A Comprehensive Guide

Jacob Taylor, May 4, 2023, FileMaker Training Videos

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Prerequisites
  • System Requirements
  • Software Requirements
  • Preparing Your Windows Server
• Setting Up the Windows Environment
  • Updating Windows Server
  • Configuring Server Roles and Features
  • Creating a Dedicated User Account
• Downloading FileMaker Server 2023
  • Accessing the FileMaker Customer Console
  • Downloading the Installer
• Installing FileMaker Server 2023
  • Step 1: Launching the Installer
  • Step 2: License Agreement and User Information
  • Step 3: Choosing the Installation Type
  • Step 4: Configuring the Web Server
  • Step 5: Specifying the Deployment Type
  • Step 6: Setting the Admin Console Credentials
  • Step 7: Completing the Installation
• Post-Installation Configuration
  • Accessing the Admin Console
  • Uploading License Certificate
  • Configuring SSL Certificates
  • Setting Up Backups
  • Configuring Email Notifications
• Advanced Configuration
  • Adjusting Memory Cache Settings
  • Enabling External Authentication
  • Configuring Web Publishing
  • Setting Up Scheduled Scripts
• Security Best Practices
  • Securing the Windows Server
  • Using Firewall and Port Settings
  • Implementing SSL/TLS Encryption
• Troubleshooting and Maintenance
  • Common Installation Issues
  • Checking Log Files
  • Updating FileMaker Server
  • Uninstalling FileMaker Server
• Conclusion
• References

Introduction

FileMaker Server 2023 is a powerful platform for hosting and managing your FileMaker solutions securely and efficiently. Installing it on a Windows Server requires careful planning and execution to ensure optimal performance and security. This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions to help you successfully install FileMaker Server 2023 on a Windows environment.

Prerequisites

Before starting the installation process, ensure that your system meets all the necessary requirements.

System Requirements

• Operating System: Windows Server 2019 Standard or Datacenter (64-bit), Windows Server 2022 Standard or Datacenter (64-bit)
• Processor: Intel Xeon E5 or better
• RAM: Minimum 8 GB (16 GB or more recommended for better performance)
• Storage: SSD with at least 80 GB free space
• Network: Gigabit Ethernet connection recommended

Software Requirements

• .NET Framework: Version 4.8 or later
• Java: OpenJDK 17 (Amazon Corretto 17 recommended)
• Web Server: Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS) enabled

Preparing Your Windows Server

• Administrative Access: Ensure you have administrative privileges on the server.
• Firewall Configuration: Ports 80, 443, 5003, and 16000 should be open.
• Static IP Address: Assign a static IP to your server for consistent access.

Setting Up the Windows Environment

Updating Windows Server

Before installation, update your Windows Server to the latest patches.

1. Open Windows Update:
   • Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Check for Updates:
   • Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
3. Restart if Necessary:
   • Restart the server if prompted.

Configuring Server Roles and Features

Enable necessary roles and features, especially IIS.

1. Open Server Manager:
   • Click on Start, search for Server Manager, and open it.
2. Add Roles and Features:
   • Click on Manage > Add Roles and Features.
3. Installation Type:
   • Choose Role-based or feature-based installation.
4. Select Server:
   • Choose your server from the server pool.
5. Server Roles:
   • Select Web Server (IIS).
6. Features:
   • Ensure .NET Framework 4.8 Features are selected.
7. IIS Role Services:
   • Under Web Server Role (IIS), expand Web Server > Application Development.
   • Select ASP.NET 4.8, ISAPI Extensions, ISAPI Filters.
8. Confirm and Install:
   • Review selections and click Install.
9. Completion:
   • Wait for the installation to complete and click Close.

Creating a Dedicated User Account

For security, create a dedicated user account for FileMaker Server services.

1. Open Computer Management:
   • Right-click This PC > Manage.
2. Create New User:
   • Navigate to Local Users and Groups > Users.
   • Right-click and select New User.
3. User Details:
   • Username: fmsadmin
   • Password: Create a strong password.
   • Uncheck User must change password at next logon.
   • Check Password never expires.
4. Add to Administrators Group:
   • Right-click the new user > Properties > Member Of > Add > type Administrators > OK.

Downloading FileMaker Server 2023

Accessing the FileMaker Customer Console

1. Login:
   • Visit the FileMaker Customer Console.
   • Log in with your Claris ID.
2. Navigate to Downloads:
   • Click on Software Downloads.

