Filemaker Automation

[davidlfliang]

Hello,

We are running Filemaker server 5.5 on database server(Windows NT 4.0) and Filemaker Pro Unlimited 5.0 plus Lasso 3.6.6 on Web server(Windows 2000). The whole system works fine. However, we do need to have a small improvement in regards to the automation of start up process.

Everytime when we either restart the database server or the Web server, we have to re-start the Filemaker Unlimited 5.0 to reload the database starter file from database server. This will get someone involved to click the Host Button in Filemaker Opne file dialog box and choose the correct starter file from the file list serverd by database server. After selecting the starter file, a password will be asked. Then, the operator needs input the correct password and press enter to proceed. Once all the files are loaded, the minimised buttion needs to be clicked to put Filemaker Unlimited into background.


And, my question is:
Is it possible to make the above process automatically done without human's interaction? So, when the web sever is re-started, the above process will be done by the system itself. If yes, how could it be done?

Thanks in advance

David Liang

 

[lebisol]

have you resloved your issue yet? let me know I mgiht have a solution for you

 

[gudgeong]

Hi Lebisol
I also need this type of solution.
I wish to automate the startup of Filemaker.
At present you have to fire off the "open All Files" and put in a password. Since the Box is in a secure area I would like it to automatically fire up and login when the box restarts.
Thanks
Gordon

 

[davidlfliang]

No, we are still doing the start up manually.

We purchased one plug-in for Filemaker. it's called oAzium Events. We use it to do some automatic indexing non-indexed fields over night in filemaker.

It says it supports password input automation as well. But, I haven't tried this feature.

However, there is still one thing I couln't work out how to make it automatically done. It's clicking the host button and choose the starter file from the list hosted by FM server.

Please give me some hints on this.

Many thanks

David

 

[lebisol]

ok, I am not the greatest in FM but I got this far so I hope my input helps.Mr. gudgeong is on the right track and 90% of the whole process is done by those scripts.Here are a few steps:
1.make an empty database and name it someting( I used underscore because that automatically hides the DB from publishing regardless if it is shared or published)mine was called "_startALL.fp5"
2.Open "_startALL.fp5" DB and run ScripMaker...
3.Make a script (any name)called "startup" and use it with function of "File->Open["myDB.fp5"]"..duplicate this for all of your DataBases you want to be opened
4. Under Edit->Preferences->Document (of the balnk DB we called "_startALL.fp5&quot check the option "When Opening...Perform Script" and select that script we made called "startup"
5. Type in your Default password (we assume you have one main password thoughtout all those DBs you want opened)
------------ you are done on FM side ----------------
this way any time we open file called "_startALL.fp5" it will automatically run the script "startup" which then will open all of our DataBases with the same default password. Easy right! OK
now to
Add a Startup option (windows absed mine-2000pro paltform):
1.Start->Programs->Startup and make a new shortcut that will point to our "_startALL.fp5" database
in my case:
"C:\Program Files\FileMaker\FileMaker Pro 6\FileMaker Pro.exe"C:\DB\_startALL.fp5
where the C:\DB\_startALL.fp5 part depends on where you save your Database..mine was on drive C: folder called DB
---- DONE -----------
next time you reboot your Windows box the file will be opened that will trigger the opening of all the databases!
If anyone knows better way please let me know...!
-win2000Pro
-FileMaker6 Pro