For Windows, Mac OS X, Mac OS, and Red Hat Linux ® FileMaker Server 5.5 Administrator’s Guide ©1994-1995, 1997, 1999, 2001 FileMaker, Inc. All Rights Reserved. FileMaker, Inc. 5201 Patrick Henry Drive Santa Clara, California 95054 www.filemaker.com FileMaker is a trademark of FileMaker, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries, and the file folder logo is a trademark of FileMaker, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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Contents Preface Using the FileMaker Server documentation About this guide Using FileMaker Server Help (Windows and Mac OS) Starting FileMaker Server Help About the Help topic window Finding a topic using the Help Contents Finding a topic using the Help Index (Windows and Mac OS 8.6 to 9.1) Finding a topic using specific words (Windows and Mac OS 8.6 to 9.
iv FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide Opening the Properties dialog box (Windows) Opening the Preferences dialog box (Mac OS 8.6 to 9.1) Opening the Preferences dialog (Mac OS X) Setting the number of guests Allowing disconnection of idle guests Setting a time to disconnect idle guests Setting the pre-disconnect message Authenticating guest log on (Windows) Setting the maximum number of files Changing the amount of memory used by FileMaker Server Adjusting memory (Mac OS 8.6 to 9.
Contents Viewing detailed information about hosted files and guests Sending messages to guests Sending messages to all guests Determining if you have exclusive access to hosted databases Using local administration (Mac OS 8.6 to 9.1 ) Opening the local administration window (Mac OS 8.6 to 9.1) Listing hosted files and guests (Mac OS 8.6 to 9.1) Viewing usage statistics (Mac OS 8.6 to 9.1) Hosting FileMaker Pro 5.x files (Mac OS 8.6 to 9.1) Closing hosted files (Mac OS 8.6 to 9.
vi FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide Setting the number of guests Disconnecting idle guests Setting the maximum number of files Changing the amount of memory used by FileMaker Server Setting how often the cache is flushed Allowing single user files to be hosted Allowing software updates to be downloaded automatically Enabling Auto Update in FileMaker Server Storing plug-in files on the server computer Specifying the location of hosted files Specifying a user account name and group name for FileMaker
Preface Using the FileMaker Server documentation The documentation for the FileMaker® Server software provides information, illustrations, and step-by-step instructions to help you learn the most about FileMaker Server—a powerful application that enhances database sharing across a network.
viii FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide Using FileMaker Server Help (Windows and Mac OS) FileMaker Server onscreen Help is available when you are working in the FileMaker Server Console (Windows) or when you are working with the FileMaker Server application (Mac OS 8.6 to 9.1) or FMServer Config application (Mac OS X). 1 Mac OS X: Choose FileMaker Server Config Help from the Help menu, press the Help key, or press 2-?.
Using the FileMaker Server documentation Mac OS X: In FileMaker Server, choose Help menu > FileMaker Server Config Help. ix To use the Help Index: 1. Windows: In the FileMaker Server Console, choose Action menu > Help, click Help Topics, then click Index (if necessary). Mac OS 8.6 to 9.1: In FileMaker Server, choose Help menu > Contents and Index, then click Index (if necessary). 2. In the Index window, type all or part of an index entry you want to find.
x FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide Finding a topic using specific words (Windows and Mac OS 8.6 to 9.1) Click to find a specific word You can specify your own significant word or combination of words to search for within all of the Help topics. FileMaker Server Help will display a list of all topics containing the word(s) you specify and the total number of topics found. To narrow the search, you can specify a combination of words.
Using the FileMaker Server documentation FileMaker Server Help shows each occurrence of the word or words you searched for in the Help topic window. Finding a topic using specific words (Mac OS X) To find a topic based on a question or phrase: 1. In FileMaker Server, choose Help menu > FileMaker Server Config Help.
xii FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide Mac OS X: For context-sensitive Help, do the following: 1 Point to an option in a dialog box. After a few seconds a description of the item appears. Getting help for FileMaker Server in Red Hat Linux If you’re using FileMaker Server in Red Hat Linux, for online help see the comments in the configuration file, fmserver.conf. The QuickRef.pdf file also contains information about configuring and administering FileMaker Server in Red Hat Linux.
Chapter 1 Welcome to FileMaker Server 5.5 Welcome to the FileMaker Server 5.5 application from FileMaker, Inc. for Windows NT, Windows 2000, Mac OS 8.6 to 9.1, Mac OS X, and Red Hat Linux. FileMaker Server gives you enhanced database hosting capabilities on your network when used with the FileMaker Pro 5.x database management application.
1-2 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide Important Avoid installing FileMaker Server on a computer that is a user’s primary workstation or network file server. FileMaker Server should be run on a dedicated computer reserved for use as a database server. When FileMaker Server is hosting many guests or a large number of database files, it uses a high level of processor, hard disk, and network capacity.
Welcome to FileMaker Server 5.5 1 Use FileMaker Pro to create database files or modify the structure of existing files (for example, to password-protect each hosted FileMaker Pro file or to access field definitions). The Web Companion feature of FileMaker Pro can be used to publish files hosted by FileMaker Server on the Internet or on a company’s intranet. For more information about web publishing, see the documentation for FileMaker Developer, FileMaker Pro, or FileMaker Pro Unlimited.
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Chapter 2 Installing FileMaker Server in Windows This chapter provides step-by-step instructions for installing FileMaker Server and associated files on a computer running Windows NT 4.0 or Windows 2000. 1 FileMaker Pro 5.x for running the remote administration capability and for creating and converting databases to be hosted by FileMaker Server 5.5. FileMaker Server 5.5 supports only FileMaker Pro 5.x databases.