Downloading the Installer

1. Select Version:
   • Find FileMaker Server 2023 for Windows.
2. Download:
   • Click Download and save the installer to a known location on your server.

Installing FileMaker Server 2023

Step 1: Launching the Installer

1. Locate Installer:
   • Navigate to the downloaded Setup.exe file.
2. Run as Administrator:
   • Right-click the installer and select Run as administrator.
3. User Account Control:
   • If prompted, click Yes to allow the installer to make changes.

Step 2: License Agreement and User Information

1. License Agreement:
   • Read and accept the End-User License Agreement (EULA).
   • Click Next.
2. User Information:
   • Name: Enter your name.
   • Organization: Enter your organization.
   • License Key: Enter your license key if prompted.
   • Click Next.

Step 3: Choosing the Installation Type

1. Setup Type:
   • Choose Complete for a full installation.
   • Alternatively, select Custom to specify components.
2. Destination Folder:
   • Accept the default or choose a custom installation directory.
   • Click Next.

Step 4: Configuring the Web Server

1. IIS Detection:
   • The installer will detect IIS and configure it.
2. SSL Certificate:
   • Choose to use the default certificate or specify a custom SSL certificate later.
3. Firewall Exceptions:
   • Allow the installer to configure firewall exceptions.

Step 5: Specifying the Deployment Type

1. Deployment:
   • Select Single Machine deployment.
   • For multiple servers, choose Multiple Machines and configure accordingly.
2. Web Publishing Engine:
   • Ensure it’s selected if you plan to use WebDirect or Custom Web Publishing.

Step 6: Setting the Admin Console Credentials

1. Admin Console User:
   • Username: Default is admin.
   • Password: Create a strong password.
2. Admin Email:
   • Enter an email address for notifications.
3. Time Zone:
   • Select your server’s time zone.
4. Enable Notifications:
   • Opt to receive notifications about updates and server status.

Step 7: Completing the Installation

1. Review Settings:
   • Confirm all settings are correct.
2. Begin Installation:
   • Click Install to start the installation process.
3. Progress:
   • Wait for the installation to complete. This may take several minutes.
4. Finish:
   • Once completed, click Finish.
5. Reboot if Prompted:
   • Restart the server if the installer requests it.

Post-Installation Configuration

Accessing the Admin Console

1. Open Browser:
   • Use a supported web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox).
2. Navigate to Admin Console:
   • Enter https://<server_ip_or_domain_name>/admin-console.
3. Login:
   • Enter the admin username and password set during installation.

Uploading License Certificate

1. License Upload:
   • In the Admin Console, navigate to Configuration > Licenses.
2. Upload License Certificate:
   • Click Upload License Certificate.
   • Browse and select your LicenseCert.fmcert file.
3. Confirm:
   • Verify the license details and confirm.

Configuring SSL Certificates

1. Obtain SSL Certificate:
   • Purchase an SSL certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority (CA).
2. Generate CSR:
   • Use the Admin Console to generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR).
3. Install Certificate:
   • Once issued, upload the certificate via Configuration > SSL Certificates.
4. Restart Services:
   • Restart FileMaker Server services to apply the certificate.

Setting Up Backups

1. Navigate to Backups:
   • Go to Admin Console > Configuration > Backup Schedules.
2. Create New Schedule:
   • Click Create a Schedule.
3. Backup Settings:
   • Name: Give a descriptive name.
   • Frequency: Set backup frequency (e.g., hourly, daily).
   • Retention: Specify how many backups to keep.
   • Destination: Choose a backup folder, preferably on a different drive.
4. Save:
   • Click Save Schedule.

Configuring Email Notifications

1. Email Settings:
   • Go to Configuration > Notifications.
2. SMTP Server:
   • Enter your SMTP server details.
   • Address: SMTP server address.
   • Port: Usually 25, 465, or 587.
   • Encryption: Choose SSL/TLS if required.
   • Authentication: Enter username and password if needed.
3. Test Email:
   • Send a test email to verify settings.
4. Notification Preferences:
   • Select events for which you wish to receive notifications.

Advanced Configuration

Adjusting Memory Cache Settings

1. Access Command Line:
   • Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Check Current Cache Size:
   • Run fmsadmin get serverconfig.
3. Set New Cache Size:
   • Run fmsadmin set serverconfig cachesize=<value_in_MB>.
   • Example: fmsadmin set serverconfig cachesize=2048 for 2 GB cache.
4. Restart Server:
   • Restart FileMaker Server to apply changes.

