* Downloding software

[Invicta]

Hi I original had a licence for FH5 but then brought an upgrade to FH6. Sadly I had a major laptop malfunction and had to run the windows repair. Fortunately this has kept all my files in tact but I am not sure where I can go to reload the software as all the programmes I downloaded including FH6 have been lost. The link that came on the email is only valid for 16 days so out of date.
I did try downloading the trail version but my FH licence is not accepted on that, as I expected, but was worth a go.
Help appreciated many thanks.

[tatewise]

Sorry about those problems, but if the Windows repair kept all your files intact, why are the FH V5 and FH V6 downloads missing?

Anyway, assuming they are definitely gone, the answers to your dilemma are in the how_to:index#installation_guide|> Family Historian > Installation Advice in particular the how_to:family_historian_licence_problems|> Mislaid Licence Details or Software Download.

There are three things that are essential for you to install the FH V6 Upgrade:

• Upgrade V5 to V6 downloaded installation file
• Licence Name and Registration Key for FH V6
• Licence Name and Registration Key for FH V5

Remember to ask for all three from Calico Pie if you have lost any of them.

Please take heed of the how_to:family_historian_installation_details#installation_archive|> Installation Archive advice.

Also note the glossary:backup_and_recovery|> Backup and Recovery advice. You were lucky not to lose everything this time, you may not be so lucky next time, and there will be a next time sooner or later.

[Invicta]

Because as I understand it the repair function, I think it is called refresh, basically reinstalls the windows system again and any programmes that have been downloaded or installed for DVD (not just FH) have to be re-installed. Files like word and photos and fortunately FH databases are all OK.

For other programmes I have been able to download the programmes again and install and apply licence and all working OK. May be I am just using the wrong download link for FH. For whatever reason it will not accept my licence which I know is correct.

[tatewise]

Yes, installed third programs such as FH will need to be reinstalled after a Windows repair.

BUT you originally downloded an installation file using the now expired link in the E-mail from Calico Pie.
Where did you download that file to? It should still be there.

You cannot use any download links on the FH website.

If you still cannot find the downloaded file, or any of your licence details are mislaid, then follow the advice in the KB links I posted above. If you give them enough proof of purhase then Calico Pie will send a new download link. Take heed of the advice about archiving the download so you don't lose it again. You have paid money for it, so it is valuable, so look after it.

[jmurphy]

What methods do people use for archiving their downloads? I can burn a disc and store it with my boxed FH 3.1 files, but burned discs don't have the same longevity as manufactured ones.

[tatewise]

All the usual methods: separate hard disc drive, another PC, CD/DVD, pen drive, cloud storage.
I have my archive on at least three of them as part of my routine backups.
The longevity of CD/DVD may be an issue, but it is only a few years between major FH releases, and they should last that long. (Since FH V5, you no longer need to keep a full archive back to FH V2.)