Family Historian User Group

Hi all:

New user here trying out the evaluation version of the latest FH7 release.
I have imported an RM7 database as a new FH7 project: I selected the option to NOT copy in the media into the FH7 project because I do not want the flat structure that results...want to maintain my current hierarchical media structure.

However the result is FH7 is pointing to the media files in the original RM7 media folder.
I want to point instead to a separate copy of that media folder in a different location.
RM7 media folder: c:\users\Alpha\Documents\GenealogyMaster\1.Exhibits
New folder for FH7: c:\users\Alpha\Documents\GenealogyFHMaster\1.Exhibits

I temporarily renamed the RM7 GenealogyMaster folder to force break the links in FH7.

Now I tried playing with the Auto Repair Links function of the dialog from Tools-->External File Links...
Unfortunately that does not work: it picks the wrong folder copy and you cannot tell it where to start looking.

I though the Re-Map... function might help, but could not figure out how it works nor find any documentation on it.
I did try to use it but now the links remain messed up with an extra folder level added as per attached image. What I ultimately need to do is per the image, delete the "X"'d out "GenealogyMaster" folder and then all would be correct.

Can anyone advise on a way forward to resolve this?

Inline image insertion seems not to work for me.
Trying again to add image as an attachment.

I can't help you with the problem you are experiencing, but I will just mention that you don't have to have a flat structure in the media folder. You can have whatever hierarchical structure that you want. You can have exactly the same structure in the media folder as you have currently if that is what you want.

Bill

BillH - Good to know, thanks.

So, which solution do you want?

1) Use Re-Map... to adjust the external folder.

The thing to remember is that you select the folder whose parent folder you want to Re-Map...
i.e. Which parent folder do you wish to move the selected folder into?
In your case, select 1.Exhibits and Re-Map... to GenealogyFHMaster to get ...\Documents\GenealogyFHMaster\1.Exhibits

( I suspect you originally chose GenealogyMaster and to Re-Map... to GenealogyFHMaster which changed its parent folder path resulting in your screenshot. )

See the FHUG Knowledge Base advice Changing External File Links (Video).

2) Move your Media into the Project internal Media folder.

Use Windows File Explorer to Move everything from inside the ...\GenealogyFHMaster\1.Exhibits\ folder to inside the Project ...fhdata\Media\ folder retaining your folder structure.
Try using Auto Repair Links but if that fails then use Re-Map... as follows.
In the File Links pane, select every folder within the 1.Exhibits folder.
That may be easiest by clicking the [-] icons to collapse the subsidiary listing.
Hold down the Ctrl key as you select each folder to allow multiple selection.
Then use Re-Map... and choose the Project ...fhdata\Media\ folder.

Thanks Mike, that worked!

But what is the difference between locating media inside the project folder (under Media folder), vs. some other folder outside the project folder?

Is there any functional impact?

I'm glad that worked for you. There is a knack to it.

strathglass wrote: ↑

06 Jan 2023 00:32

But what is the difference between locating media inside the project folder (under Media folder), vs. some other folder outside the project folder?
Is there any functional impact?

Yes, there are some differences.

Media files held within the Project folder are included with the FH Medium/Full Backup feature.
Otherwise, you must backup external Media files independently.

Media files within the Project folder use relative File Links in the Media Records, e.g. Media\...
i.e. The path to the Project is known so only the Media file path relative to the Project needs to be recorded.
Whereas, external Media files need absolute full path File Links in the Media Records, e.g. C:\Users\...\...\Media\...
The consequence becomes significant when the Project is moved to another location or to a new PC.
Then the internal relative File Links still link to the Media files correctly but the external absolute File Links will probably become broken because the Media files will use a different folder path.
However, that is often fixed by the Tools > External File Links > Auto Repair Links button but relies on matching file names.

Thanks for that detail Mike, appreciated!