Editing file content from portal container field

As a developer I keep many older versions of FileMaker on my system but because of it's limitations, I no longer have FileMaker Pro 12 installed. However, creating and opening a test file in FileMaker Pro 13, the "store only as a reference" option works as expected. Changes made to the Excel file, opened by double-clicking on the container field, are preserved. I re-opened the Excel with and without closing the original FM file and after closing it completely. It also works correctly with later versions.

There may have been a version specific issue with FMP 12 and opening container fields but I can't recall. I would suggest you try the attached test file below which has a contain field and a test Excel spreadsheet stored externally. I would also suggest downloading the 30-day Trial version of FMP 17 and see if you have the same results.

It's important to note that if you change the location of the file that is being referenced, including things like migrating to a new hard drive, the path will be invalid. Try placing a new file into the container. Closing the FM file and re-opening. Then double-click and see if your changes are preserved in the file.
Container-test.fmp12
TEST.xlsx

Hi Will,

As you said, it worked correctly with your database but not with mine.  Is there a particular programming i should look at for the container field?

Hmmm... Try going into layout mode, deleting and then adding back in the Container field to the portal. There's nothing particular about the settings for the Container field on example file, and I modified to the Example just to confirm that it works the same within a portal.

The possible difference I can think of is that you have external storage turned on (in the "Storage" tab under the field options for the container file. If External Storage is turned on, it means that FM will make a copy of the file and store it in the specified location (FM 13+ gives you additional location options). If you then open the original file directly - by double-clicking on the file rather than within FileMaker - any changes you make will be made to the ORIGINAL file will not appear when you open by double-clicking on the container field.

In other words, with External Storage on, there is are two copies of the file, the original and the copy that FM makes and is keeping track of. For most situations, this is exactly what you want because a document stored in a Container field is not generally being changed or edited once it's stored. And, if it is FM is opening the stored version, not the original wherever it happens to be.

 
And, of course, make sure that when you put a document into the field using "Insert File..." form the contextual sub-menu (right-clicking) that it's set to Store only as reference, but I'm assuming you're already doing that properly .

Hi Will,

I'm having a programmer take a look at my database as it would seem to be a database design issue, although he said he wanted to look at other things on my computer.   I will advise you if there is any progress.  

Thank you