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 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:

      Extended privilege Clients that can use the database

      FMAPP

      FileMaker Pro, FileMaker Go

      FMWEBDIRECT

      FileMaker WebDirect

      FMREST

      FileMaker Data API

      FMPHP

      Custom Web Publishing with PHP

      FMXML

      Custom Web Publishing with XML

      FMXDBC

      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 closed) status icon next to the database name. You must open those files. See Opening hosted files.