How can I save my .ged and .fhc files directly to a location/folder of my choice and bypass the automatic 'My Project' route?
ID:5361
* Saving Work
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tatewise
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You can save your .ged file anywhere by using File > Gedcom File Tasks > Save a Gedcom File Copy.
You can use File > Import/Export > Export > ... to save most Customisations anywhere. They simply default to the Project Public folder.
However, Chart .fhc files are very specific to FH and are saved in, or imported from, the Project Charts folder.
You can of course use Windows Explorer to move them anywhere else, but you will have to move them back to use them in FH.
May I ask the purpose for your request?
You can use File > Import/Export > Export > ... to save most Customisations anywhere. They simply default to the Project Public folder.
However, Chart .fhc files are very specific to FH and are saved in, or imported from, the Project Charts folder.
You can of course use Windows Explorer to move them anywhere else, but you will have to move them back to use them in FH.
May I ask the purpose for your request?
Saving Work
Many thanks for you quick reply.
Is there any way I can circumvent/avoid the entire 'Project' routine and simply save (and open) both my .ged and .fhc files to destinations where I want to put them and not where FH dictates I should have them? - in fact, just like it used to be in V3.1.2.
The reason for this is that I have up to 6 live family history projects running at any one time; I prefer to keep all my data files on a physically separate hard drive from my system drive - filed simply by the surname concerned. This separate drive is then routinely backed up onto an external drive.
The 'My Documents' folder (where FH V4 puts its 'Projects') is left where it is on the system drive; I find it very clumsy to have to access the projects folder in the My Documents folder on one drive, highlight and copy separate .ged and .fhc files for each of the trees I am working on and copy/paste them to my files on the separate drive - i.e. unpicking the unasked for 'My Projects' routine.
Regards
Peter George
Is there any way I can circumvent/avoid the entire 'Project' routine and simply save (and open) both my .ged and .fhc files to destinations where I want to put them and not where FH dictates I should have them? - in fact, just like it used to be in V3.1.2.
The reason for this is that I have up to 6 live family history projects running at any one time; I prefer to keep all my data files on a physically separate hard drive from my system drive - filed simply by the surname concerned. This separate drive is then routinely backed up onto an external drive.
The 'My Documents' folder (where FH V4 puts its 'Projects') is left where it is on the system drive; I find it very clumsy to have to access the projects folder in the My Documents folder on one drive, highlight and copy separate .ged and .fhc files for each of the trees I am working on and copy/paste them to my files on the separate drive - i.e. unpicking the unasked for 'My Projects' routine.
Regards
Peter George
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nsw
Saving Work
You can easily relocate your Family Historian Project folder on another drive - you can even copy and paste the whole folder there if need be.
Having copied the Family Historian Projects folder to your external drive, then in Family Historian you can select the Project window (File->Project Window...) [strike]and then click More Tasks[/strike] and then click on the link next to Location: (it probably says My Documents\Family Historian Projects. Then Choose Location and select the 'Family Historaian Project' folder that you copied to your external drive.
Hope that helps
Nick
Having copied the Family Historian Projects folder to your external drive, then in Family Historian you can select the Project window (File->Project Window...) [strike]and then click More Tasks[/strike] and then click on the link next to Location: (it probably says My Documents\Family Historian Projects. Then Choose Location and select the 'Family Historaian Project' folder that you copied to your external drive.
Hope that helps
Nick
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tatewise
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I am glad I asked why, because FH V4 is perfectly capable of doing what you want.
Just a couple of extra points in addition to Nick's advice.
First you do not have to click More Tasks before clicking the Location link in the Project Window.
Second, and this is important, I suspect you have not switched your separate hard drive based data to use the FH V4 Project structure.
If this is true then simply relocating the Family Historian Projects folder to that hard drive is not enough.
You need to convert your 6 data projects to 6 FH V4 Projects.
While in the Project Window click on Tips for New & Upgrading Users then Notes for Upgrading Users at the bottom.
Having read through the advice, you can convert your existing 6 projects into FH V4 Projects by using File > Project Window > New Project for each one.
There are many benefits in going through this process.
If you need any more guidance on these procedures then please post back here.
Just a couple of extra points in addition to Nick's advice.
First you do not have to click More Tasks before clicking the Location link in the Project Window.
