* Laptop use of v5.0.9

[dave s41]

Can any kind member help me with trying to use v5.0.9 on my new laptop. My usage to now has been on my main computer and am trying to move a copy to a new laptop. To me this poses a few questions.

1 Can I copy the whole programme and data from one to the other in one go.
2 If not, do I need to put the full programme onto the new computer first, using the version 4 upgrade, then onto v5.
3 If this is the case am I allowed to use the installation codes on the laptop, or will I need new ones.

I have a USB3 mobile hard disc for my laptop and also a USB3 flashdrive.

IF anyone can help me on this it would be most appreciated

Dave Stokes

[tatewise]

Dave, yes it is quite straightforward if you follow a few basic guidelines.
For this to work you need to be using V4/V5 FH Projects and NOT standalone GEDCOM.
If you do not understand this or not sure, then please ask for advice.

See how_to:reinstall_family_historian|> How to (Re-)install Family Historian for full details.

In summary this is what you do:

• Install the Upgrade V4 to V5 on your laptop using both your existing V4 and V5 Licence details. (This is a new capability that avoids installing earlier versions.)
• Upgrade the laptop PC to FH V5.0.9 so it has same version as your main PC.
• On main PC use Tools > Work with External File Links and check all File Links are in Project Data Folder - Media. If not then stop and ask for help.
• Download the Backup and Restore Family Historian Settings Plugin to both PC.
• Run this Plugin in BACKUP mode on your main PC with the Backup Folder within your Family Historian Projects folder. This saves all your preference settings and customisations of Diagrams, Reports, Queries, etc, etc.
• Copy the entire Family Historian Projects folder via USB from main PC to laptop PC and check File > Projects Window lists all your Projects OK.
• Use Tools > Work with External File Links and check all File Links are in Project Data Folder - Media.
• Run the Plugin again and in Options tab tick Allow Restore Registry Data and use the RESTORE option on the same Backup Folder as above. This restores all your preferences and customisations.

Once all working OK you may want to synchronise the two PC so that their data remain in step.
See fhugdownloads:synchro|> Downloads and Links ~ Synchronise and Backup Tools for advice on how to achieve that using Dropbox, OneDrive, or Google Drive.

[dave s41]

Many thanks Tatewise,for your prompt reply I shall get into that later,will let you know how I progress.

Dave.

[dave s41]

Many thanks Tatewise,the transfer worked,thanks to your instructions all data and media has transferred to the laptop.When I add new data to either machine I envisage using the flashdrive to backup from one machine and restore to the other.I have read your comments on the dropbox which sounds to be the way to go ,however I fear it might be a bit out of my league,I shall read it again.

So thanks to your help I am up and running.

Thank you again,
David Stokes.

[tatewise]

When using the USB flash-drive you MUST ensure every change on either machine is transferred before you start any further updates, otherwise you risk losing data.

The synchronisation tools are not difficult to setup, are all very similar in concept, and many FHUG members use them.
BUT take note of how much FREE storage each one offers, to ensure you do not anticipate exceeding that limit.
At one extreme Dropbox offers 2 GB and at the other Google Drive offers 15 GB.

Once setup you can largely forget about keeping your PC in step providing that:

• you go online before starting updating via FH
• you only use FH on one PC at a time (which is a licence condition anyway)
• you use the Backup and Restore FH Settings Plugin whenever preferences or customisations are changed

[dave s41]

Thanks Tatewise,your reply noted,

I will have a look at google drive also.

Thanks again and my best wishes to you,

Dave Stokes