* Missing media files

[raywigz]

Hi
I have downloaded V6 and am trying to install FH on the laptop.
The program is running fine but no media images are showing, only the blank boxes with crosses.
The media file is present on the laptop and files will open via explorer to show the image.
The file path is Documents/Family Historian Projects/Wigzell main ged file 121214/Wigzell main ged file 121214 fh_data/media
and the file contains all the pictures etc.
When I check 'Tools/External file links all the file path to the media file is crossed out with an 'x'

The original gedcom was generated by TMG and I noticed that the external file link window also shows another crossed out path to a second media file.
Could this be something caused by the TMG ged file that needs correcting?
However, this seems unlikely as the FH program was working OK including media files, on the desktop PC using V5 with the TMG file.
Ray

[tatewise]

In the Work with External File Links dialogue:

(1) What does it say the Current Tree File is?
(You may have to enlarge the dialogue window to see it all.)
It should match the path you gave in your posting.

(2) What does it says at the head of the File Links?

Code: Select all

Project Data Folder
  [-] Media
      [-] your picture files

or
does it mention the C:\ drive?
If so is the path the same as Current Tree File above?

What does the 2nd media path say?

[raywigz]

Hi
Best if I just post a link to the External File Links dialogue rather than type it all.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/57d0z1gyvcmz5 ... 9.png?dl=0

[tatewise]

Unfortunately, that screenshot does not show the whole Current Tree File path, but having read your original posting again I can guess what has happened.

I now realise that you have installed FH V6 on a laptop PC different from the FH V5 desktop PC.
I suspect everything is still working fine on the FH V5 desktop PC.

The problem is the migration of the Project folder from PC to PC.
Your Project media file links are all using absolute file paths starting with C:\Users\Ray\...
These often do not transfer successfully from PC to PC because the absolute path changes with username, etc, etc.

In your screenshot there are two Media folders one inside the other, that you did not mention in your earlier posting so I suspect you have not copied the Media folder correctly.
Does that double Media folder structure exist on the FH V5 desktop PC?

Your Project also appears to use file links outside the Project Media folder.
i.e. \The Master Genealogist V8\Exhibits\... and \Ray.Ray-PC\Documents\...

The important requirement is that the Project media file paths must EXACTLY match the Windows Explorer file paths.

If all media files are within the Project Media folder then they can be converted to relative paths that start Project Data Folder - Media which are immune to changes in the file path from the C:\ drive down to the Project Media folder.

So you have two options:
(1) Ensure that when you copy your Project from PC to PC you also copy ALL the folders holding media and then you must adjust the Project file links to match the new paths.
(2) Move all media files into the Media folder and convert to relative paths. Then you can use File > Project Window > More Tasks > Copy Project to migrate from PC to PC.

[raywigz]

Thank you tatewise
You were right the double Media folder structure did not exist on the FH V5 desktop PC?
I used your option 2 to sort the missing links