Deployment Guide: FileMaker (SIPP/SSAS~Pro) Hotfix [v1.4]
Introduction
There is a requirement to update the 'SecureFM' plug-in file within the FileMaker application, before the end of 2024.
This guide provides:
- A replacement plug-in file (attached).
- Target deployment summary.
- Deployment steps (multi-app).
- FAQ's
If you have a query not covered here or you experience an issue during deployment, please contact our Product Support team.
Overview
The steps to update the FileMaker plug-in are simple, however the process requires repeating on multiple machines and in one case, multiple times on the same machine*. To explain why this additional work is required, it is necessary to understand the FileMaker application variants (Server vs. Pro) and the platform types (Server vs. Client) on which they are deployed.
Deployment Targets
The SecureFM file [SecureFM.fmx] needs to be replaced within the following applications:
- FileMaker Server (AutoUpdate)
- FileMaker Pro
FileMaker Pro
This application can be found deployed on:
- Client machines e.g., Windows 10 or terminal servers (RDS/Citrix).
- FileMaker Server host machine*.
Note: The FileMaker Server host machine uses FileMaker Pro for administrative purposes.
FileMaker Server
This application can be found deployed on:
- FileMaker Server host machine (only).
*As the FileMaker Server host machine runs FileMaker Server AND Pro, all deployments steps are applicable on this machine.
FileMaker Server (AutoUpdate)
1. Connect to your FileMaker Server machine.
2. Browse to the path [C:\FMServer\AutoUpdate].
Note: The drive letter can vary.
3. Paste the (attached) file 'SecureFM.fmx' into the location stated in the previous step.
Note: If a message is displayed stating the file already exists, please choose the option to overwrite/replace the existing file.
FileMaker Pro
1. Ensure FileMaker Pro is not running.
2. Browse to the path [C:\Program Files (x86)\FMPRO55\System].
Note: The drive letter can vary.
3. Paste the (attached) file 'SecureFM.fmx' into the location stated in the previous step.
Note: If a message is displayed stating the file already exists, please choose the option to overwrite/replace the existing file.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
What is a Plug-in?
- A plug-in is software that extends the capabilities of FileMaker Pro and FileMaker Server.
- Plug-ins are available from third-party software companies.
What is SecureFM?
- The SecureFM plug-in is a third-party utility.
- It allows us to control the functionality available to users by selectively disabling FileMaker menus and windows.
- The file version number is v6.3.1.
Why does the SecureFM plug-in file need replacing?
- The third-party software vendor embedded an arbitrary expiry date which is due within the next few months.
When do I have to replace the file by?
What will happen if I don't replace the file by the expiry date?
- Upon launching the application, an error message will be displayed and you will not be able to login.
Can I skip manually replacing the file on client machines and let 'Auto Update' take care of replacing the file?
- Whilst this is what the Auto Update feature is designed to do, it will not work in this scenario because the file version number has not changed.
- Auto Update will work when the file does not already exist in the 'System' directory.
If the plug-in file [SecureFM.fmx] has been updated, why has the version number not changed?
- No code changes have been applied to the file, therefore the version number remains the same.