* Advice, please, after laptop meltdown

[mardler]

I’m trying to rebuild my laptop after a major crash. My data is backed up but FH was not. I’m looking for advice on what to do next, please.
Is it simpler just to go straight to FH7? Will it recognize my v6 GED file and load OK?
Or, should I download a fresh copy of v6 and then upgrade it?

Thanks for any thoughts
Kind regards
Paul Howes

[tatewise]

Firstly, the FH program itself cannot be backed up. No Windows installed application program can be backed up. They must be re-installed in a similar way as they were originally.

So you will need your purchased FH V6 installation media and licence key, i.e. download & Email or boxed CD.
If you don't have them to hand then see the FHUG Knowledge Base Family Historian Licence Problems for advice.
(You will need the FH V6 licence key anyway if you choose to purchase FH V7 in order to get the 30% discount.)

You joined the FHUG in 2013, so V6 was probably an upgrade from V5 and so you will need its licence key as well.

In addition to FH Project Backups, did you also backup up all your customised Diagrams, Reports, Queries, Fact Sets, Icons, Property Box tabs, Records Window columns, etc, etc..., i.e. backup the C:\ProgramData\Calico Pie\ folder or use the Backup and Restore Family Historian Settings plugin as you were advised in Sorting sources under Windows 8 (10798).

Once all the above resources have been reviewed we can go through the rebuilding process.

[mardler]

Thank you very much, Mike. I think I purchased v6 outright. I have the key for that.
No, I did not back up anything other than the GED file. I have a simple, very standard file. However, I will review the source you advised. Perhaps it might save me time in future.

I've downloaded a replacement v6 and will look to upgrade once things have settled down.
Paul

[tatewise]

When you say you have "downloaded a replacement v6" do you mean you have installed from your purchased CD and then downloaded and installed the latest FH V6.2.7 from the Family Historian website?

You say you only backed up the GEDCOM file. Did you have any attached Media files, photos, source documents?
Did you back up those Media files, because they are not included within the GEDCOM file?