* Changing Media Folder location for Import

[asak]

I'm migrating from TMG to FH. I have c. 4,000 media files - about 10GB worth - and don't want FH to copy all of them into the standard Media Folder. How can I get FH to just create links to the media files in their current location during the direct import process? I know I can change this after the import, but that's a lot of work that I'd like to avoid (not to mention running out of disk space on the import). Thanks in advance.

[tatewise]

Welcome to the FHUG.

Yes, simply untick the option to Copy any linked multimedia files ... in the Import Options dialogue, and I believe the FH Project will then link to the media files where they are currently located.

However, this makes migrating/sharing your FH Project across two PC much more difficult, because absolute media file links will include specific PC path folders, whereas FH Media folder links are relative to the Project and immune to any migration of the Project.

I advise that you progressively move collections of your media into the FH Project Media folder and use the Tools > Work with External File Links to remap those collections. See how_to:changing_external_file_links|> Changing External File Links.

Are you aware that FH V6 improves the TMG import?

[asak]

Mike,

Thanks for the reply. I mistakenly thought that unticking that option would stop all linking of the media - I appreciate the help.

Yes, I'm anxiously awaiting v6 - but wanted to start playing with it now so I'm using the v5 trial version.

Regards,

Asa

[tatewise]

Unfortunately, I have just experimented with that option and it made no difference to the direct import, which is contrary to what the Help says.
Perhaps this needs to be reported to Calico Pie after FH V6 is released.

BTW: I tried locating the Exhibit image files in TMG in its Sample Project but could not find them - can you help? It might explain why FH cannot refer directly to them.

[asak]

Mike,

The TMG exhibits are in a separate folder named "Exhibits", located in the TMG folder - it's at the same level as the "Projects" folder, where the individual project files are stored. The exhibits are not stored in the immediate project folder. You can also change the exhibit location in TMG preferences, which I have done. I keep a "Genealogy Exhibits" folder that is separate from all genealogy programs, and break that down into subfolders for Audio files, Autographs, Bible Record images, Cemetery images, Government Land Office land grant images, Landmarks, Portraits, Videos and Wills. I may just have to give up on the folder structure. I wouldn't mind that, once I commit to FH (still looking at RootsMagic and Legacy but FH looks better to me in many ways).

Asa

[tatewise]

Yes, I found the Exhibits folder, but none of the Sample project pictures are in there.
In TMG, when I view the Exhibits it says they are (Internal).

You can retain your folder structure within the FH Media folder if you wish, and many FH users do the same to keep the images organised. There are KB topics on the subject.

That is what I meant by moving one collection at a time. Move all the image files from one TMG sub-folder to a similar FH Media sub-folder. Then use Tools > Work with External File Links to Remap them. Repeat for each TMG sub-folder. This is similar to the technique in the KB video.

[tatewise]

I have run another experiment, but this time with a TMG project with both (Internal) Exhibits and (External) Exhibits.

You will be glad to hear that although the (Internal) Exhibits imported to the Media folder, the (External) Exhibits stayed put and FH linked to them explicitly.

[asak]

Mike,

I checked the TMG sample file, and it is indeed set to have "Internal" exhibits. These are stored in these 3 files: SAMPLE_I.CDX, sample_i.dbf and sample_i.fpt

I forgot about internal exhibits, since I've always used external exhibits which are stored in the Exhibits folder (default) or in another folder if selected.

Asa