Instructions for the novice user

Hi,

Re: Welcome to FileMaker Pro!

Welcome to FileMaker Pro Database by Claris® – the software for easy record keeping and so much more.

FileMaker Pro is the database that has been in use within tens of thousands of companies worldwide, for over two decades, helping them manage customer records, create documents, track product data and much more.

This mail contains the instructions to log onto FileMaker Pro.

Please follow the instructions below, exactly as shown - you shall be up and running in no time; if not, feel free to contact me:

1. Launching FileMaker Pro for the first time:
1. Before you can use the attached file, the FileMaker Pro Application needs to be installed on your computer.  
2. Your IT Support Department may have already installed it and they may have even set it up so that it appears in your TaskBar.  
3. So, first ensure that FileMaker Pro has already been installed on your PC/Laptop, by the IT Support Department.  If not, please drop them an eMail.
4. If your IT Support department supplied you with an Opener file, check that the file (e.g. “Opener.fmp12”) is on your computer.
5. Right-Click^(*) on the FileMaker Pro Icon in the TaskBar and if file is there, continue on to Paragraph 12. below.
6. If the Opener File is not yet on your computer, continue on to the next point.
7. Download the attached file “Opener.fmp12” from central server (ask your IT Support Department) , as follows:
8. Right-Click the “Opener.fmp12” File Icon.
9. Choose Save As…
10. Preferably, try to find the FileMaker Pro Folder, which you should be able to find in the Programs Folder that comes as standard on your Hard Disk. 
11. Now continue to Par. 12. below.
12. Open the FileMaker Pro and Right-Click the “Opener.fmp12” file and select and click on FileMaker Pro .
13. If FileMaker Pro is not listed in this Menu, see Par, 1. above; try again when this has been seen to.
14. If you are presented with a message to check for the latest update of FileMaker Pro, just tick the CheckBox “Don’t tell me about new versions again”.
15. If you keep seeing the Register Now message, tick the “Do not show this Option” CheckBox. just click the “Register Later” Button.
16. Once you are in the default Main Menu File, select “File Options” from the File Menu.
17. You will now see a Login Dialogue Box with Username and Password Fields.
18. Remember to tick the CheckBox to “remember your Credentials”.
19. If you encounter an error message, contact the IT Support Department
20. Your User Token Privileges currently allows you Full Access to the default Main Menu File.  Please be careful with the data; remember that deleting details cannot be easily recovered!
21. Now that FileMaker Pro is up and running and the default Main Menu File - where all office data is probably stored - is open, you still need to carry out the following one-off task:
22. Right-Click on the FileMaker Pro Icon in the TaskBar.
23. You will see the “Opener” file, which you should Right-Click^(*) and select “Pin to this list”.
24. The next time you want to log on, Right-Click^(*) on the FileMaker Pro icon in your Taskbar and select the Opener file.
25. From the Edit Menu, choose the last item called “Preferences”
26. Remove the Tick from the last two Options:
27. Notify me when an update is available
28. Notify me when a new version is available
2. Here are some Every-Day-Tips on using FileMaker Pro:
1. Search for FileMaker Pro in the Windows search engine.
2. Right-click^(*) the FileMaker Pro icon and choose Pin to TaskBar
3. For more information about FileMaker Pro see:
1. https://www.techopedia.com/definition/7197/filemaker-pro
2. http://www.filemaker.com/help/13/fmp/en/html/fmp_basics.3.6.html
3. http://www.techinsider.io/apples-filemaker-pro-version-15-2016-5
4. How to find contact details in the default Main Menu File, where all office data is probably stored:
1. In FileMaker Pro, select New Window from the Window Menu.
2. Press the F2 Button (on top of the Number Two Key in the Alphanumeric Keyboard) and select “Contacts Layout” from the Layouts Drop-down-menu.
3. Now press Ctrl+F and enter the name you are looking for in the appropriate Field/s.  Press Enter to display the matching Records.
4. If you fancy a small tour de FileMaker Pro, feel free to your IT Support Department at any time during office hours (use Teams Calls or Teams Chat).
5. Should you have a problem with FileMaker Pro, press the F1 key on your keyboard for online, context-sensitive help.
6. Alternatively, log a ticket with the IT Support Helpdesk.

(*) The Mouse Button to the Right of the Scroll-Wheel, or the Right-Hand-Corner on your Trackpad.

(**) So called, because the only function it performs is to Open the default Main Menu File, where all office data is probably stored.

Hope this helps!

Observations of Anomalies in FMP Find Layout

 The "Find" environment is totally different than the "Browse" universe - when it comes to entering data from the Clipboard.

When pasting the contents of a Cell in Excel into a Field, the difference between Find and Browse is this: 

in Find it will also paste the LF (aka Paragraph Entry)

in Browse it will paste the text sans the LF

Ask Claris (FileMaker Pro):

When typing fast, many CApitalised WOrds end up with the SEcond LEtter also CApitalised.  This should be corrected automatically - PLease!

When typing fast, many Word send up wit hthe last Letter of one word stuck the firstl etter of the next one. This should be corrected automatically - Please!