# Connection Trouble Shooting Guide

{% hint style="info" %}
Use this troubleshooting guide to help diagnose connection problems with FM BetterForms and your FileMaker server
{% endhint %}

| Symptom                                | Solution                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |
| -------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| No records are created in helper       | - Check credentials in FM BetterForms Editor and your helper file - Check privs for Data API or XML - Firewall is blocking FMS access                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      |
|                                        |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
| FM BetterForms is slow or unresponsive | Server Load: Verify the server's load and performance. Optimize Database Structure: Evaluate your FileMaker database structure and indexes. Poorly optimized databases can lead to slow data retrieval. Optimize Scripts and Processes: Review any scripts or processes running on FM BetterForms. Optimize or streamline them for faster execution. Monitor Server Logs: Keep an eye on server logs for any errors or issues that could be affecting performance.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |
| Other                                  | Verify Server Address: Double-check the FileMaker server address you have entered in the FM BetterForms application. Make sure it is the correct address and does not contain any typos. Firewall and Security Settings: Check if your network's firewall or security settings are blocking the connection. Temporarily disable any firewall or antivirus software and try connecting again. If it works, adjust the settings to allow FM BetterForms access. FileMaker Server Status: Verify that the FileMaker server is up and running. Check if other users can access the server from different devices to confirm its availability. Check FileMaker Server Configuration: Ensure that the FileMaker server has the correct configuration to allow external access. Verify that the proper ports (e.g., 5003) are open for external connections. Clear Cache and Cookies: Clear the cache and cookies of your web browser or FM BetterForms application. Sometimes, outdated cache data can cause connection issues. Restart Devices: Reboot your computer, mobile device, and FileMaker server. This can help resolve temporary connection problems. |
|                                        |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |

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