security issues???

[goude]

Hello everyone,smiley-smile

 

I was wondering if anyone can help me with a problem I have. When I am logged into a network database (i.e. timesheets) then no-one else can see my computer in order to remotely log into the same database.

 

Is it possible that I have a strange privacy setting with my computer or FMB 8.5?

I am the only one who uses Vista.

XP users don't have this problem.

Has anyone experienced the same problem? If yes, help me please!!!

 

Thank you very much!

[Maarten Witberg]

When I am logged into a network database (i.e. timesheets) then no-one else can see my computer in order to remotely log into the same database.

I am mac-only so I don't know about your network issues but this seems like an ill-advised way to set it up.

If you share a database, always put it on a dedicated machine. the volume it's stored on should not be accessible through the normal SMB file sharing.

Start the database on the host computer, set the db to share, and then let the users log in using "open remote...."

 

if you have more than 5 concurrent users or expect a lot of network traffic, filemaker server should be installed on the (dedicated) host. Otherwise filemaker pro can act as host program.

[goude]

Thank you for your reply kjoe.

 

All the FM files are stored on a particular directory on the network. There are no problems accessing the files from any computer.

 

The problem is that we can not see (4 users in total, 3 using 8.5 and 1 using version 8) can not see each other through the "open remote window".

 

For example User 1 can see user 2 and 3 but not 4. On the other hand user 4 can see only user 1.e.t.c...I am confusedOh No!

 

Do you think that's because one of them is using an older FM version?

 

Any more suggestions please?

[Maarten Witberg]

The problem is that we can not see (4 users in total, 3 using 8.5 and 1 using version 8) can not see each other through the "open remote window".

but why do you want to see other user's computers if the file you are using is on a networked volume? I don't understand.

[Ender]

As kjoe said, do not use a network volume to share your files. FileMaker files must be hosted from a dedicated machine (not a file server).

 

If you can confirm you are not incorrectly sharing, we can help troubleshoot connection issues.

[goude]

I am sorry guys but what do you mean by a dedicated machine?

 

Are you saying that I should store the FM files locally on my machine?

[Ender]

It means dedicated to only hosting FileMaker files. It does nothing else but sit there waiting for clients to connect via the FileMaker network. The files are stored on this host's local hard drive.

 

Using someone's workstation is not a very good solution because they may not always have your FileMaker database open on their machine, and others can only connect if it is.

[goude]

OK, I have just created a new file and stored it on my Desktop.

But no-one can see it through open remote

 

On the other hand if the file is saved on the network and then opened by the other two people (both), I can only see one of them in the local hosts box.

I should be able to see anyone who has opened the particular file. Is that correct?

 

I am sorry I know I am not helping you out at all with my problem description. I am new to FMP.

[Ender]

OK, I have just created a new file and stored it on my Desktop.

But no-one can see it through open remote

Files must have "Network Sharing" enabled in File->Sharing->FileMaker Network Settings, and made available to the users/privilege set that's trying to see it (turn off the "Do not show file in Open Remote" option). Also, turn off the host's firewall or enable port 5003 access in.

 

On the other hand if the file is saved on the network and then opened by the other two people (both), I can only see one of them in the local hosts box.

I should be able to see anyone who has opened the particular file. Is that correct?

Do not attempt to share files from a network volume. This is a common cause of file corruption.

 

I seem to recall hearing that this vulnerability was cleaned up a little in recent versions, where files opened from a network volume would not be shareable in FileMaker Sharing.

[goude]

Yeap, the FileMaker network setting was off.

I can now see everyone and everyone can see me.

 

Thank you very much for your help guys.