Upgrading a Database to FileMaker 13
FileMaker 12 introduced 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 13 or the latest version available from the Install Software link in your Start Menu.
Mac users need to go to R:\Staff Installs\FileMaker to find the software.
Full installation instructions for all users are at Install FileMaker Pro on your Computer - 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 in FileMaker. - Open the database in FileMaker 13.
- 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 13 server. Be sure to include the path to the database.
- Connect to the FileMaker 13 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.