I can only speak in general terms about FileMaker and large databases,
but I'm sure some of the crashing problems are due to the fact that
you're using version 5 of the program (the current version is 9).

Also, I suspect that your database design probably could be altered to
better handle the large volume of records and the increasing number of
files attached to each record. The first thing that springs to mind is
setting up a relational database (if it isn't already). That would
mean that the data is spread around several smaller databases, linked
and accessed by a central database. Splitting the load like this can
make things much more stable.

I strongly recommend you find someone skilled in database design. You
want to be able to grow safely in the future, and that means more than
just upgrading the program. In fact, your version 5 files cannot be
read by version 9 of the program. (FileMaker changed their data format
with version 7. You'll need to convert your files.) Happily, there is
a great network of FileMaker database programmers out there (see
http://www.filemaker.com or
http://www.filemaker.com/solutions/find/consultants.html).

-- 
Margaret
[log in to unmask]

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).