Second, and this is important, I suspect you have not switched your separate hard drive based data to use the FH V4 Project structure.
If this is true then simply relocating the Family Historian Projects folder to that hard drive is not enough.
You need to convert your 6 data projects to 6 FH V4 Projects.
While in the Project Window click on Tips for New & Upgrading Users then Notes for Upgrading Users at the bottom.
Having read through the advice, you can convert your existing 6 projects into FH V4 Projects by using File > Project Window > New Project for each one.
There are many benefits in going through this process.
If you need any more guidance on these procedures then please post back here.
Saving Work
What I don't understand is why you are so certain that the 'Project' structure is so beneficial. What is it for? What advantages/improvements does it bring to carrying out research over the simple, uncomplicated V3.1.2 way of saving data?
All it does is add several more mouse clicks to access data; and demands that I use V4 file structure rather than have a simple folder containing the .ged and the .fhc file(s) carrying the surname of my tree's root on my data disc.
The problem here is that V4 has taken away choice. Take opening a .ged file - V4 has removed that simple Windows click sequence: File, Open - which every other windows application has; I know I can open a gedcom file, but only if I open an unwanted 'project' to get rid of the annoying 'Project Window' (which extraordinarily demands a project to be opened or the application is closed!); and then, having opened my .gedcom file I can't open an existing chart unless I convert that gedcom to a 'project'! Why? what advantage does that give me? and if I succumbe to the demand of converting my file to a project, I have to change my entire data structure which has been built up over the last 6 to 7 years.
And you enthusiasts of V4 can't seem to understand that this way of doing things is not necessarily the best.
Sorry about the rant - but it should be recognised that being dictated to by applicaztion software smacks of arrogance.
The answer, of course, is to go back to using V3.1.2 - which I should very much like to do; but therein is its own tale: I've misplaced my original disc; I downloaded the software and attemted to use my properly purchased serial key; it doesn't work because I am told that this key will only work on retail discs, not downloaded programmes; and that's all the help I received - i.e. you've had my money for V3.1.2, and now want me to pay all over again for V4.
End of Rant
Regards
Peter George
All it does is add several more mouse clicks to access data; and demands that I use V4 file structure rather than have a simple folder containing the .ged and the .fhc file(s) carrying the surname of my tree's root on my data disc.
The problem here is that V4 has taken away choice. Take opening a .ged file - V4 has removed that simple Windows click sequence: File, Open - which every other windows application has; I know I can open a gedcom file, but only if I open an unwanted 'project' to get rid of the annoying 'Project Window' (which extraordinarily demands a project to be opened or the application is closed!); and then, having opened my .gedcom file I can't open an existing chart unless I convert that gedcom to a 'project'! Why? what advantage does that give me? and if I succumbe to the demand of converting my file to a project, I have to change my entire data structure which has been built up over the last 6 to 7 years.
And you enthusiasts of V4 can't seem to understand that this way of doing things is not necessarily the best.
Sorry about the rant - but it should be recognised that being dictated to by applicaztion software smacks of arrogance.
The answer, of course, is to go back to using V3.1.2 - which I should very much like to do; but therein is its own tale: I've misplaced my original disc; I downloaded the software and attemted to use my properly purchased serial key; it doesn't work because I am told that this key will only work on retail discs, not downloaded programmes; and that's all the help I received - i.e. you've had my money for V3.1.2, and now want me to pay all over again for V4.
End of Rant
Regards
Peter George
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Jane
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You don't need to go through the project window, just set the default project and it will open directly.
The reasons for using the Project structure become more obvious when you want to add additional information to your gedcom, for example images, charts and other data and settings.
You don't need to redo your structure, if you have media it can be left when it is if you want, all you really need to do is put your gedcom in the Project structure.
If you purchased a CD and have lost it that is not Calico Pie's fault. Would you expect a bookshop to give you a new book if you left your copy on a train.
The reasons for using the Project structure become more obvious when you want to add additional information to your gedcom, for example images, charts and other data and settings.
You don't need to redo your structure, if you have media it can be left when it is if you want, all you really need to do is put your gedcom in the Project structure.
If you purchased a CD and have lost it that is not Calico Pie's fault. Would you expect a bookshop to give you a new book if you left your copy on a train.
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tatewise
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Note that you need to use a minimal FH V4 Project structure or Charts cannot be saved.