2-2 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide Guests can use the following network protocols to access database files hosted by FileMaker Server: To install FileMaker Server on your hard disk: Network protocol 2. Insert the FileMaker Server CD into your CD or DVD drive. IPX/SPX Windows guest NWLink IPX/SPX Compatible Transport (Windows NT client) Mac OS 8.6 to 9.1 guest IPX is not supported Mac OS X guest IPX is not supported TCP/IP 3.
Installing FileMaker Server in Windows 2-3 10. Type your installation code, then click Next. Where files are stored on your hard disk Tip Your installation code is a seventeen digit number located on a multi-part sticker on the installation code sheet with the FileMaker Server CD. The following table describes the FileMaker Server files that are installed on your hard disk. 11.
2-4 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide Default location File Description fmshelp.cnt FileMaker Server onscreen Help Contents fmshelp.gid Support files for FileMaker Server onscreen Help fmshelp.fts Support files for FileMaker Server onscreen Help readme.doc Text file containing important information about this release of FileMaker Server Go_FileMaker.html HTML document for FileMaker on the Web fms_logo.
Installing FileMaker Server in Windows Note The FileMaker Server Installer installs MMC files on the server computer, if MMC is not already installed. In this situation, a few MMC-related files are installed in the System32 and Help folders on your server computer in addition to the files listed in the table. Uninstalling FileMaker Server (Windows) Before removing FileMaker Server from your computer, be sure to first stop the FileMaker Server service. To remove FileMaker Server from your computer: 1.
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Chapter 3 Installing FileMaker Server in Mac OS 8.6 to 9.1 This chapter provides step-by-step instructions for installing the FileMaker Server application and associated files on a computer running Mac OS 8.6 to 9.1. What you need Networking requirements To share files among users on a network, you can use AppleTalk or TCP/IP networking. TCP/IP is recommended for best performance. Apple Open Transport 2.0.1 is required on the computer running FileMaker Server.
3-2 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide 3. Double-click the Installer icon named Start Here Mac OS Classic. 4. Read the license agreement. If you agree to these terms, click Accept. 10. If you turned off virus protection and file sharing before installing, turn them back on now. It’s important to register your copy of FileMaker Server with FileMaker, Inc., so you have full access to customer and technical support. For more information, see “Registration and customer support” on page 1-1.
Installing FileMaker Server in Mac OS 8.6 to 9.1 FileMaker Server 5.5 folder AppleScript Examples:Apple Events Information AutoUpdate File Description FileMaker Server Apple Events A FileMaker Pro database that gives an introduction to the Apple events supported by FileMaker Server, so you can control it using AppleScript or similar applications. See the documentation that came with AppleScript or other applications for details on how to send events to FileMaker Server. fmpsadm.fmx fmpsadm.fmx.
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Chapter 4 Installing FileMaker Server in Mac OS X This chapter provides step-by-step instructions for installing the FileMaker Server application and associated files on your computer running Mac OS X. What you need To use FileMaker Server, you need the following equipment and software. Mac OS X system requirements Networking requirements To share files among users on a network, you must use TCP/IP networking.
4-2 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide You see the FileMaker Server Installer dialog box. For information about starting the application, see “Starting FileMaker Server (Mac OS X)” on page 7-3. Note To enable administration functions on remote computers (open files, close files, and so on), you must install the Server Administration plug-in on each remote computer you plan to use for remote administration.
Installing FileMaker Server in Mac OS X FileMaker Server 5.5 folder File Description Server Administration.bin Server Administration.txt Remote administration plug-in files for Mac OS 8.6 to 9.1 AutoUpdate Examples: AutoUpdatePlugin AutoUpdatePlugin.fp5 A FileMaker Pro database that illustrates how to set up AutoUpdate FMI Go_FileMaker.html HTML document source file for FileMaker on the Web FMS_Logo.
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Chapter 5 Installing FileMaker Server in Red Hat Linux This chapter provides step-by-step instructions for installing FileMaker Server and associated files on a computer running the Red Hat Linux operating system. What you need To use FileMaker Server, you need the following equipment and software. Red Hat Linux system requirements 1 an Intel compatible PC with a Pentium or later processor 1 at least 64 MB of installed RAM 1 Red Hat Linux 6.2 or 7.
5-2 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide 5. Change to the CD directory by entering: # cd /mnt/cdrom 6. Enter the following command to install the FileMaker Server files Where files are stored on your hard disk The following table describes the FileMaker Server files and directories that are installed on your hard disk. on your hard disk: File Description 7. Enter the registration command followed by your installation code /etc/fmserver.
Installing FileMaker Server in Red Hat Linux File Description /var/fmserver/AutoUpdate/ FMPSADM.FMX Remote administration plug-in files for Windows var/fmserver/AutoUpdate/ FMPSADM.FMX.txt /var/fmserver/AutoUpdate/Server Administration X.bin Remote administration plug-in files for Mac OS X var/fmserver/AutoUpdate/Server Administration X.txt /var/fmserver/AutoUpdate/Server Administration.bin To remove all files from your hard disk that were installed by the FileMaker Server installer: 1.
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Chapter 6 Configuring FileMaker Server (Windows and Mac OS) Configuration settings allow you to customize FileMaker Server for optimal performance. Configuration setting 1 Maximize performance (Mac OS 8.6 to 9.1) Windows: Use the configuration assistants in the FileMaker Server Console or the Properties dialog box to configure FileMaker Server.
