Applies to builds 6.4138, 171215, 1807nn and 19073n to transfer Crate Pro 6 to a new Host computer.  This does not apply if you are simply moving a client license to a new client. Client computers have FileMaker Pro installed only and do not have the Crate Pro 6 files installed.


You will need:


For all releases 19073n:

  • FileMaker Pro 19 installation file
  • FileMaker Pro 19 certificate file
  • Your most current Crate Pro 6 Activation text file. Customers without maintenance will incur fees if a temporary activation file is required.**


For older releases:

  • FileMaker Pro 16 installation file
  • FileMaker Pro 16 license key
  • Your most current Crate Pro 6 Activation text file. Customers without maintenance may incur fees if a temporary activation file is required.**


You will need your original software, FileMaker license key / certificate and activation file.   Additional downloads of any required files will incur a fee if you do not have a maintenance plan. End-of-life releases are not eligible and are not retained by Deploy Tech for distribution.  Current Releases & Fee Schedule


** If your maintenance has expired, you may require a temporary Activation file.   Not all Host transfers are affected by this restriction as its dependent on your computer and/or network security settings which can restrict the use of expired license keys. A fee is required if a temporary Activation file is required.


STAND-ALONE - Single computer configuration:


  1. Install FileMaker Pro on the new host  - Installation for FileMaker Pro for Peer-to-Peer
  2. Make a copy of your three Crate Pro files - Paste them onto the new host in a folder called CRATE PRO WORKING ( We recommend creating the folder directly under the C:/ drive [Win} or in Applications [MAC]
  3. Start FileMaker Pro on the new host and open your primary Crate Pro file (not Data Shared or Resources).
  4. Follow the instructions and copy/paste the ENTIRE text in your CP6 Activation file. You will get either "Your computer is licensed..." or "Your activation is not valid...".  If your installation validates then delete FileMaker PRO from the old computer(s) to avoid a license conflict. If you are not able to activate your new installation, you will need to request a temporary activation file. request from Joseph at [email protected]


PEER-TO-PEER (you are not using FileMaker Server)


There are three options to transfer the Crate Pro 6 files to a new host, select only the one that applies:

  1.  go to Preferences > Licensing > Overview and note the quantity of client access licenses. This is the total number of computers licenses you purchased that can access  your Crate Pro 6 database.
  2. go to Preferences > Licensing > Devices and see how many line items are filled with activated computers. This indicates how many client computer licenses have been used.
    • Option 1: If the number of computers in Devices is less than than the number of CAL licenses in the Overview tab  select this section below 'Moving the Host when there is an Available CAL',
    • Option 2: If the number of computers in Devices is equal to the number of CAL purchased in Overview, AND you are moving your database to a new computer that is NOT one of those in the Devices tab, you'll need to free up a license. Select the section below 'Moving the Host when all CAL are in Use' 
    • Option 3: If you're moving your Crate Pro database to one of the existing computers listed in the Device list select 'Swapping the Host computer with an existing client'



Always make a backup copy of your three Crate Pro files before making any host changes. Ensure these files are saved in a clearly marked backup folder.


Option 1: Moving the Host when there IS an available CAL:

  • Install FileMaker Pro on the new host using your current FileMaker Pro key. Installing FileMaker Pro (Use if you forgot your settings)
  • Close Crate Pro AND FileMaker on the old Host computer.
  • Copy the three working Crate Pro files onto a new working folder on the new Host. You will need your current Crate Pro activation key file to paste in the license information. 
  • Start FileMaker Pro and Crate Pro on the new Host. Go to Preferences > Licensing > Devices and click on DELETE to the right of the old Host computer line item and any other computers that will no longer be used to access Crate Pro. This releases the CAL for use on another computer. 
  • Delete ALL Crate Pro files and uninstall FileMaker Pro from the old Host or you may have a license conflict and could accidentally open the old database file. 
  • Create a new clearly marked BACKUP folder on the new Host or to a chosen location on your network. 
  • On your other clients delete the shortcuts to the old host by opening FileMaker Pro on each client and click on File > Open Recent > Clear Recent Files. Then in the Launch Window click on BROWSE at the bottom left of window and browse to the new Host computer. This will create a new shortcut.



Option 2: Moving the Host when all CAL are in use: 


  • You'll need to clear one client in your Device table so a CAL is available for a new Host computer. If your goal is to remove the license from your old host, you won't be able to do this until you establish the new host. On your old Host go to Preferences > Licensing > Devices and click on DELETE to the right of any computer that is NOT your current Host to free up a connection for the newHost.  Once moved you can go into Crate Pro on the new Host and delete the old Host.
    • If the old Host is not longer available you will  have to put a copy of the three Crate Pro files to an already listed client and using your activation key and license it to be a Host. Once done, go to Preferences > Licensing > Devices and delete the old host line item.
  • Install FileMaker Pro on the new host using your current FileMaker Pro key  Installing FileMaker Pro (Use if you forgot your settings)
  • Save a copy of the three working Crate Pro files into a working folder on the new Host.  Start Crate Pro and enter your current Crate Pro activation key file
  • Delete ALL Crate Pro files from the oldHost. 
    • If the old Host will remain a client computer, keep FileMaker Pro installed. If not, delete FileMaker Pro to avoid license conflicts.  (If any other computers hold BACKUP copies, make certain the folder very clearly is marked BACKUP)
    • If the old host is to be removed from Crate Pro access, login to Crate Pro on the new host, go to Preferences > Licensing > Devices and permanently delete the old host by clicking on the red X at the end of the line 
  • Remove the shortcuts to the old host from your clients.   Open FileMaker Pro on each client and click on File > Open Recent > Clear Recent Files. Then in the Launch Window click on BROWSE at the bottom left of window and browse to the new Host computer. This will create a new shortcut.


Option 3: Swapping the Host with another computer already listed as a Client:

  • Save a copy of the three working Crate Pro files onto a  folder marked Crate Pro Working on the new Host.  Start Crate Pro and enter your current Crate Pro activation key file
  • Delete ALL Crate Pro files from the old Host (If other computers hold BACKUP copies, make certain the folder very clearly is marked BACKUP). 
  • If the old Host computer will remain as a client, removing all Crate Pro files and changing the shortcut to the new host is all that's necessary
  • Remove the shortcuts to the old host from your clients.   Open FileMaker Pro on each client and click on File > Open Recent > Clear Recent Files. Then in the Launch Window click on BROWSE at the bottom left of window and browse to the new Host computer. This will create a new shortcut.