Setting up an additional database folder

Important  Before changing folder settings, ensure all permissions and requirements are met for the selected folder. See Tips for valid folders.

In addition to the default folder, FileMaker Server can host databases in an additional database folder.

The additional database folder can be used to host encrypted and non-encrypted database files. This folder supports placing files in sub-folders, but only one level down. It also supports using a container data folder.

You must create this folder on the primary machine before specifying the path on the Configuration > Folders tab.

To specify an additional database folder:

  1. Click the Configuration > Folders tab.

  2. Set Additional Database Folder to Enabled.

    Note  Additional Database Folder refers to Additional Database Folder 1 and Additional Database Folder 2. Both folders are enabled and configured using the same instructions.

  3. Enter the full path to the location of the additional database folder. The maximum length of the path is 255 characters.

    • Windows: The path you enter must start with filewin:/ and end with a slash (/).

      For example, filewin:/[drive letter]:/[folder name]/

      If you are using a network volume, the path you enter must have the server name.

      For example, filewin://[server name]/[share name]/[folder name]/

    • macOS: The path you enter must start with filemac:/ and end with a slash (/). If the folder is located on a remote volume, make sure the volume is mounted so that FileMaker Server can validate the path.

      For example, filemac:/[volume name]/[folder name]/

      To use a network volume, the networked drive must be mounted and the FileMaker Server user account must be a member of the daemon group.

    • Linux: The path you enter must start with filelinux:/ and end with a slash (/). If the folder is located on a remote volume, make sure the volume is mounted so that FileMaker Server can validate the path.

      For example, filelinux:/[volume name]/[folder name]/

      To use a network volume, the networked drive must be mounted and the FileMaker Server user account must be a member of the daemon group.

      Note  Ext4 and NTFS file systems and LUKS password protected volumes allow you to use folders on secondary drives.

  4. To set up a container data folder for the additional database folder, see Setting up a container data folder.

Notes 

  • The additional database folder cannot be a parent or a sub-folder of the container data folders.

  • The container data folder cannot be a parent or a sub-folder of the additional database folder.

  • If you receive the error "the path is not valid", see the "The path for my additional database folder or backup folders is not valid" section in General problems.