Switching from file A to file B I end up on an OLD layout

[davidk2]

I've tried to find the answer in HELP, on this forum...in my dreams...

Using FileMaker 6 (i know, i know...that's on my list too!)

When switching from file A to file B using the window drop down menu...file B lands me on an old layout.

My document prefs for file B are set to open to the layout I want it to land on. But since the file is already open I can find no way to tell the file to always go to the correct layout.

I would be happy if it went to any of the current layouts(in the layout menu) or the layout last used but it opens to a layout that I don't access(but it contains info I need).

The old layout is NOT in the visible layout menu.

Any suggestions? Thanks for reading!

 

[TStriker]

You could create a script in your target file that contains:

Go To Layout ["Your_Target_Layout"]

Then in the source file create a script that performs the external script (new script) in the target file.

-Striker

 

[davidk2]

TStriker, Thanks for your help. I have written scripts for navagating between files. However, not all users want to use buttons...they often click to the window menu, choose a file to use...and then they end up on the OLD layout. (I placed a nav button on this old layout to take them to the correct layout but this seems so low tech)

I wonder what the logic is for FileMaker to go to the OLD layout...(actually I deleted one layout it USED to end up on thinking this would correct the problem...but it now lands on another OLD layout)

Other than deleting this layout or writing a script is there a way to end up on a current layout?

 

[TStriker]

I don't know this for a fact but I would bet that the layout that is active when the file is closed while in single user mode, probably becomes the default.

Are you using Filemaker Server to host the files or is one of the clients hosting them?

-Striker

 

[davidk2]

Tstriker, We are using a peer to peer network, all files are open...just navagating between files and it somehow ends up on a layout we don't use!

Stange, huh?

 

[JeanW]

I think you have problems with the layoutreference within FileMaker.

At times you need to script a test that determines what layout a file is on, and to branch the script’s actions accordingly. But if you test for Status(CurrentLayoutNumber), when layouts are reordered, the script will break. And if we test for Status(CurrentLayoutName), we’re in trouble if we rename a layout.

And you will have problems when you delete a layout.
You need a way to reference layouts in your scripting, in a fully dynamic way that is unbreakable.

The major problem is that your users has several (at least two) ways to switch to layout. And that is not a good design.
Best is to script the whole navigation in your application and the users has to follow that, there's no other way.
Giving them access to the menu possibilities to navigate is giving the control out of hand.
Lock the user out of everything, status bar, menu, toolbar, file menu, find etc....
Only scripting. There is no much difference between clicking 1 button and clicking on a button, waiting for a drop down menu and clicking again to go to a layout.
But the button/script combination is safer.
TStriker is right, via the window/file menu they will always end up in a random layout, you simply don't control the navigation.

There is a way to make the layoutreference unbreakable.
You need 5 unstored calculation fields.

If you want to go that way, I can put something together for you.

 

[davidk2]

JeanW, thanks for your response. Think I'll take your advise and revise my solution to disallow the users to use the drop down windows. Think this will address the current frustration with landing on the OLD layout and ultimately make the whole solution easier for the users in the long run. And it will help avoid other issues I have NOT burdened you with...yet! Thanks to both you and Tstriker for your time and efforts!!