6-2 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide To access the assistants: 1. Click the Start button > Programs > FileMaker Server Console. You see the FileMaker Server Console. Click FileMaker Server to access the configuration assistants Click icons to start assistants Console Tree Details Pane Properties dialog box (Windows) FileMaker Server Console (Windows 2000) 2. Click one of the icons in the right panel to start an assistant. Opening the Properties dialog box (Windows) 1.
Configuring FileMaker Server (Windows and Mac OS) 6-3 Preferences dialog box (Mac OS 8.6 to 9.1) 3. Click a tab to set options for FileMaker Server configuration. For configuration details, skip the next section and refer to the remaining sections in this chapter. Preferences dialog (Mac OS X) 3. Click a tab to set options for FileMaker Server configuration. For configuration details, refer to the remaining sections in this chapter. Opening the Preferences dialog (Mac OS X) 1.
6-4 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide For example, if you monitor guest usage over time and notice you rarely have more than 22 guests active at one time, set this option to allow 25 guests for best performance on your server. 3. Click the up or down arrow to select the amount of idle time after which inactive guests should be disconnected. The minimum setting is 10 minutes and the maximum setting is 24 hours. 3. Set any other options, then click OK. 4. Set any other options, then click OK.
Configuring FileMaker Server (Windows and Mac OS) 6-5 To require users to be logged on to the same domain in which FileMaker Server resides: 2. Enter a number close to the number of files you expect to host on FileMaker Server. 1. In the Properties dialog box, click the Guests tab. The minimum setting is 1 file and the maximum is 125. 2. Select Require FileMaker Pro guests to log on to a Windows domain. 3. Set any other options, then click OK. 3. Set any other options, then click OK.
6-6 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide Adjusting memory (Mac OS 8.6 to 9.1) Your computer sets aside a certain amount of memory for each application. When you start FileMaker Server, it tells the computer how much memory it needs. If you plan to host large database files or a large number of files, you can increase the amount of memory (RAM) set aside for FileMaker Server. To change the amount of memory FileMaker Server uses: 1.
Configuring FileMaker Server (Windows and Mac OS) FileMaker Server, virtual memory, and physical memory requirements FileMaker Server and the virtual memory option (available with Mac OS 8.6 to 9.1) both use your hard disk to store temporary information. Virtual memory provides file mapping, which can improve the performance of FileMaker Server.
6-8 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide To set up FileMaker Server to automatically download software updates to guest computers: 1. Obtain current plug-in and version control files from your FileMaker Pro database developers. 2. Create a folder named AutoUpdate in the folder that contains the database that uses plug-ins. Tip If you host multiple databases that use the same plug-ins, store updates in the AutoUpdate folder in the FileMaker Server 5.
Configuring FileMaker Server (Windows and Mac OS) 6-9 Opening runtime solutions automatically (Mac OS 8.6 to 9.1) You can have FileMaker Server automatically host runtime solution files that have been bound using FileMaker Developer 5.x. About FileMaker Developer FileMaker Developer lets database developers create and distribute complete single user database solutions with layouts that are not modifiable by users.
6-10 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide If you have installed the Server Administration plug-in on your remote computer, you can also send messages to guests, disconnect guests, and open or close files remotely. For more information about remote administration tasks, see chapter 7, “Administering FileMaker Server (Windows and Mac OS).
Configuring FileMaker Server (Windows and Mac OS) Note Guests connecting to databases hosted by FileMaker Server might see the host name displayed in different ways. IPX/SPX displays names using only numerals, uppercase characters, underscores (_), and periods (.), and replaces any other characters with underscores.
6-12 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide 3. Set any other options, then click OK. You must restart FileMaker Server for the new setting to take effect. Recording usage statistics and setting size limits When you enable statistical logging for FileMaker Server, a log file is created in your FileMaker Server 5.5 folder. Platform Statistics log name View log in Windows fmsvplog.txt Performance Monitor (Windows NT) System Monitor (Windows 2000) Mac OS 8.6 to 9.
Configuring FileMaker Server (Windows and Mac OS) 6-13 Tips 1 Renaming logs Windows and Mac OS 8.6 to 9.1: When FileMaker Server is stopped and restarted, the existing log file is renamed fmsvplas.txt (Windows) or Server Last Statistics Log (Mac OS 8.6 to 9.1). A new log is created to record information for the current session. To save statistics for more than two sessions, rename the backup copy of the log before restarting FileMaker Server or it will be overwritten. Mac OS X: When Statistics.
6-14 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide The difference between how often data is collected and how often it is written to the log depends on the size of the FileMaker Server cache. Holding statistics in the cache rather than writing to the log at each collection optimizes performance while still providing useful and timely statistical information. 4. For Maximum size of Statistics Log, select a maximum size in megabytes for the log file. The minimum setting is 1 MB and the maximum is 40 MB. 5.
Configuring FileMaker Server (Windows and Mac OS) Setting a size limit for the event log (Mac OS) You can set a maximum size for the Server Event Log (Mac OS 8.6 to 9.1) or Events.log (Mac OS X), which records with a timestamp situations that occur while FileMaker Server is running. Typical events that are logged include FileMaker Server startup and shut down, database file opening and closing, guests logging on and off, tasks that execute on schedules, and changes to FileMaker Server preferences.
6-16 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide The distinguished name specifies the location of FileMaker Server in the directory service. For example: ou=FileMaker,dc=mydomain,dc=Sales Spaces after commas are optional. 5. Set any other options, then click OK. 3. Choose one of the following options for user authentication.
