Knowledgebase

Networking two or more computers to share FrameReady is accomplished by setting up a LAN. FrameReady is installed on only one computer called the host. All other computers access the files through FileMaker Pro and are known as guests. There are two types of configurations used for networking FrameReady:

1. Peer to Peer: FrameReady is installed and open on the host computer. All guest computers access FrameReady through FMP.
Recommended when accessing FrameReady on two or three computers.

2. Client/Server: FrameReady is installed on the host computer along with FileMaker Server. FileMaker Server opens and hosts the files in the background (FrameReady is not accessed on this computer). All guest computers access FrameReady through FMP.
Recommended when accessing FrameReady on four or more computers.

All computers are connected to the network through a piece of hardware called a router. Connections can be wired or wireless, although wired connections are recommended whenever possible as it is faster and less susceptible to interference and poor signal quality sometimes experienced with wireless connections. Although many factors can cause a guest to not be able to find the FrameReady files on the host, the most common solutions are hardware issues and software issues below.

Hardware Issues

Check to see that all computers on the network can access the internet. The most common network configuration is with a high-speed modem connecting to a router in which all computers are connected to. This allows all network stations to share the same internet connection. If only one computer cannot access the internet, you know the problem is only with that particular machine. It may be a loose or damaged cable, or a problem with the network card. Make sure the network cable is securely connected to the network card at the back of the computer as well as the corresponding port on the router. You may also try replacing that cable. If all computers on the network cannot access the internet, try rebooting the router. This is done by unplugging the power to the router and plugging it back in. When all computers on the network can access the internet, you can safely assume that they are all connected to the network.

Software Issues

Make sure the FrameReady files are being shared on the host computer. If you are using FileMaker Server, ensure the files are open and the FileMaker Server service is running (refer to the FileMaker server manual for help). In a peer-to-peer configuration, make sure FrameReady is open and the files are set to multi-user.

Setting Files to Multi-User

1. From the Main Menu of the host computer, click Set Up Data.

2. Select the Network tab.

3. Click Set Files to Multi-User.

4. Click OK.

5. Single-click all of the files listed in the bottom left and make sure they are all set to on (On/Off radio button at the top of the screen).

6. Click OK.

Opening FrameReady on a Guest

1. Open FileMaker Pro, from the desktop shortcut or alias.
If you do not have a shortcut, you can find the program in C:\Program Files\FileMaker\FileMaker Pro ##\FileMaker Pro.exe (Windows) or Macintosh HD\Applications\FileMaker Pro ##\FileMaker Pro.app (Macintosh).

2. FileMaker Pro will open to the quick start screen, click Cancel.

3. Go to the File menu and select Open Remote.

4. Select Local Hosts from the View dropdown list.
The host computer name and IP address should appear in the Hosts box on the left.

5. Single-click on the host.*
MainMenu should appear under Available Files on the right.

6. Double-click MainMenu.
You will be presented with an account and password dialog.

7. Enter your account and password.

*If no hosts or available files are listed, you can add the host as a favorite. You will need to know the host IP address.

Finding the Host IP Address (Peer to Peer Configuration)

1. From the Main Menu, click Set Up Data.

2. Select the Network tab.

3. Click What’s My IP Address.
Write down the IP address with the dots (eg: 192.168.1.100).

Finding Host IP Address (Client/Server)

Windows

1. Click the Start menu button and select Run.
If the run option is not available press the Windows key and R on your keyboard.

2. Type cmd into the dialog and click OK.
A command prompt window will open.

3. Type ipconfig and press Enter.
Write down the IP address with the dots (eg: 192.168.1.100).

Macintosh

1. From the Apple menu, select System Preferences.

2. Single-click the Network icon.
Write down the IP address with the dots (eg: 192.168.1.100).