Knowledgebase

A firewall can be a physical piece of hardware or a software program that protects a network from outside users trying to access the network. Most routers contain a built-in firewall (physical) and Windows XP/Vista/7 are equipped with Windows Firewall (software). Even though firewalls are designed to block outside users from accessing your data, they can also block network computers from sharing data over the network. If this is the case you will need to add exceptions to your firewall for FileMaker Pro. For instructions on adding exceptions to a router or other physical firewall, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. You will need to forward port 5003 for both TCP and UDP.

Adding Exceptions to Windows Firewall

Windows XP

1. Go to the Start Menu and select Control Panel.

2. Double-click Windows Firewall.
If this option is not visible, select Security Center, scroll to the very bottom and select Windows Firewall.

3. Select the Exceptions tab.

4. Click Add Program.

5. Click Browse.

6. Navigate to the FileMaker Pro folder.
Default location is C:\Program Files\FileMaker\FileMaker Pro ##\FileMaker Pro.exe.

7. Double-click the FileMaker Pro.exe.

8. Click OK.

9. Click OK.

Windows Vista

1. Go to the Start Menu and select Control Panel.

2. Double-click Windows Firewall.
If this option is not visible, select Security, and select Windows Firewall.

3. Click Allow Program Through Windows Firewall.

4. Select the Exceptions tab.

5. Click Add Program.

6. Click Browse.

7. Navigate to the FileMaker Pro folder.
Default location is C:\Program Files\FileMaker\FileMaker Pro ##\FileMaker Pro.exe.

8. Double-click the FileMaker Pro.exe.

9. Click OK.

10. Click OK.

Windows 7

1. Go to the Start Menu and select Control Panel.

2. Double-click Windows Firewall.
If this option is not visible, select System and Security, select Windows Firewall.

3. Click Allow a Program Through Windows Firewall.

4. Click Change Settings.

5. Click Allow Another Program.

6. Click Browse.

7. Navigate to the FileMaker Pro folder.
Default location is C:\Program Files\FileMaker\FileMaker Pro ##\FileMaker Pro.exe.8. Double-click the FileMaker Pro.exe.

8. Double-click the FileMaker Pro.exe.

9. Click OK.