Verifying databases are available to FileMaker clients

If the Automatically open databases that are in the database folders setting is enabled, FileMaker Server attempts to open FileMaker Pro databases located in the default database folder, the secure database folder, and the additional database folder when FileMaker Server starts. (See Startup settings.)

FileMaker Server may not be able to open all databases automatically. For example:

  • an encrypted database without a saved encryption password cannot be opened automatically

  • an unencrypted file in the secure database folder cannot be opened because that folder allows secure databases only

To verify that databases were opened and are available to FileMaker clients:

  1. Click the Databases page.

  2. In the databases list, verify:

    • An Open () status icon appears next to a database, indicating the database is open and available.

    • The correct extended privileges have been assigned for clients to use the database. Select Show Extended Privileges from the menu selector next to All Databases. The text listed below each open database indicates the clients that can access that database:

    3. Extended privilege

    Clients that can use the database

    FMAPP

    FileMaker Pro, FileMaker Go

    FMWEBDIRECT

    FileMaker WebDirect

    FMREST

    FileMaker Data API

    FMPHP (FileMaker Server only)

    Custom Web Publishing with PHP

    FMXML (FileMaker Server only)

    Custom Web Publishing with XML

    FMXDBC (FileMaker Server only)

    ODBC and JDBC applications

    If an extended privilege is not listed, then those clients can't open the hosted database. To grant access, close the file on the server, then open it with FileMaker Pro and enable the extended privilege for the accounts that you want to grant access.

Notes 

  • The Event.log (or the Windows Event Viewer) should have FileMaker Server messages about opening the file. See Event log.

  • If you manually added files to a hosting folder after startup, those files show a Closed () status icon next to the database name. You must open those files. See Opening hosted files.