* V6 upgrade: Lost all media links

[Fred]

Hi All,

I have just upgraded to version 6 (looks really cool and so am looking forward to using it properly).
However, during the upgrade the links to all of my media have disappeared. My media folder resides in the same place and so not sure what's happened or how i fix it (short of going back through and renewing everything individually (....noooooooooo ).
Does anyone have any ideas?

Thanks,

[Fred]

Sorry, forgot to mention...I'm using Windows 7.
Any clues/assistance would be very gratefully received.
Thanks.

[tatewise]

What FH Version did you upgrade from?

Were you using FH V4/V5 Projects?

Did you check Tools > Work with External File Links before upgrade?

What backups did you take before upgrade?

[Fred]

Hi Mike,

my base version is FH 2.1.6 and I'd gone through various upgrades to 5.x before this upgrade to v6.

I didn't specifically check work with External File Links before upgrade and I didn't take a back-up before upgrading (doh!).

Nige.

[Jane]

If you use the Work With External File links you should be able to repair your links.

See the video for more explanations
http://youtu.be/ks6XrXMhnKs

[Fred]

Thank for the info. I'm wondering whether the problem might have been caused by the file structure. Currently my FH file structure for my ancestor photos is as follows:

1) Hard drive
2) My Documents folder
3) 'Family Historian Projects' folder
4) 'Family name' folder
5) 'Family name'.fh_data folder
6) 'NKW GED files' folder
7) 'Family name' folder
8) 'Family name'.fh_data folder (my gedcom files are located in this folder).
9) 'Media' folder
10) Various types of media folders.
11) 'People' folder.

This does seem long and unwieldy, but I've never been sure what the optimum set up should look like. However, with my media links having all been broken and seemingly no way to automatically reconnect them all, this may be a good time to resolve the file structure and reconnect all my media.
I'd be grateful for any guidance.
Thanks heaps.

[tatewise]

That is an abnormal folder hierarchy and I'm not surprised it has failed.
It should be as illustrated in how_to:v4:understanding_projects#project_structure|> Project Structure and as shown below:
1) Hard drive
2) My Documents folder
3) Family Historian Projects folder
4) Family name folder that must contain Family name.fh_proj FH Project File
5) Family name.fh_data folder that must contain Family name.ged Gedcom File
6) Media folder
7) Various types of media folders
8) People folder

In your File > Project Window the Location: should be Documents\Family Historian Projects i.e. 3) Family Historian Projects folder above.

With that setting use More Tasks > Samples > Reset Sample Project and you will obtain a Project similar to the how_to:v4:understanding_projects#project_structure|> Project Structure illustration.

When you use Tools > External File Links the File Links pane should refer to Project Data Folder - Media which identifies the 6) Media folder above. Try it with the Family Historian Sample Project to see what I mean.

[Fred]

Hi All,

Thanks to everyone for their guidance. I have now successfully created the correct file structure. Now I just have to set about the task of reconnecting all those lost links

[tatewise]

Have a look at how_to:changing_external_file_links|> Changing External File Links that may give some clues, and try using the Plugin mentioned.

Also in the Media Window double-click on any thumbnails with X signifying a broken link.
In the Media Property Box the red File: and Location: links offer ways to search for the missing file.