Configuring FileMaker Server (Windows and Mac OS) 6-17 Protecting files with a password Changing the port number The port number setting indicates the type of the port required by your directory service. Some LDAP-compliant directory services use a port number other than the default, 389. To change the port number for your directory service connection: 1. In the Properties (Windows) or Preferences (Mac OS) dialog box, click the Directory Service tab.
6-18 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide 1 Mac OS: Disable system sleep in the Energy Saver control panel (Mac OS 8.6 to 9.1) or Energy Saver preferences (Mac OS X) by setting the slider control to Never in the Put the system to sleep whenever it is inactive area.
Chapter 7 Administering FileMaker Server (Windows and Mac OS) This chapter provides information about starting and stopping FileMaker Server and administering hosted files. Starts the FileMaker Server service Stops the FileMaker Server service Note For information about administering FileMaker Server running in Red Hat Linux, see chapter 9, “Using FileMaker Server in Red Hat Linux.
7-2 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide 3. Select Services (Local) in the Console Tree. 4. Select FileMaker Server in the Details Pane. 5. Choose Action menu > Start. Message guests see when you stop FileMaker Server FileMaker Server opens the FileMaker Pro files for access by FileMaker Pro 5.x guests on the network. For information about starting the FileMaker Server service from the command prompt, see “Using the command line to automate tasks (Windows)” on page 8-8.
Administering FileMaker Server (Windows and Mac OS) 7-3 Starting FileMaker Server (Mac OS 8.6 to 9.1) Quitting FileMaker Server (Mac OS 8.6 to 9.1) Start FileMaker Server by double-clicking its icon in the FileMaker Server 5.5 Folder, or by selecting the icon and choosing File menu > Open. Quitting FileMaker Server disconnects all FileMaker Pro guests and closes all database files hosted by FileMaker Server. To quit FileMaker Server: 1. Choose File menu > Quit. Application icon 2.
7-4 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide You can also make an alias to start FileMaker Server Config automatically each time you start your computer. See the next section for more information. Making an alias for FileMaker Server Config Note You can make an alias for FileMaker Server Config, but not for the server itself. To make an alias for FileMaker Server Config: 1. In the Finder, select the FileMaker Server Config icon in the FileMaker Server 5.5 folder. 2. Choose File menu > Make Alias.
Administering FileMaker Server (Windows and Mac OS) The remote administration capability in FileMaker Server is provided through three FileMaker Pro 5.x databases.
7-6 1 1 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide close files hosted by FileMaker Server disconnect a selected FileMaker Pro guest from one or all hosted files 1 1 send messages to guests of hosted files display detailed information about hosted files and guests Automatically downloading the Server Administration plug-in to a remote computer To automatically download the Server Administration plug-in to a remote computer: 1.
Administering FileMaker Server (Windows and Mac OS) 7-7 . For remote administration details, refer to the following sections. For information about getting onscreen Help for the Remote Administration window, see “Getting help while administering FileMaker Server remotely” on page xii. Click this tab To see Folders A list of folders on the computer running FileMaker Server that contain hosted databases and the number of databases in each folder. Click to display the database files located in a folder.
7-8 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide To display usage statistics for FileMaker Server, click Usage in the Remote Administration window. You see the Usage Statistics window. Click to reverse the sort order Statistic Description Cache Unsaved % Percentage of cache that is currently unsaved. This should be a relatively low number, such as 0 or 5, so you won’t lose data if you experience a system crash.
Administering FileMaker Server (Windows and Mac OS) When FileMaker Server starts, it automatically opens or hosts all multi-user files in the FileMaker Server 5.5 folder including those in subfolders one level down. It also opens single user files, if you have enabled the Allow FileMaker Server to host Single User files option in the Files tab of the Properties (Windows) or Preferences (Mac OS) dialog box or the HostSingleUserFiles preference parameter (Red Hat Linux).
7-10 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide Tips 1 Mac OS: To close files while working on the server computer, see Type your message here Enter the number of minutes until FileMaker Server will disconnect guests 4. Enter text for the options in the dialog box, or accept the default message and settings. “Closing hosted files (Mac OS 8.6 to 9.1)” on page 7-15. 1 Mac OS: You can also close files using Apple events.
Administering FileMaker Server (Windows and Mac OS) 4. Click OK. 1 1 7-11 the number of files the guest is currently connected to The selected guest sees a notification dialog box with your message requesting that the guest disconnect from the server. If the guest doesn’t disconnect, the message repeats approximately one minute before the guest is set to be disconnected.
7-12 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide To find out if you have exclusive access to a hosted database: 1. In the Remote Administration window, click the Files tab to display all hosted databases. Type your message here For more information, see “Opening the Remote Administration window” on page 7-6. 2. Select the database that you want exclusive access to, then click Get Details. 3. For Message to send, type your message, and then click OK.
Administering FileMaker Server (Windows and Mac OS) FileMaker Server host name Click to reverse the sort order in the selected column Click this tab To see Guests A list of FileMaker Pro guests accessing the database files hosted by FileMaker Server. Also included is the network protocol used by each guest, each guest’s network address, length of time guests have been connected, and their inactive time.
7-14 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide Selecting information in scrolling lists (Mac OS 8.6 to 9.1) The following table describes keyboard shortcuts for selecting information in scrolling lists. Use this shortcut To do this Click an entry Select a row Double-click an entry Switch to the tab for that entry and scroll to display the selected entry in the new tabbed screen.
