Cannot add record to Database

[SimonBarker]

We are using Filemaker Pro version 6.0 v4 we were unable to modify the data ie change name of people in the database add records etc.

We ran the recover utility on the DB which allowed us to use the DB again.

The original files size before compression was 14542kb after repair the size was 14456Kb

Is there a limitation in Filmaker pro in relation to number of fields or physical size.

 

[JeanW]

The file size for FM, lower than FM 7, is only limited by disk space, to a maximum of 2 GB on a hard disk.
If you ever reach the file size limit, the file will begin to overwrite itself.

As for a recovered file, never use this to continue working in it.
Do an import from the data in a clone/no records file and delete the recovered file.

As for the problem of unable to modify the data etc. there is a little more info needed to track down the cause...

 

[SimonBarker]

Thanx JeanW - Am I correct in thinking that you should never use a "recovered" DB file.

In relation the above problem - I am a mere IT consultant (Not FMP) and was called by my client yesterday in relation to this problem as it was outlined to me:
Simon - we cannot add records to the database - we cannot modify a record ie change a Mr to Professor.
Find appeared to be working. All users reported the same problem (3)

Having just gone through a MS Exchange post office issue earleir in the week (not here) - ie Max post storage issue I was wondering whether there was a limitation in regards to number of Defined fields DB size etc - although I grant you ~14Mb does not seem huge at all(to me anyway).

I am sorry that I cannot give you more info - All I know is that running the recover utility appeared to address the issue.

Are there maintenenace practices I should be advising my Clients about. Do I for example need to do a "compress".

The DB is really only a glorified name and Address system. However it does have a fair few fields.

 

[JeanW]

Hi Simon,

>Am I correct in thinking that you should never use a "recovered" DB file.<

Indeed, make sure you have a clone/no records from every file. When you have to recover a file, import the data into the clone and delete the recovered file.

>we cannot add records to the database<

For this we need more info on how the files are built and how new records are made, f.i. passwords/groups, allow creation of records on which level, scripted or not etc.

>we cannot modify a record ie change a Mr to Professor.
Find appeared to be working<

Just guessing, the Mr. field could be a value list (with Mr. Ms. Dr. etc as values). To add Professor or to change the value in that field, the valuelist should hold that value too.

>I am sorry that I cannot give you more info - All I know is that running the recover utility appeared to address the issue.<

Seems strange to me....

>Are there maintenenace practices I should be advising my Clients about. Do I for example need to do a "compress".<

"Maintenance" at technical level is not for the user.
"Maintenance" at user level will be more something like removing hard returns in fields, comma's in names, wrong spelling etc.
Compress is not needed that often, is only used to remove blanc spaces.
A compressed copy is a copy that is optimized for space and consistency, almost like defragmenting a hard disk.
The most important maintenance is backup, backup, backup.
The only sickness who makes you better.


HTH

 

[mariluz324]

I have the same problem. My problem is due to a child opening the file and seeing the question: Do you wish to open as a Read Only. Child clicked yes and now I can not add a new record or modify.
How can I undo a Read Only request?

 

[JeanW]

In properties on Win level, check the Archive instead of the read only box.

Usualy this when you copy/move a file from a cd to a hard drive.

 

[mariluz324]

Hi,
I forgot to tell you I'm using a Mac Os X. Is there anything I can do to change the Read Only on the database in this system?

 

[JeanW]

I left my Mac in 1992 with the outcome of FM 3....

can't help you here....sorry...

 

[lebisol]

not a mac person here...but take a peak at:

http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/mac/12057

:--------------------------------------------------------------------------:

All around in my home town,
They tryin' to track me down...

 

[jaco8867]

Control-Click on the file and choose Get Info. Change permissions to read & write.