Family Historian User Group

We have been using v4 under MS Vista very happily for some time. Because (probably like most users) we only make use of a small proportion of the numerous facilities available, we have felt no urge to upgrade to v5.

However, we are being forced to replace our laptop with a fancy new one, which runs Win 8.

So my questions are, will there be any problem in using v4 under Win 8 or indeed in porting across our accumulated data?

Thank you (I apologise if this has been asked here previously).

ID:6588

It is unlikely that there will be any problems installing and running FH V4 on Windows 8.
FH V4 and FH V5 run OK on Windows 7 and FH V5 is supported on Windows 8.
Windows 7 and Windows 8 are so similar as far as programs are concerned that all should be OK.
However, I suspect Calico Pie have not tested and do not guarantee that FH V4 will run on Windows 8.

See the FH Installation Guide for more details.

What was the latest Full FH Version that you purchased (as opposed to an Upgrade Version)?
The How to (Re-)install Family Historian gives details of how to install from all versions.
Some early FH V2 copies may give problems.

See how to Move Family Historian Settings & Projects for copying your Project data and Customisations and Preference settings if necessary.

Windows Easy Transfer should copy all that you require.

Thank you for your considered response.

We upgraded progessively from v2.1.6. Ho hum ...

FH V2.1.6 needs a CD-backed Installer if your new PC is a 64-bit variety of Windows 8.
See How to Install on 64-bit Windows 8 with Version 2.

Also you will need the installation CD/Download, your Licence Name, and Registration Key for both upgrades V2 to V3 and V3 to V4.
See How to (Re-)install Family Historian for full details.

It may be worth investing £23 in the FH V4 to V5 Upgrade to avoid all the above hassles.
With this you only need to perform one install with the Licence Names, and Registration Keys for V3 to V4 and V4 to V5.
Then install the free FH V5.0.X upgrade.

Then you can be assured that FH is supported on Windows 8 and you have all the latest features and bug fixes.
In particular, I am sure you will find some of the new Plugins worthwhile.

We can deal with moving the Project Data once you have decided which route to follow.

Many thanks once again!

Yes indeed. I had encountered the 32bit>64bit problem before reading your post, but wil try again now, using the method you have kindly proposed. Fortunately I do have the FH versions on CD and (hopefully) the regkeys.

I am tempted, however, to buy and adopt the alternative method you propose.Just one area for further clarification then: does the upgrade CD contain both 32bit and 64bit versions? If not, which? Or would it just be easier to spend a few extra coppers and buy the full 64bit version (on CD)?

Bestest.

FH always was, and still is, only supplied as a 32-bit program.
(It was the 16-bit installer with V2 that caused the problems)

So you have no choices to make, but can be assured that FH will run fine on 64-bit PC as stated in the Family Historian System Requirements.

My renewed thanks for your prompt attention!

After further thought I have pursued the full 64bit CD v5 option as mentioned, rather than the upgrade. It's now on order from S&N, who I have always found good to deal with. Watch this space ...

FH5 arrived promptly this morning from S&N. Quick Start Guide suggests loading it first then importing the old gedcom file. In view of the new 64bit aspect, could you please advise if there's anything else I need to be aware of?

At the risk of repeating myself, there is nothing that is 64-bit about FH. It is a 32-bit program and always was. In fact most Windows software is still 32-bit, but runs just fine in any Windows 64-bit system.

You should download and install the Latest Free Upgrade to V5.0.7 or possibly V5.0.9.

See how to Move Family Historian Settings & Projects for copying your Project data and Customisations and Preference settings if necessary.

Windows Easy Transfer should copy all that you require.

Whether you need to transfer/import any more than just your GEDCOM (.ged) file depends on what else you have used.
Do you have any linked Multimedia Files?
Have you customised any Reports, Queries, Diagrams, etc?
Have you converted to the Project structure introduced with V4?