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How do I set up my FileMaker 5.x database as an ODBC Data Source?
Product: General HanDBase Sync Exchange for ODBC TopicsArticle Number: 355Creation Date: 09/22/2009
These steps are taken from an older tutorial and apply to the older FileMaker 5.x ODBC Driver. These steps may apply to FileMaker 6 as well.

Please note that DDH Software cannot provide support for these steps. If they are not working as described you will need to contact FileMaker for assistance in setting up your FileMaker database as an ODBC Data Source.

These steps are retained for informational purposes only.

If you are using FileMaker 7, 8, 9 or 10 please refer to Knowledgebase Article 213 for the steps for setting up databases under those versions as ODBC Data Sources.

  1. You will need to make sure that you have installed the Local Data Access Companion plugin and the Remote Data Access Companion plugin.
  2. Once the above are installed you will need to open the Filemaker Pro application and follow the instructions below for your Desktop platform to enable access to for other applications.

      Windows
      From the Edit menu select Preferences. On the Plugins Tab enable the Local Data Access Companion and Remote Data Access Companion by clicking the box to the Left. Once enabled there will be an X in the box.

      Macintosh
      From the Edit menu select Preferences and then select Application. On the Plugins Tab enable the Local Data Access Companion and the Remote Data Access Companion by clicking the box to the Left. Once enabled ther will be an X in the box.

  3. You will then need to set up an ODBC Data Source, DSN, for Filemaker.
    Note: Filemaker Pro is different than most applications when it comes to doing this in that you are basically setting up a Generic Filemaker data source that gives you access to all Open Filemaker databases through it.
  4. To add the ODBC Data Source you will need to access the following, appropriate, control in the Windows Control Panel.

      Windows NT, 2000, XP
      Data Sources (ODBC) (probably listed under Administrative Tools)

      Windows 95, 98, ME
      ODBC Data Sources

  5. When that window opens click the Add button
    Note: HanDBase Sync Exchange will work with either a User DSN or a System DSN.
  6. When the next prompt comes up select the Filemaker Pro ODBC Driver listed and click OK or Finish.
  7. In this next dialog you will need to enter a Data Source Name and a Description.
    Note: As mentioned previously this is a Generic Data Source so you will not be selecting a specific Filemaker Database file.
  8. You will currently need to enable Remote Data Access for this Data Source even if the file is on your local machine. This is due to some incompatibility between the HanDBase Sync Exchange and the Filemaker ODBC Driver. We are looking into this. To enable this check the Use Remote Connection box. Then enter a Server Address 127.0.0.1 if the files you will be syncing with are on your Local machine. If you are Syncing with a remote machine, such as a Macintosh computer where the file resides then enter the IP address of that remote computer, for example 65.123.45.678
  9. When finished editing these options click the Apply button and then click the Ok button.
  10. You are now finished setting up the ability for the HanDBase Sync Exchange to connect to Filemaker to access your databases. There will be additional steps below for enabling access to a specific database though.

Providing these steps worked for you, if you want to set up your FileMaker Database to synchronize with HanDBase then refer to either the Start with an existing Filemaker database or Start with an existing HanDBase database sections of Knowledgebase Article 213.


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