Administering FileMaker Server (Windows and Mac OS) 7-15 1 You can Shift-click additional files in the Open dialog box to open more than one file at a time. Closing hosted files (Mac OS 8.6 to 9.1) Select one or more databases you want to open To close a hosted database and disconnect any guests currently accessing it: 1. In FileMaker Server, choose Window menu > Administration Window to display the list of currently hosted files. 2. Select a database file in the list that you want to close. 2.
7-16 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide 5. Click OK. The file or folder name in the list changes to italicized text to show that FileMaker Server is closing the file. Guests see a notification dialog box with your message requesting they close their connection to the file. If guests don’t close the file, the message repeats approximately one minute before the file is closed by FileMaker Server.
Administering FileMaker Server (Windows and Mac OS) Name of the server you are monitoring Type your message here 4. In the Message to send box, type your message, then click OK. 7-17 Click to add a selected counter to your chart Choose FileMaker Server Select FileMaker Server usage statistics counters to add to your chart FileMaker Server sends the message to the selected recipient(s).
7-18 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide Tip You can use the Performance Monitor on a Windows client computer or the System Monitor on a Windows 2000 client computer to view usage statistics for FileMaker Server remotely when the server is also a Windows computer. Tip Transactions, Network KB/sec, Disk KB/sec. Cache Hit %, and Cache Unsaved % give you the most information about how your system is performing.
Administering FileMaker Server (Windows and Mac OS) 7-19 1 guests that connect to and disconnect from FileMaker Server, as well as the files they access 1 1 1 guests that are disconnected by FileMaker Server new, completed, upcoming, and currently running schedules pre-defined errors and other unusual conditions that occur when FileMaker Server is running The event is described here 1 current properties (Windows) or preferences (Mac OS) settings when FileMaker Server starts up, as well as settings tha
7-20 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide For more information about the error conditions reported in the event log, see appendix C, “Event log messages and troubleshooting.” Keeping event data current (Windows) You might want to configure the Event Viewer to overwrite event information, because the default setting is to stop recording events when the application log becomes full.
Administering FileMaker Server (Windows and Mac OS) Tip You can avoid using the Today function by creating a calculation field that uses the Status(CurrentDate) function in FileMaker Pro. If you have the Server Administration plug-in installed on a client computer, you can use the FileMaker Server remote administration capability to recalculate the Today function as described below. Mac OS 8.6 to 9.
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Chapter 8 Scheduling administrative tasks (Windows and Mac OS) You can create schedules to perform these tasks: 1 1 1 1 To create a scheduled task: back up hosted databases 1. Click the Start button > Programs > FileMaker Server Console. run command files (Windows) You see the FileMaker Server Console. FileMaker Server is selected in the Console Tree and the Details Pane displays the configuration assistants.
8-2 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide Scheduling database backups (Mac OS 8.6 to 9.
Scheduling administrative tasks (Windows and Mac OS) 1 For Specify Script, click Specify and locate an AppleScript on your system that you want to run. 8-3 2. In the Schedules window, click New. 3. Type a name for the task in the Schedule Name text box. Sending messages to guests of hosted databases (Mac OS 8.6 to 9.1) 1 For Operate on, choose one of the following options: 4. Choose the type of task (Back Up Database, Run Script, or Send Choose To 6.
8-4 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide 1 It’s important that you have enough disk space on the backup destination disk. For more information, see “Making sure you don’t run out of disk space during backups” on page 8-10. Viewing scheduled tasks in the Schedules list (Windows) Running a script (Mac OS X) 1 For Operate on, choose one of the following options: After you create scheduled tasks, they appear in the Schedules list.
Scheduling administrative tasks (Windows and Mac OS) Note The tools available on the toolbar change depending on your selection in the FileMaker Server window. Therefore, not all tools described below are always visible. Use this tool To perform this action Display the information that was previously displayed in the Details Pane of the FileMaker Server Console. Information is displayed in reverse historical order.
8-6 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide Click a column heading to sort the list by that column. Sort order is indicated by the triangle above the scrollbar Drag the border to change the column width Click to reverse the sort order of the list based on the selected column Click a checkbox to disable or enable an individual scheduled task The following table describes keyboard shortcuts for selecting information in scrolling lists.
Scheduling administrative tasks (Windows and Mac OS) 2. Choose Action menu > Properties (Windows) or Schedules menu > Edit Schedule (Mac OS). See page 8-2 (Mac OS 8.6 to 9.1) or page 8-3 (Mac OS X) for an illustration of the options in the Edit Schedule dialog box. 8-7 You see a confirmation message asking you to confirm that you want to delete the selected schedule. Note You can’t undo the deletion of a schedule. 3. Click OK. 3. Make changes to the scheduled task, then click OK.
8-8 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide To perform this action Prevent all schedules from running You can use the command line to: Do this Windows: Choose Action menu > Allow schedules to run. Mac OS: Choose Schedules menu > Allow Schedules to Run. The checkmark on this command disappears, indicating that this option is turned off. This setting overrides any individual schedule settings you have enabled and all checkmarks in the list are dimmed indicating that all schedules are disabled.
Scheduling administrative tasks (Windows and Mac OS) Command syntax Description 8-9 Use this command To fmserver resume [path] Resume activity on specific or all paused FileMaker Pro files after they have been copied or backed up. Useful with the NT Backup and Schedule services. If no path is specified, all paused files are resumed. fmserver open “names and addresses.fp5” Open the Names and Addresses file.
8-10 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide The process of backing up hosted databases using the command line is to create a directory in which to temporarily store the backups, pause hosted databases to limit access to them on your network, copy the files to the new directory, restore availability of the files to guests, and remove the temporary backup directory you created. These steps are described in detail below.
