the avi will not play. Just tell me in one sentence what object you cannot select or enter.

[Mark Jones]

Layout mode - Body part, - Container Fields that hold graphics.  Handles are slow to respond. 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88HoO0EQowM

Here is a video on youtube that explains it.  Sorry for the hum. 

 

Mark Jones

[LaRetta]

Okay, I watched the video.  The issue is that some of your container fields are set to transparent and you also have an overlay grouped object (which includes the header and footer) which is grouped and transparent.

 

The effect is that, if you click just inside a border on the container, you are bypassing the container.  If you change the container background to white (such as your picture which is currently transparent), you can select it by clicking in the middle of it.

 

So select the transparent overlay (watch the handles appear in all four corners of the layout and Arrange > Send To Back) then select your containers and make sure they are all solid fill.

 

ADDED:  Transparent objects can be difficult to grab.

Edited March 22, 2013 by LaRetta

[Mark Jones]

I figured this was a new feature that I had not ran accross yet.  I must be doing the same thing in most of my other 35 files. It's a common thing in these files as well.

 

Will play with it and see if I can fix the issue.

 

Thanks for your help. 

 

Mark Jones

[LaRetta]

I did some work in another window then returned to the layout in question. Suddenly the portal only showed one row and there was no way to enter data. I checked the relationships and made sure Allow Creation etc. was enabled. All perfect. Anyone else encounter this?

Rick.

Hey Rick, it is quite possible that the field, even if completely within the portal row visually was not being seen as in the portal, which could disallow entry. 12 portals are a bit touchy with its new stickibility characteristics and placement within rows. I've had this happen quite often particularly recently on this current project where I have complex multiple portals and objects.

If possible, and you still have a copy of that file, try moving the container slightly which can prompt its recognition. Or if it happens again try dragging object out of portal and back. You can actually ( many times ) FEEL its stickiness break and connect while dragging in and out.

I hope you figured it out. :-)

[Rick Whitelaw]

I rebuilt the layout. All fine now.

[Mark Jones]

I changed the fill on those container fields. While doing that I notice when I right clicked on the boys picture container it didn't give me the option of fill.  It showed up in the inspector and once clicked white fill it showed up on the right click as a option as before it wasn't a option. 

 

Thanks for figuring this out it was getting frustrating. 

 

Mark Jones

[Mark Jones]

Lee thanks for coaching me on the file uploads to the forums.  I have been uploading stuff for lots of years and many forums.  Each time I did follow the correct proceedure as you outlined.  I tried from various computers and various connections.  Cell and DSL.  I fix Broadband lines for at&t. Not sure why it was bombing out.  File sizes were below the 50 meg size and were both zipped and unzipped.  Something was stopping the process. Perhaps Avast. It's only here that I had the trouble.  Again thanks for the help.

 

 

Mark Jones