Upgrading a Database to FileMaker 12
FileMaker 12 has a new file format that is incompatible with earlier versions. In order to upgrade your database you will need to follow these steps.
- Install FileMaker 12 from the Install Software link in your Start Menu.
Mac users need to go to R:\Staff Installs\Mac Software\FileMaker 12 to find the software. - Download the most recent backup copy of the database from R:\FM_Backups to your local hard drive.
Choose the Daily_<most recent date> folder then Databases and look in your department's folder. These folders don't show on the FileMaker server. - Open the database in FileMaker 12.
- FileMaker will prompt you to upgrade the database and save it in the new format.
- Use the same database name with the new .fmp12 file extension.
- Make sure everything works when used locally; login, scripts, data entry, etc.
- Copy the upgraded database to a location on the R: drive
- Send an email to fix-lib@mit.edu requesting that this database be mounted on the FileMaker 12 server. Be sure to include the path to the database.
- Connect to the FileMaker 12 server. Click for connection instructions.
- Open your database and log in.
When the database has been upgraded and moved to the FileMaker 12 server, the FileMaker 11 version will be removed from the server so that users do not accidentally use the wrong version of the database.
Send an email to fix-lib@mit.edu if you have any questions or if you need help converting your database.