Knowledge Base

A connection problem can originate with your workstation, internet connection, office network, VPN, FileMaker Server, or the hosted file itself. Checking a few basic details can help determine whether the issue affects only you or requires attention from your IT provider or Portage Bay Solutions.

Before changing any settings, determine whether other users can connect. If no one can connect, the issue may involve FileMaker Server, the server computer, the network, or a scheduled restart rather than your individual workstation. 

If you are working remotely, confirm that your internet connection is active and that any required VPN is connected. If you are in the office, verify that you can reach other network resources, since a local network interruption can prevent FileMaker Pro from seeing the server.

Open FileMaker Pro and check that the correct server appears under Hosts or Favorites. A connection can also fail when the installed version of FileMaker Pro is no longer compatible with the version of FileMaker Server used by your organization. 

Take a screenshot of the complete error message rather than closing it immediately. The wording and error number help us determine whether the problem is related to the server address, credentials, licensing, encryption certificate, or version compatibility.

If the problem continues, send us the screenshot, the approximate time the problem began, your location, and whether other users are affected. Please avoid repeatedly restarting FileMaker Server or the server computer unless we or your internal IT team have confirmed that a restart is appropriate.