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Define Value Lists corrupt?

I went into one of my database files and tried to "Define Value Lists". When I do this, Filemaker crashes. It works on other databases, but not my Client database. I recovered the database, but still have the problem. Is there somewhere else that the "Define Value Lists" are stored? What would be the easiest way to recover this information? The rest of this database appears to be working fine...

Thanks,
John

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billmercer

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johnmoed

ASKER

I haven't had a chance to clone the file yet because everyone is still here using the DB. The problem doesn't affect anything unless I try to look at the Value Lists (through the menu or through the field format). I haven't looked at the value lists for this database for years. I checked my oldest backup and it also had the same problem...

Member_2_908359

If this base is hosted on a FM server (/NT), you can get a copy while running, simply pause server, make a copy, then resume server. It will pause users for a few seconds only.

billmercer

Good point, Lesouef.
But even if you don't have FM server, you need to get a full backup ASAP, even if it means making people exit the database for a few minutes. Once you have two good full copies, you can archive one, use one to experiment on, and folks can go back to work with the original.

Although the value list is the only place the problem appears now, that doesn't mean it will stay there. Especially since FileMaker is crashing while accessing the damaged file, the problem could spread to other areas of the file. You should also start making regular daily or at least weekly backups and keeping them permanently, so you don't lose too much work if the file dies completely.

Once you've done this, try the previous suggestions and let us know what results you get. Also, if you can provide the exact text of the error message you get when FileMaker crashes, that might be helpful. (Click Details when the error message appears.)

johnmoed

ASKER

I checked some really old backups and it seems as though the Value Lists in this file have been corrupt for a long time. I made a backup this morning and recreated the file from an export from the original file. I can now define value lists and everything appears to be working fine.

Thanks for your help!

billmercer

Glad we could help you. Make sure you implement a good backup procedure going forward!