For several years I've been using FMP9 and Internet Web Publishing to share
a small database with other non-profit volunteers. The sharing has worked
satisfactorily, though punctuated occasionally in the past year with a
recurring problem: FMP won't share because "another user" is already sharing
files on the computer. As a trial-and-error amateur, I somehow managed to
escape such situations. That was then. Now the problem is back, and I'm
stumped.
I use two HP computers. The database file normally resides on a desktop PC.
Whenever the desktop has been unavailable, I have placed a copy on a laptop,
deactivating/reactivating the file per FM rules. I did this often about 6
weeks ago while upgrading to Win7. Then a call to FM Customer Support (to
update my email of record for FM Forum) resulted in them sending me a new
key with a request that I uninstall on both computers, then reinstall using
the new key, then register, all of which I did. This allows me to have
active files concurrently on both computers, as I understand it.
Since I still had the another-user-is-sharing problem, I asked FM Support
for help. (I know that FM "does not support" Windows 7.) They only referred
me to their Knowledge Base and FM Forum. I did find one idea that seemed
worth a try: deactivate TCP/IP v. 6, leaving v4 active, but I saw no
difference in behavior.
I think it's significant that I can set a browser window with the correct IP
address and see the IWP page (blue banner, FileMaker logo), but without a
link. Only the words "No databases available" are showing.
IWP problems must be well outside the mainstream of your work as developers,
but I'm hoping someone can point me in the right direction. TIA,
-Al
