FileMaker database file could not be opened. Either the host is not available, or the file is not available on that host.

FileMaker database file could not be opened

Sometime user(s) face this error message while connecting FileMaker Pro (FMP) database files hosted on a particular FileMaker Server (FMS). Following things need to be ensured before checking the type of user account.

• Make sure that FMP Server is up and running without any performance issue
• Make sure all needed FMP database files are enabled i.e. in “Normal” state

If above points are already taken care of and still the issue persist, check the FMP account type and access of the user.

If user is of FileMaker account type, then make sure that user has appropriate permissions and user is using correct login credentials.

If user is of External Server accounts type, then make sure that user NT id has been added to appropriate  Active Directory security group. If all External server account user are getting similar error message, then follow below steps to make sure proper FMP client authentication settings for that host.

• Login FMP Server
• Login FileMaker Server Admin Console
• Go to FileMaker Server Overview -> Configuration -> Database Server. In Security tab, make sure that for client authentication “FileMaker and external server accounts” option is selected. If not, select this option to allow all FMP users to login either of FileMaker accounts or External Server accounts.