Using Filemaker Pro 4.x to serve files and databases to the internet.

Filemaker Pro has a useful built in Accessory called the Web Companion that allows you to serve any database that you create and make it interactive for individuals on the Internet. This can all be done within Filemaker Pro itself. If you follow the checklist and guidelines below you will have an operative database on the internet.

 

  1. Create a Database using Filemaker Pro 4.0 or higher.
  2. Leave this Database and the Filemaker Pro Application open/running on the computer that you will be using to host the database.
  3. Check to see if you are connected to the internet. Check the IP address of the machine you want to host the database. Do this by going into the Network Control Panel on a PC and click the properties for the TCP/IP adapter you have on your machine. Click the IP address Tab if the specify an IP address is highlighted and there is a number there then that is your URL (eg http://128.174.198.234) If not then find a machine that has a static IP address. On a MAC it is a similar procedure under the TCP/IP control panel. Look for a specific number, if none is given then find a machine that has one.
  4. Now, go back to the database and go to the Edit--Preferences--Application Menu and make sure that the Web Companion is checked (turned on) under Plug-Ins. Once it is checked, hit the configure button. You will see some boxes checked. Make sure that Instant Web Publishing is enabled by checking the box and make sure that the TCP/IP port number is 80 if you are using ONLY Filemaker to serve files and no other software is serving web files. Make sure to assigne port 591 if there is another software application serving internet files.
  5. Then go the File--Sharing Menu and Make sure that multi-user is checked with Web Compnaion turned on.
  6. Now, save the database inside the Filemaker Pro Application folder, inside a folder that has been created already for you named "Web".
  7. Check your database on the internet by going to a browser and tping in the IP number you recorded from an earlier step or if another piece of software is serving files then type the IP number with a colon followed by a 591. (ie http://128.174.198.234:591) you should see your database.