Chapter 9 Using FileMaker Server in Red Hat Linux This chapter provides instructions for: 1 1 administering FileMaker Server running in Red Hat Linux configuring FileMaker Server settings for maximum performance Tip You can also use the administrative commands described here in scripts to automate administrative tasks. For information about scripting, see your operating system documentation or consult a third-party book on scripting.
9-2 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide Command syntax Description fmserverd open [path] Open (host) FileMaker Pro files in the /var/fmserver directory (and subdirectories one level down) or in the specified path. fmserverd close [path] [-m “message text”] [-t #minutes] Close FileMaker Pro files located in the /var/fmserver directory (and subdirectories one level down) or in the specified path. Use the -m “message text” option to send a custom message to guests.
Using FileMaker Server in Red Hat Linux Configuring FileMaker Server 9-3 The FileMaker Server configuration file (fmserver.conf) contains FileMaker Server preference settings, which you can view and modify. Preference settings allow you to customize FileMaker Server for optimal performance. Important You must be logged in as the root user when making changes to the FileMaker Server configuration file. Logging in as root gives you complete access to all system resources.
9-4 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide In the configuration file, each preference setting parameter and its value (either an ON or OFF or a specific integer or string value) must reside on a separate line. The parameter and value must be separated by a space or tab character. Parameters and values are not case sensitive. Comments in the file, which describe each configuration setting, begin with a # character and are ignored by FileMaker Server.
Using FileMaker Server in Red Hat Linux Preference settings that require you to restart FileMaker Server 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 DirectoryService.LogonRequired DirectoryService.AcctName DirectoryService.Password DirectoryService.LdapServerPort DirectoryService.DistinguishedName DirectoryService.Owner DirectoryService.Location DirectoryService.Phone DirectoryService.
9-6 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide To start FileMaker Server with preference settings in their default state, stop FileMaker Server, rename or delete the FileMaker Server configuration file (/etc/fmserver.conf), then restart FileMaker Server. To reinstall FileMaker Server, overwriting all installed files and create a new default configuration file, stop FileMaker Server, and enter the following command: Note In FileMaker Pro 5.
Using FileMaker Server in Red Hat Linux Setting the maximum number of files You can change the maximum number of files FileMaker Server can have open simultaneously. Specifying a lower number of files leaves more memory available for FileMaker Server to operate. If you know the approximate number of files you consistently host, you can set the maximum number of files close to this number to gain the best performance from FileMaker Server.
9-8 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide 4. Find the FlushTimeInterval preference parameter and replace the current value with a whole number between 15 and 120 minutes. For example: FlushTimeInterval 20 The default setting is 15 minutes. 5. If you’re finished making changes to the configuration file, close the text editor, reload the configuration file, and log out as the root user.
Using FileMaker Server in Red Hat Linux 9-9 Storing plug-in files on the server computer Specifying the location of hosted files For automatic file downloading to work correctly, you must place current plug-in files and text files containing version information for each plug-in in the correct location on the server computer. In addition, guests must activate the Auto Update plug-in in the Application preferences in FileMaker Pro 5.5 before attempting to open hosted files that require plug-ins.
9-10 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide To specify a customized user account name and group name: 1. Switch to the root user and enter the root password. 2. Using your text editor, open the fmserver.conf file. 3. Find the FMServerUser preference parameter and replace the existing user name between the quotes with a custom user name. For example: FMServerUser “fmsdaemon” The default user account name is fmserver. 4.
Using FileMaker Server in Red Hat Linux 4. Find the RequirePassword preference parameter and replace the current value with ON, if you want to restrict access to remote administration. RequirePassword ON 5. If you’re finished making changes to the configuration file, close the text editor. 6. Use the fmspasswd utility to encrypt a remote administration password, as described in the next section. Then reload the configuration file, and log out as the root user.
9-12 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide Specifying the preferred IP address If you have more than one network card in the server computer, you can specify a preferred IP address for FileMaker Server to use. Otherwise, FileMaker Server will use the first configured nonloopback device returned by the operating system. If you want to dedicate a specific IP address for FileMaker Server, first you turn on this setting and then you specify the IP address to use.
Using FileMaker Server in Red Hat Linux Using reported events and statistics to track activities 9-13 The statistics log (var/log/fmserver/stats.log) contains realtime statistical information regarding FileMaker Server usage, such as the number of guests connected and the percentage of unsaved cache. FileMaker Server creates event and statistics log files to help you keep track of activities on the server. The event log (var/log/fmserver/events.
9-14 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide 4. Find the EventLogPath preference parameter and replace the current value between the quotes with the path where you want to store the event log file. For example: EventLogPath “/var/log/MKTG_DB_Server/events.log” 5. Find the StatsTimeInterval preference parameter and replace the current value with a value between 15 and 300 seconds. For example: StatsTimeInterval 20 The default path is /var/log/fmserver/events.log. The default setting is 15 seconds. 5.
Using FileMaker Server in Red Hat Linux Enabling directory service registration To register FileMaker Server with a directory service, you need to set the following preferences in the configuration file: 1 specify the fully-qualified domain name or IP address of the directory service 1 specify an account name and password for directory service access 1 verify and possibly change the port number used to access the directory service 1 register the distinguished name for FileMaker Server in the directory
9-16 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide Publishing your contact information to your directory service As the FileMaker Server administrator, you can publish your name, location, phone number, and e-mail address to your directory service. This is useful if the directory service administrator needs to contact you. To publish contact information for the FileMaker Server administrator: 1. Using your text editor, open the fmserver.conf file. 2. Find the DirectoryService.
