Loading saved data from flash driv to new computer

dlonrA · Post by **dlonrA** » 19 Feb 2011 20:54

I have recently changed my computer having saved my Family Historian data to a memory stick.
I reloaded FH from disc, opened it and tried to transfer my file. It tansferred OK but not in the newly entered FH.
I now have two versions of FH one empty and one with the saved version.

I also downloaded the update 4.1 but don't know if it is on one or both. HELP!

You will gather that I am not overly experienced in the technicalities.

ID:5006

Post by **tatewise** » 19 Feb 2011 22:32

First we recommend that you read through the advice on moving FH from PC to PC at:
http://www.fhug.org.uk/wiki/doku.php?id ... e_settings

To give you the best advice on how to get everything working it would help if you could answer a few questions:

Do you still have access to the old PC to retrieve files?

Which versions of Windows are on the two PC (Windows 7, Vista, or XP)?

Which versions of Family Historian are on the two PC?
If not sure then run FH and use Help > About Family Historian.

Which version of Family Historian do you want on the new PC?

dlonrA · Post by **dlonrA** » 20 Feb 2011 17:32

Than you for your reply. I don't have access to my old computer.
I am now on windows 7 previously on XP.
Saved from FH on XP. This was loaded on to new PC after
I had re installed from my disc (FH 4). I then downloaded the free update to 4.1

Post by **tatewise** » 20 Feb 2011 19:21

You say you have installed FH V4 from CD and the free update to FH 4.1, by which I guess you mean upgrade_fh4_to_4.1.3.exe.
So when you run FH and use Help > About Family Historian it says Family Historian Version 4.1.3.

If you were using the Family Historian Project folder on Windows XP, and copied all this folder onto your memory stick, you should be able to copy this folder from the memory stick to My Documents on Windows 7 and FH should find it.

If not then try using File > Project Window > More Tasks > Browse for Project or Project List > Choose Location for Projects to find the folder with your Project.

Did you copy all your Custom settings, such as Queries, Reports, Diagrams, Fact Sets, etc?

I don't understand what you meant by 'two versions of FH one empty and one with the saved version'.

Let me know how you get on.

dlonrA · Post by **dlonrA** » 21 Feb 2011 19:16

No luck so far, it's ok till I get to 'File name' as far as I can see that is what I am entering, but I keep getting 'file not found'. I've looked at the site on 'How to load from another PC, but as I am trying to enter from a memory stick that doesn't help.
If it makes any difference the data saved is my back-up.
By two FH I am referring to the new installation from the original disc and the dowloaded data from my memory stick which I am trying to join up.
On opening FH it says 'FAMILY HISTORIAN Version 4.1.
I am in a mess, aren't I?

YouTube · Post by **Jane** » 21 Feb 2011 20:43

When you copied from the old computer did you copy the whole project folder? or use the backup option.

If you used the backup option you must use the restore option to restore the file, or ideally go back to your original computer and use the copy project option on the more tasks menu to copy the project.

Post by **tatewise** » 21 Feb 2011 21:12

Let's deal with the installation of the Family Historian program first:

If Family Historian says it is Version 4.1 then you do not have the latest free download installed.
Go the Home page of this FHUG website, and click on V4 Upgrade 4.1.3 in top right corner.
Save the upgrade_fh4_to_4.1.3.exe file on your PC.
Navigate to and then double-click this file to install the latest update.

Now let's consider your data:

If Jane is right, you used File > Backup/Restore > Backup to create the file you have copied to your memory stick.
This file will have your GEDCOM/Project name as its filename and a file type of .zip.
I recommend you copy this .zip file from your memory stick to your Family Historian Projects folder.
Then run FH and use File > Backup/Restore > Restore.
Browse to the copied .zip file and Open it to restore your GEDCOM .ged file.

If this is the only file you copied from your old PC, and you really cannot gain access to your old PC, then I have some bad news.
If you had any media files (photos, certificates, etc) or any custom settings in FH, then these are NOT included in the backup .zip file.
For your sake, I hope this is not the case, or that you have complete backups of all your old PC files somewhere.

When reporting your difficulties here, could you please be more precise about what files you have and what commands you are using.
It makes our ability to help you, much less like guesswork.

dlonrA · Post by **dlonrA** » 21 Feb 2011 21:33

Thankyou Jane, I used Restore and it worked. Phew!

longfield · Post by **longfield** » 05 Aug 2011 12:38

I'm posting here as the previous query may have some relevance to my problem.

I've used V3 for some years, and decided to download the trial of V4.

Now, I've my tree saved on my PC, external hard drive and a memory stick, and used to be able to 'save as' to replace each with the updated version when shutting down.

There doesn't seem to be that option with V4, although I've managed to do it with the 'backup' command. Of course, it saves as a different name each time, so I'll end up with multiple versions.

Is there a way around this?

Thanks from a non-techie

Post by **tatewise** » 05 Aug 2011 12:57

You may have noticed that a major change with FH V4 is the introduction of Projects.
Please review this new feature via File > Project Window > Tips for New & Upgrading Users > Notes For Upgrading Users.

It is recommended that with FH V4 you switch to Projects and the File > Project Window > New Project button helps you do this.

However, if you stick with you original GEDCOM arrangement:-
The FH V3 menu option File > Save As saves just your GEDCOM file.
The FH V4 menu option File > Gedcom File Tasks > Save a Gedcom File Copy does the same thing.

longfield · Post by **longfield** » 05 Aug 2011 17:51

Thank you - I'll give that a go.

[smile]

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