upgrading filemaker pro from mac os 9 to powerbook pro X

Hi, calimero, and welcome to Apple Discussions. You'll need to install an OS X-native, Intel-compatible version of Filemaker on the MB Pro. If any special steps must be taken to enable the current version to open your antique FileMaker files, you can undoubtedly learn about them on FileMaker's web site.

Hi calimero;

May I welcome you to the Apple Discussion Forums.

I am afraid that since Apple has taken the position to now support OS 9 on Intel and SheepShaver doesn't work you have only two alternatives. One: migrate the files over to a newer version of Filemaker that is OS X compatible. Two: go back to the older hardware that is OS 9 compatible. While it will most likely be the most difficult migrating over to a newer version of Filemaker would probably be the better plan.

Allan

Calimero: The link I posted above shows you the version of FileMaker you need to buy (8.5). No other version can run on an Intel Mac.

The necessary conversion of your old FM 2.1 files to FM 8.5's native file format is covered in great detail in this PDF manual:

http://filemaker.com/downloads/pdf/fm8_converting.pdf

There is probably a lot in the manual that won't apply to your situation. Read p. 23 first (and read "FM 8.5" in place of "FM 7" on that page). If you're intimidated by all that you must do, keep in mind that that's the result of waiting 12 or more years to update, and then having to catch up all at once. And you'll only have to do it one time.

It should go without saying that before trying to convert your files, you should back them all up. Work only on copies of the files. That way if anything goes wrong, you'll still have the unchanged original files to fall back on. Keep your old Mac with FM 2.1 on it, and use that to get your bills out in the near term. After your upgrade and conversions are complete and you've verified that everything is working as it should, then you can start to run your business with the new system.

Hi calimero;

No I am sorry I have given up on OS 9 so long ago I am afraid that I can be of no use with your question.

Does SheepShaver have a forum where you might ask you question.

Allan

Calimero: If you depend on your FileMaker database to run your business, it would be foolhardy for you to depend on SheepShaver for the ability to keep doing so. SheepShaver may be handy for running nonessential software, but it's essentially unsupported and carries no warranty of serviceability. It's a house of cards, not a solid foundation for a business. If you're a businessperson, do the businesslike thing and base your billing system on FM 8.5: up-to-date software that was written for the hardware you've just bought. During the transition period, continue to run your old FileMaker databases on the old Mac you've been using up to now.

Calimero:

The following quote from your first post here gave me the very clear impression that you depend on Filemaker to run, or at least to keep track of and finance, your business:

...had all my customers invoices & contracts on filemaker pro 2.1, i recently bought a macbook pro X & transfered all my filemaker pro files on my new mac & it won't open the files, what can do to still be able to use those very important files in that new computer??? I need to collect the money from my customers & I'm stuck!!!

If the above is true, forget about SheepShaver — it's not something you should rely on. Update FM 8 to the Intel-compatible FM 8.5, if you haven't done that already. Then use the PDF-format manual that I linked in my second post above, with your older Mac running OS 9 and the free downloadable FM 6 demo version, to start the several-step conversion of your FM 2.1 database to FM 8.5 format. By carefully following the instructions in the manual, you will eventually have a solid, modern, reliable customer invoicing database running in a solid, modern, reliable operating system. You may sweat a little along the way, but it will be worthwhile.