Chapter 10 Manually installing the Server Administration plug-in on a remote computer Note The Server Administration plug-ins are installed in the AutoUpdate folder by default and can be automatically downloaded to a remote computer. For more information, see “Automatically downloading the Server Administration plug-in to a remote computer” on page 7-6.
10-2 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide 11. Click the disk icon to the left of FileMaker Server Remote Administration and choose This feature will be installed on local hard drive, then click Next. 12. Click Install. The Installer installs the plug-in (fmpsadm.fmx) on your hard disk. The Installer checks if FileMaker Pro 5.x is installed on the remote computer. If the Installer finds FileMaker Pro 5.x, it uses the FileMaker Pro 5.x path as the default location for the Server Administration plug-in.
Manually installing the Server Administration plug-in on a remote computer 2. Install FileMaker Pro 5.x on the remote computer, if it’s not already installed. 3. Insert the FileMaker Server CD into your CD or DVD drive. You see the CD window on your screen. If you see only the disc icon, double-click the icon to open its window. 4. Double-click the Installer icon named Start Here Mac OS Classic or Start Here Mac OS X.
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Appendix A Technical specifications and optimization Limits for files and usage Item Maximum setting Number of files hosted by FileMaker Server 125 files, depending on the Maximum number of files to host (Windows and Mac OS) or MaxFiles (Red Hat Linux) setting. (Other network applications may limit this number.) Number of files open at the same time 50 per FileMaker Pro 5.x guests Number of network users 250 guests. (AppleTalk support is limited to 124 simultaneous guests.
A-2 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide Use a fast hard disk Coexistence with screen saver software Because of the way FileMaker Pro stores information in files, FileMaker Server benefits a great deal from fast disk input/output. Try to use a hard disk with software (or drivers) that supports asynchronous disk I/O. This technology lets FileMaker Server perform other operations after starting a read or write operation on a file, rather than having to wait for the disk I/O to complete.
Technical specifications and optimization This lets FileMaker Server use the maximum number of sockets for guests of FileMaker Pro files. For more information about configuring AppleShare software, see your AppleShare documentation. Don’t allow the server to sleep (Windows 2000 and Mac OS) Windows 2000 supports Power Conservation Mode, which can cause your computer to hibernate or enter Standby mode, affecting the operation of FileMaker Server.
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Appendix B Performance and usage tips Performance tips If you find that FileMaker Server is sluggish when performing certain operations, try the following: 1 Run FileMaker Server on a dedicated computer. 1 Use as fast a computer and network as possible. 1 Always use remote administration to perform administrative tasks on hosted files, such as sending messages to connected guests. 1 Reduce the number of guests able to access FileMaker Server.
B-2 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide 1 Avoid automatic file compression. If the hard disk runs out of space while a file is being modified or if a database file reaches the 2 GB size limit, FileMaker Server will automatically begin compressing the hosted file to reduce the amount of disk space it uses. During the compression, all guest activity to that file is paused.
Performance and usage tips 1 FileMaker Server administration allows several operations to be performed simultaneously on all of the files in a single subfolder. For example, you can use Pause, Resume, Close, and Open from the command line, or you can use Back up and Send Message from a scheduled task (Windows and Mac OS). To take advantage of this feature, place related databases into the same subfolder. When FileMaker Server is started, these files are hosted as a group.
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Appendix C Event log messages and troubleshooting FileMaker Server event log messages The following is a list of some of the log file messages you might see and an explanation. Variables, such as the name of the user or file, are in italics. Message Explanation AppleTalk network initialization failed; an unexpected error occurred (error number) FileMaker Server couldn’t initialize AppleTalk due to an unexpected operating system error.
C-2 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide Message Explanation File filename compressed, freeing x blocks The specified file has been successfully compressed, leaving FileMaker Server enough room to continue working with the file safely. (One block equals 1,024 bytes.) File filename compressed, but still nearly full. Only x block(s) free The specified file was compressed, but there isn’t enough room for FileMaker Server to continue safely working with the file.
Event log messages and troubleshooting C-3 Message Explanation Schedule schedulename aborted; destination could not be found The specified destination could not be found. If the destination is a removable medium, make sure it is inserted in its drive. If the destination volume is an external or network drive, connect the drive or network. Try again after the destination is correctly set up.
C-4 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide Message Explanation IPX/SPX network initialization failed; an unexpected error occurred (error number) Windows: FileMaker Server can’t initialize IPX/SPX. Check network settings and system error log. IPX/SPX network initialization failed; not enough memory Windows: There is insufficient memory to use IPX/SPX. See “What you need” on page 2-1 for RAM requirements.
Event log messages and troubleshooting C-5 Troubleshooting The following table lists some problems you may encounter when using FileMaker Server. Tip When FileMaker Server behaves unexpectedly, check the log file to diagnose the problem. See “Using reported events to track activities” on page 7-18 (Windows and Mac OS) or “Using reported events and statistics to track activities” on page 9-13 (Red Hat Linux) and “FileMaker Server event log messages” on page C-1 for more information.
C-6 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide Symptom Suggested solution or explanation A FileMaker Pro guest using TCP/IP can’t find FileMaker Server databases on the network. Verify that TCP/IP networking software is properly installed on the host and guest computers. In the Hosts dialog box, click the Specify Hosts button and enter the host IP address. Windows and Red Hat Linux: Use the Ping command to contact the host address and verify the network is working properly.