Enabling External Authentication

1. Configure Windows Active Directory:
   • Ensure your server is joined to the domain.
2. Set Up Groups:
   • Create AD groups corresponding to FileMaker privilege sets.
3. Admin Console Settings:
   • Go to Configuration > External Authentication.
   • Enable External Server Accounts.
4. Map Groups:
   • Map AD groups to FileMaker privilege sets within your databases.

Configuring Web Publishing

1. Enable WebDirect:
   • In Admin Console, navigate to Configuration > Web Publishing.
   • Enable FileMaker WebDirect.
2. WebDirect Settings:
   • Set Maximum Concurrent Connections.
   • Configure Security settings.
3. Test WebDirect:
   • Access https://<server_ip_or_domain_name>/fmi/webd to test.

Setting Up Scheduled Scripts

1. Create Script in FileMaker Pro:
   • Open your database and create the script to automate tasks.
2. Upload Database to Server:
   • Ensure the database is hosted on FileMaker Server.
3. Schedule Script:
   • In Admin Console, go to Configuration > Schedules.
   • Click Create a Schedule.
4. Schedule Details:
   • Type: Select FileMaker Script.
   • Database: Choose your database.
   • Script: Select the script you created.
   • Frequency: Set when and how often it runs.
5. Save Schedule:
   • Review settings and click Save Schedule.

Security Best Practices

Securing the Windows Server

1. Update Regularly:
   • Keep the server OS updated with the latest security patches.
2. Disable Unnecessary Services:
   • Turn off services that are not required.
3. Strong Password Policies:
   • Enforce strong passwords and regular changes.
4. Antivirus Software:
   • Install and configure antivirus software, excluding FileMaker directories.

Using Firewall and Port Settings

1. Configure Windows Firewall:
   • Open Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security.
2. Inbound Rules:
   • Ensure only necessary ports are open:
     • 5003: FileMaker Pro connections.
     • 80/443: HTTP/HTTPS for WebDirect.
     • 16000: Admin Console (if needed).
3. Restrict Access:
   • Limit access to specific IP addresses if necessary.

Implementing SSL/TLS Encryption

1. Force SSL Connections:
   • In Admin Console, go to Configuration > Database Server.
   • Enable Require secure connections.
2. Update Certificates:
   • Regularly update SSL certificates before expiration.
3. Disable Older Protocols:
   • Ensure that only TLS 1.2 or higher is enabled.

Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Common Installation Issues

• IIS Conflicts:
  • Ensure no other applications are using IIS ports.
• Insufficient Permissions:
  • Run the installer as an administrator.
• Missing Dependencies:
  • Verify .NET Framework and Java installations.

Checking Log Files

1. Access Logs:
   • Navigate to C:\Program Files\FileMaker\FileMaker Server\Logs.
2. Review Logs:
   • Event.log: General server events.
   • Access.log: Client access details.
   • Error.log: Errors encountered by the server.
3. Monitor Regularly:
   • Set up routine checks to identify issues early.

Updating FileMaker Server

1. Check for Updates:
   • In Admin Console, go to Configuration > Server Updates.
2. Download Update:
   • Download the latest update from the FileMaker website.
3. Install Update:
   • Run the updater as an administrator.
4. Restart Services:
   • Restart FileMaker Server services post-update.

Uninstalling FileMaker Server

1. Backup Data:
   • Ensure all databases are backed up.
2. Stop Services:
   • Stop FileMaker Server services via Admin Console.
3. Uninstall via Control Panel:
   • Go to Programs and Features, select FileMaker Server, and uninstall.
4. Delete Remaining Files:
   • Manually delete any remaining FileMaker Server directories.
5. Restart Server:
   • Reboot the server to finalize uninstallation.

Conclusion

Installing FileMaker Server 2023 on Windows Server is a straightforward process when following best practices and guidelines. Proper preparation, configuration, and maintenance are crucial for optimal performance and security. By adhering to this comprehensive guide, you can ensure a successful installation and a robust environment for your FileMaker solutions.

References

• FileMaker Server 2023 Installation Guide
• Microsoft Windows Server Documentation
• Amazon Corretto 17 Installation Instructions
• Securing FileMaker Server