* Changing computer
-
Sylvia5401
- Gold
- Posts: 18
- Joined: 18 Oct 2005 11:06
- Family Historian: V2
Changing computer
I have FH 2.3.5 running on a desk top computer under windows XP. I am going to buy a laptop which will come with windows 8 (whether I want it or not) am I going to encounter any problems running 2.3.5 on the new machine?
-
Jane
- Site Admin
- Posts: 8440
- Joined: 01 Nov 2002 15:00
- Family Historian: V7
- Location: Somerset, England
- Contact:
Re: Changing computer
Have you seen how_to:reinstall_family_historian|How to (Re-)install Family Historian
If you have an early CD you might need to use a CD backed installer. Personally I would recommend considering purchasing V5 as it contains so many useful extra features, but you should be able to install V2 on Windows 8.
Be aware though that windows 8 does not like you storing documents outside of your Documents folder, so I would recommend moving your gedcom file and media into Documents even if you do not do so on your existing system.
If you have an early CD you might need to use a CD backed installer. Personally I would recommend considering purchasing V5 as it contains so many useful extra features, but you should be able to install V2 on Windows 8.
Be aware though that windows 8 does not like you storing documents outside of your Documents folder, so I would recommend moving your gedcom file and media into Documents even if you do not do so on your existing system.
Jane
My Family History : My Photography "Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad."
My Family History : My Photography "Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad."
-
tatewise
- Megastar
- Posts: 27078
- Joined: 25 May 2010 11:00
- Family Historian: V7
- Location: Torbay, Devon, UK
- Contact:
Re: Changing computer
Once you have your new Windows 8 PC, but before actually migrating FH from old XP PC to new Windows 8 PC may I suggest you review the migration process.
If you have customised Diagrams, Reports, Queries, etc, then you will need to migrate more than just FH itself and your GEDCOM file and Multimedia files.
Also, as Jane has said, there are extra benefits in using FH V5, which include simplifying the migration process.
Take a look at the how_to:move_settings|> Move Family Historian Settings & Projects advice.
Post any questions here before starting, to check you understand what needs to be done.
If you have customised Diagrams, Reports, Queries, etc, then you will need to migrate more than just FH itself and your GEDCOM file and Multimedia files.
Also, as Jane has said, there are extra benefits in using FH V5, which include simplifying the migration process.
Take a look at the how_to:move_settings|> Move Family Historian Settings & Projects advice.
Post any questions here before starting, to check you understand what needs to be done.
Mike Tate ~ researching the Tate and Scott family history ~ tatewise ancestry
Re: Changing computer
If you are keeping the old computer as a back up - then rather than formally migrating why not see if you can save the relevant things relating to FHn to a usb to put onto the new computer.. that would include the gedcom file plus the .fhq and other things for customised diagrams etc. (I am not on Windows8 but note what Jane says about it wanting everything in documents - no wonder I hear people saying they backwardly install Win7!!)
As for FHn - I upgraded from 3 to 4 - not yet gone to 5 - but still have 3 on an ancient netbook I have just about kept going on XP and use when I go out and about but it is frustrating in comparison. I am glad I did the upgrade to 4 on new computer (and maybe you can set 5 up similarly but as I have not yet installed it I can't say - and if someone tells me I can that will probably be done sooner rather than later!! I can see things on the free downloads that would be useful for me but only suitable for 5).
BUT I do not use the projects facility - and choose to use FHn with the records window (list of people) as the opening screen on my gedcom file. So I am not using some of the facilities partly because I do not link much media (I type in text of documents into the source and note - if I remember - the computer file name.. and I know this is not the most efficient way but works for me!). I have also set the property box tabs to act like 3. And as time moves on there will be less help with the earlier versions.
HOWEVER I do find I use the focus window with the "family tree" - if nothing else that feature was worth the upgrade, but there are also other little things you can do - which you will find as you use it.
I had to use FTM for a couple of years (required by the course I was doing) which is why I have not "grown" with FHn - my media is held in file folders in a way that probably (but not yet got back to working it out) would not work with fh project not least because I hold the master GEDcom on dropbox and it would probably defeat the free memory allowance. But I am still in the process of merging the two (FHn and FTM) databases together manually because of the very different way in which they hold what looks like similar information (and its a great way of reviewing old and new stuff even if it is taking ages! Knowing more I see links I had not noted etc).
So I would bite the bullet and go to 4 if you can get it still... even if for the most part you use it like 3, which if memory serves was not that different in how it looked to 2.... I do intend to upgrade to 5 when finished the merging (but by then there will probably be a 6 to get to grips with!!)
And in case you ask - I am SO glad to be using FHn again - because of its flexibility and transparency... and thanks to Jane and the troops and Simon too, if you can't work out how to do something, then there is someone who will either tell you (or where to look) or have done it themselves and provide you with a crib, and so nicely one does not feel one has been a complete idiot for not realising how that obvious thing worked.
that my 2p worth!!!
As for FHn - I upgraded from 3 to 4 - not yet gone to 5 - but still have 3 on an ancient netbook I have just about kept going on XP and use when I go out and about but it is frustrating in comparison. I am glad I did the upgrade to 4 on new computer (and maybe you can set 5 up similarly but as I have not yet installed it I can't say - and if someone tells me I can that will probably be done sooner rather than later!! I can see things on the free downloads that would be useful for me but only suitable for 5).
BUT I do not use the projects facility - and choose to use FHn with the records window (list of people) as the opening screen on my gedcom file. So I am not using some of the facilities partly because I do not link much media (I type in text of documents into the source and note - if I remember - the computer file name.. and I know this is not the most efficient way but works for me!). I have also set the property box tabs to act like 3. And as time moves on there will be less help with the earlier versions.
HOWEVER I do find I use the focus window with the "family tree" - if nothing else that feature was worth the upgrade, but there are also other little things you can do - which you will find as you use it.
I had to use FTM for a couple of years (required by the course I was doing) which is why I have not "grown" with FHn - my media is held in file folders in a way that probably (but not yet got back to working it out) would not work with fh project not least because I hold the master GEDcom on dropbox and it would probably defeat the free memory allowance. But I am still in the process of merging the two (FHn and FTM) databases together manually because of the very different way in which they hold what looks like similar information (and its a great way of reviewing old and new stuff even if it is taking ages! Knowing more I see links I had not noted etc).
So I would bite the bullet and go to 4 if you can get it still... even if for the most part you use it like 3, which if memory serves was not that different in how it looked to 2.... I do intend to upgrade to 5 when finished the merging (but by then there will probably be a 6 to get to grips with!!)
And in case you ask - I am SO glad to be using FHn again - because of its flexibility and transparency... and thanks to Jane and the troops and Simon too, if you can't work out how to do something, then there is someone who will either tell you (or where to look) or have done it themselves and provide you with a crib, and so nicely one does not feel one has been a complete idiot for not realising how that obvious thing worked.
that my 2p worth!!!