Recover a FileMaker Pro v4 file

If FileMaker Pro 4.x files become damaged due to a power failure, system error, hardware failure, or low storage space, many times FileMaker can automatically repair a damaged file.

If you receive the message when opening a file, "This file was not closed properly. FileMaker is now performing a consistency check." Let the process continue. If the file opens, the file has been repaired and you may use it normally.

If a file is severely damaged, you should Follow these steps to use FileMaker's Recover to repair the damaged file. 

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1. Recover the file.

You must have enough space on the disk for the new recovered file. The new file will be the approximately the same size as the damaged file.

1. Open the FileMaker Pro 4.x application.
2. Click Cancel in the Open dialog box.
3. From the File menu, choose Recover.
   
   The Recover dialog box appears. You will need to locate the damaged file.
   
   
4. Select the damaged file in the dialog box. Click Open.
   
   The Name New Recovered File dialog box appears. If you don't enter a new name, FileMaker automatically adds "Recovered" to the file name.
   
   
5. Enter a new name or leave as is.
   

   
   IF YOU'RE USING A WINDOWS COMPUTER WITH WINDOWS XP, you must change the location where the Recovered file is created. If you attempt to save the file to the same location as the original, the Recovery process will fail. IT recommends that you save the Recovered file to your Local Disk (C:) drive.

   
   
6. When ready to save the file, click Save.

   The recovery process should not be interrupted once started.

7. Click OK when the process is complete.

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2. Exit FileMaker and trash the original file

1. From the File menu, choose Exit.
2. Delete the original, damaged file.

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3. Rename the recovered file

1. Rename the "Recovered" file to the original name.

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4. Open the recovered file.

1. From the File Menu, choose Open.
2. Open the recovered file and check for information loss.

   
   Recovered files will be very slow to open for the first time. This is normal and should not cause concern.
   
   If the information appears usable, proceed with the next step. If the recovered file still won't open or information is lost, call Computer Support for further assistance before proceeding.

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