Filemaker pro 11 converstion to filemaker pro 15

FileMaker Pro 11 to Filemaker Pro 15 Conversion: A Comprehensive Guide

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If you're still using the older version of FileMaker Pro 11 and looking to upgrade to a more feature-rich and modern database management system like FileMaker Pro 15, then this article is for you. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through every step involved in converting your existing databases from Filemaker Pro 11 to Filemaker Pro 15.

Why Upgrade?

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Before diving into the conversion process, let's first understand why it's essential to upgrade from an older version like FileMaker Pro 11 to a newer one such as FileMaker Pro 14 or even the latest release of FileMaker Pro 16. Here are some compelling reasons:

* Improved Performance: Newer versions of Filemaker offer significant performance improvements compared to their predecessors, making your database operations faster and more efficient.

* Enhanced Security Features: As security concerns continue to rise, newer releases of Filemaker have introduced robust features such as encryption, access privileges, and other measures to protect sensitive information in your databases.

* Compatibility with Modern Operating Systems: Older versions like FileMaker Pro 11 may not be compatible with the latest operating systems released by Apple or Microsoft. Upgrading ensures that you can continue using your database management system without worrying about compatibility issues.

Prerequisites for Conversion

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Before starting the conversion process, make sure you meet these basic prerequisites:

* You have a valid copy of FileMaker Pro 11 installed on your machine.

* Your computer meets or exceeds the minimum hardware and software requirements specified by Apple or Microsoft depending upon which operating system (macOS or Windows) you're using.

Step-by-Step Conversion Process

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Now that we've covered why it's essential to upgrade from an older version like FileMaker Pro 11, let's dive into the step-by-step process of converting your existing databases:

### Step 1: Back Up Your Databases

Before making any changes or modifications to your database files, always create a complete backup. This will ensure that if something goes wrong during the conversion process, you can easily roll back to a previous version without losing any data.

To do this:

* Open FileMaker Pro 11 and go to File > Manage.

* Select all databases you want to convert by holding down Ctrl+Shift (Windows) or Command+Option (macOS).

* Right-click on the selected database(s), then select 'Export' from the context menu. Choose a location where you'd like to save your backed-up files and choose .fp7 as the file format.

* Repeat this process for each individual table in case something goes wrong during the conversion.

### Step 2: Install FileMaker Pro 15

If you haven't already, download and install the latest version of Filemaker from their official website. Follow all instructions provided by Apple or Microsoft depending upon which operating system (macOS or Windows) you're using to complete the installation process successfully.

### Step 3: Import Your Backed-Up Files into FileMaker Pro 15

Once you've installed FileMaker Pro 14/15, launch it and go to File > Import

* In the 'import dialog box,' select '.fp7' as your file type.

* Navigate to where you saved your backed-up files earlier. Select all . fp7 files that correspond with each individual table in your original database.

### Step 4: Configure Your New Database

After importing your backed up data into FileMaker Pro 15, it's essential to configure your new database according to your needs:

* Set the file location for each table.

* Establish relationships between tables if necessary.

* Create any additional fields or modify existing ones as required.

### Step 5: Test Your Converted Database

Once you've completed all these steps and have successfully imported your backed up data into FileMaker Pro 15, it's time to test everything out:

1. Open each individual table in the new database and verify that all records are present.

2 Run a few basic queries or reports to ensure there were no issues during import.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

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While following these steps should result in a smooth transition from FileMaker Pro 11 to Filemaker Pro 15, sometimes you may encounter some common problems along the way:

* Missing Fields: If certain fields are missing after importing your data into the new database, ensure that:

+ The field name and/or alias match exactly between both versions of Filemaker.

+ You've enabled 'Import all table relationships' during import.

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In conclusion, upgrading from an older version like FileMaker Pro 11 to a newer one such as FileMaker Pro 15 can bring numerous benefits including improved performance, enhanced security features and compatibility with modern operating systems. By following the step-by-step guide outlined above, you should be able to successfully convert your existing databases without any significant issues.

Remember always back up all of your important data before making any changes or modifications to ensure that if something goes wrong during the conversion process, you can easily roll back to a previous version without losing any information.

Filemaker pro 11 converstion to filemaker pro 15