Backing Up FileMaker Server

You have. choices when choosing how to back up FrameReady on FileMaker Server.

Before You Begin...

These steps are very important to keep your FrameReady in good, working order.

If you must use a third-party backup solution...

  • then you must also exclude the FrameReady folder from all backups it makes. Failing to do so will likely result in damaged database files, lost or conflicting data.

If you are using Time Machine on your Mac...

  • then you must exclude the FrameReady folder from all backups it makes. Failing to do so will likely result in damaged database files, lost or conflicting data.

If you are using Anti-Virus software on your computer...

  • then you must also exclude the FrameReady folder from its scanning activity. Failing to do so will likely result in damaged database files, lost or conflicting data.

In conclusion...

  • Use the built-in backup feature in the FileMaker Server Admin Console to backup the FrameReady database folder.

  • Do not allow other backup software to backup the live FrameReady database folder.

How to Backup FileMaker Server

Important: Do not use third-party backup software on hosted FileMaker Pro databases. Backup software can damage open, hosted databases.

Insteaad, first use FileMaker Server to make a backup copy of your database, then run your third-party backup software on the copy.

Make sure that the folder(s) containing the live FrameReady database files are excluded from the third-party backup software.

Set up a Local Backup

Use these steps to set up a local backup.

  1. On the server computer, open the FileMaker Server Admin Console.

    See: Opening the FileMaker Server Admin Console

  2. Open the Backups tab.

  3. By default, daily backups cover the past 7 days. Depending on the size of your FrameReady files, this may require several GB of storage.

  4. By default, the backup folders are located:

    Windows:
    C:/Program Files/FileMaker/FileMaker Server/Data/Backups/

    macOS:
    Macintosh HD/Library/FileMaker Server/Data/Backups

  5. By default, the backup is verified for integrity after the files have been copied.

  6. By default, the backup time is set for 12:00am each day.

    The server computer and software must be running for this feature.

  7. By default, email notifications about the status of the backup are not enabled.

Tip: We recommend enabling email notifications as it can alert you to potential problems.

  • Each daily backup is stored in a folder with a name similar to this: Daily_2021-12-25_2300

  • The format can be read as: Daily_[YYYY]-[MM]-[DD]-[HH00]

Using Cloud Backup Services

Use these steps to move your FrameReady backups to the cloud.

  • If your backup solution allows you to choose a folder to backup, then point it to watch this folder:

    Windows:
    C:/Program Files/FileMaker/FileMaker Server/Data/Backups/

    macOS:
    Macintosh HD/Library/FileMaker Server/Data/Backups

  • This is where FileMaker Server stores your FrameReady backups. Depending on the size of your FrameReady files, this may require several GB of storage.

Do not enable incremental backups as these only store the changes and not the entire database. Doing so can make recovery more troublesome.

Do not point your cloud backup solution to watch or backup the live database files or folder. Doing so can result in file corruption and data loss.

  • If your cloud backup service does not allow you to specify a watch folder, then you will need extra steps.

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