How to configure Problem Tracker for multiple clients on a network

These instructions assume you have FileMaker Pro or FileMaker Pro (FMP) Server installed on your machine. Each client will also need a copy of FileMaker Pro version 3 or 4.

1. Change the default password. Open Problem Tracker in FileMaker Pro (not FMP Server) using the administrator password. (Windows users hold down shift while opening the client.fm file. Macintosh users hold down option while openinng the client.fm file) The administrator password was given to you shortly after you registered for the site licence.

2. Choose Define Passwords from Access Privileges in the File menu. Change the "user" password to a password of your choosing for each of the five database files. Following that, go to Preferences:Document in the Edit menu and remove the Try Default Password setting, otherwise anyone on your network (or the Internet) can gain access to Problem Tracker.

3. Copy the version of Problem Tracker you just configured to the Macintosh or Windows PC that will be used as the server. FMP Server will give much better server performance while using FileMaker Pro will allow you to use Problem Tracker on the same machine that is serving Problem Tracker.

4. Configure FileMaker Pro or FMP Server for your network. FileMaker Pro users should choose Preferences:General and select the proper Protocol there. FMP Server users should consult the manual.

5. Open the five database files of Problem Tracker. (client.fp, problem.fp, action.fp, type.fp, and staff.fp). If you are using FMP Server, you are all finished. If you are using FileMaker Pro be sure to select Multi-User access from Sharing in the File Menu. (if you are using FileMaker Pro version 3, select Multi-User from the FileMenu)

Clients may now connect to the server. Here are the steps to do so:
a. Open FileMaker Pro.
b. Just like in step 4 above, each client should choose the proper protocol for your network. If the proper protocol needs to be set, restart FileMaker Pro.
c. Open an exisiting file (choose Open from the File Menu)
d. Click Hosts in the open dialogue box that appears.
e. If your network uses the AppleTalk or IPX protocol, you should see the five Problem Tracker database files. If you use TCP, you may have to click Specific Host and type in the Internet address of the server.
f. Open the client.fp file that appears in the list.
g. Type in the password that you entered in step 2 of this file

ThatŐs it. You are now ready to use Problem Tracker on your network.

Common Questions and Answers:

I cannot see the server in Host list - what is wrong?
I assume your network is properly set up and configured. If it is, check that you have FileMaker Pro (and/or FMP Server) set up to use the correct protocol on your network. Remember TCP/IP clients may not see the server right away until you click Specify Hosts and enter its Internet address.

How do I set up a network?
Unfortunately, I cannot provide support for the networking, only the network settings for the databases. If you are setting up a new network, see a network consultant, or read up on networking. AppleTalk networks are the easiest to set up and maintain, however extra software is required if you run Windows-based PCs. TCP/IP is included with both Macintoshes and PCs so it is the recommended protcol for cross-platform networks. If you already have a Novell Network set up, you may wish to use IPX.

Do I need to register to try out the network version?
Yes, to activate networking you need the master password, which is given to you when you register.

If the single computer version does not need FileMaker Pro to run, why does the network version?
The single computer version is made with the FileMaker Pro Developer's edition. It makes runtimes versions but does not include networking capabilities. Though this costs more, it is very economical considering the cost of network licences for competing database products.