Event log messages and troubleshooting Symptom C-7 Suggested solution or explanation Guests receive Host capacity exceeded message on guest You reached the maximum allowable connections or guests on FileMaker Server. Increase the number of computer. guests allowed in the Guests tab of the Properties dialog box (Windows) or the Preferences dialog box (Mac OS) or MaxGuests preference parameter (Red Hat Linux).
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Appendix D About the TechInfo database The TechInfo database is a great resource for technical information about FileMaker, Inc. products. This FileMaker Pro database serves as a front-line resource for the company’s support technicians as they solve customer inquiries. It collects Q&As, tips, FAQs, bug reports, update notes, press releases, templates, and other material valuable for support professionals. You can access the TechInfo database in the support area of the official FileMaker, Inc.
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Index A Access privileges FileMaker Pro (Windows and Mac OS) 6-17 Linux 9-10 Windows 2-2 Account name, specifying custom for FileMaker Server (Linux) 9-9 Activities, FileMaker Server message descriptions C-1 viewing Linux 9-13 Mac OS 7-20 Windows 2000 7-19 Windows NT 7-19 Administering closing files locally (Linux) 9-2 locally (Mac OS 8.6 to 9.1) 7-15 remotely 7-9 using command line (Windows) 8-9 disconnecting guests locally (Mac OS 8.6 to 9.
I-2 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide C Cache flush setting Linux 9-7 Windows and Mac OS 6-7 hit percentage 7-8 log file message C-2, C-4 monitoring B-1 percentage unsaved 7-8 size in log file (Windows) 7-18 viewing percentages locally (Mac OS 8.6 to 9.
Index Control panel, Services (Windows) 7-1, 7-2 Copying schedules (Windows and Mac OS) 8-7 Corrupted database (Windows and Mac OS) 6-17 CPU, maximizing for FileMaker Server (Mac OS 8.6 to 9.1) 6-11 Crash, system (Windows and Mac OS) 6-18 Cross-platform issues documentation notation vii Mac OS X 4-1 Windows and Mac OS 2-2, 3-1 Custom host name. See Host name Customer support 1-1 CustomExtensions preference parameter (Linux) 9-12 Customizing FileMaker Server.
I-4 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide Ethernet.
Index Windows 2-1 technical specifications A-1 troubleshooting C-5 FileMaker Server 5.5 directory (Linux) 5-2 FileMaker Server 5.5 folder Mac OS 8.6 to 9.1 3-2 Mac OS X 4-2 Windows 2-3 FileMaker Server Help Balloon Help (Mac OS 8.6 to 9.1) xi command syntax (Linux) 9-1, 9-2 Contents (Windows and Mac OS), using viii Find, using (Windows and Mac OS) x for dialog boxes Mac OS 8.6 to 9.
I-6 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide H Hardware requirements See also Memory; System requirements; Troubleshooting asynchronous disk I/O A-2 described Linux 5-1 Mac OS 8.6 to 9.1 3-1 Mac OS X 4-1 Windows 2-1 networking Linux 5-1 Mac OS 8.6 to 9.1 3-1 Mac OS X 4-1 Windows 2-1 performance A-1 Help.
Index maximum size 6-15 keeping data current (Windows) 7-20 location of (Linux) 5-3 message descriptions C-1 statistics log described (Linux) 9-14 described (Windows and Mac OS) 7-8 maximum size (Linux) 9-14 maximum size (Windows and Mac OS) 6-13 writing to disk (Linux) 9-14 writing to disk (Windows and Mac OS) 6-13 viewing events (Windows) 7-18 Logging tab (Windows and Mac OS) 6-13 M MaxEventLogSize preference parameter (Linux) 9-13 MaxFiles preference parameter (Linux) 9-7 MaxGuests preference parameter
I-8 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide using command line (Windows) 8-8 OpenLDAP Linux 9-14 Windows and Mac OS 6-15 Operating system requirements Linux 5-1 Mac OS 8.6 to 9.
Index scheduled tasks (Windows and Mac OS) 8-7 Replacing data, performance issues B-1 Requirements. See Hardware requirements; Memory; Networks; System requirements RequirePassword preference parameter (Linux) 9-11 Resizing columns in Schedules list Mac OS 8-5 Windows 8-4 locally (Mac OS 8.6 to 9.1) 7-13 Restart command (Linux) 9-5 Resume command Linux 9-2 Windows 8-9 Runtime solutions, hosting automatically Linux 9-12 Mac OS 8.6 to 9.
I-10 FileMaker Server Administrator’s Guide usage statistics, remotely 7-8 Specify Hosts button C-6 Standby mode (Windows 2000) 6-17 Start command Linux 9-1 Windows 8-8 Starting FileMaker Server, automatically Linux 5-2, 9-2 Mac OS 8.6 to 9.1 7-3 Mac OS X 7-4 troubleshooting C-5 Windows 2000 2-2 Windows NT 2-2, 7-1 FileMaker Server, manually Linux 9-1 Mac OS 8.6 to 9.
Index UsePrefIPAddr preference parameter (Linux) 9-12 UseRemoteAdmin preference parameter (Linux) 9-10 Users. See Guests UseStatsLog preference parameter (Linux) 9-14 V var/fmserverd, description (Linux) 5-2 var/log/fmserver, description (Linux) 5-3 Viewing details about files and guests, remotely 7-11 FileMaker Server events Linux 9-13 Mac OS 7-20 Windows 2000 7-19 Windows NT 7-19 scheduled tasks Mac OS 8-5 Windows 8-4 usage statistics locally (Linux) 9-13 locally (Mac OS 8.6 to 9.
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