So to retain most of your existing FH V3 structure, and get FH V4 to support Charts, this is what you need to do.
Let us assume all your GEDCOM projects reside inside the D:Database folder.
Let us assume one of the GEDCOM files is named Fred.ged.
Create a folder structure D:DatabaseFredFred.fh_data.
Move your Fred.ged file into the Fred.fh_data folder.
Create a plain text file named D:DatabaseFredFred.fh_proj containing simply:
[Family Historian]
Version=4
Repeat this create folder & file process for each GEDCOM file.
In FH use File > Project Window, click on the Location link, select Choose Location and browse to D:Database.
The Project Window will then list Fred and all your other projects.
Right-click the project you wish to open by default and in the menu select Default Project.
To open any other project, you can do any of the following:
Double-click its .ged file.
Double-click its .fh_proj file.
Use FH File > Project Window and select project.
Use FH File > Gedcom File Tasks and select from the recent file list.
Charts will be saved to D:DatabaseFredFred.fh_dataCharts folder for project Fred, and similarly for each other project.
So to retain most of your existing FH V3 structure, and get FH V4 to support Charts, this is what you need to do.
Let us assume all your GEDCOM projects reside inside the D:Database folder.
Let us assume one of the GEDCOM files is named Fred.ged.
Create a folder structure D:DatabaseFredFred.fh_data.
Move your Fred.ged file into the Fred.fh_data folder.
Create a plain text file named D:DatabaseFredFred.fh_proj containing simply:
[Family Historian]
Version=4
Repeat this create folder & file process for each GEDCOM file.
In FH use File > Project Window, click on the Location link, select Choose Location and browse to D:Database.
The Project Window will then list Fred and all your other projects.
Right-click the project you wish to open by default and in the menu select Default Project.
To open any other project, you can do any of the following:
Double-click its .ged file.
Double-click its .fh_proj file.
Use FH File > Project Window and select project.
Use FH File > Gedcom File Tasks and select from the recent file list.
Charts will be saved to D:DatabaseFredFred.fh_dataCharts folder for project Fred, and similarly for each other project.
Saving Work
To Tatewise:
Many thanks for your kind patience and useful instructions -which, however, still require me to change my filing structure permanently. This is clearly of little concern (and perhaps quite beneficial) to those users who will only ever run a single family history project; it is those minority of users like myself who have several live projects running concurrently, and over 60 completed projects which are regularly revisited for updating as new data sources go online.
I would say this, as a final comment: I think the point is being missed. I am sure the authors of V4 think the Project structure is a terrific idea - but in their enthusiasm, they fail to recognise that not everyone may agree; perhaps it would have been better to offer the user a choice of whether he wishes to use the V4 structure, or remain with the standard Windows file/save structure. I can think of no other application on a PC that has abandoned the Windows standard - not even Adobe or Microsoft in their oft-derided arrogance. Ho Hum. But let's rest the subject there.
To 'Jane Admin'
I was reassured to see that you have remained consistent over many years in your lack of empathy with anyone who has had problems with Family Historian in any way. It is perhaps that apparent lack of concern with the customer/user which reflects the company's approach to software design.
Peter George
Many thanks for your kind patience and useful instructions -which, however, still require me to change my filing structure permanently. This is clearly of little concern (and perhaps quite beneficial) to those users who will only ever run a single family history project; it is those minority of users like myself who have several live projects running concurrently, and over 60 completed projects which are regularly revisited for updating as new data sources go online.
I would say this, as a final comment: I think the point is being missed. I am sure the authors of V4 think the Project structure is a terrific idea - but in their enthusiasm, they fail to recognise that not everyone may agree; perhaps it would have been better to offer the user a choice of whether he wishes to use the V4 structure, or remain with the standard Windows file/save structure. I can think of no other application on a PC that has abandoned the Windows standard - not even Adobe or Microsoft in their oft-derided arrogance. Ho Hum. But let's rest the subject there.
To 'Jane Admin'
I was reassured to see that you have remained consistent over many years in your lack of empathy with anyone who has had problems with Family Historian in any way. It is perhaps that apparent lack of concern with the customer/user which reflects the company's approach to software design.
Peter George
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Jane
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My comments are my own, Calico Pie, does not sponsor this site or pay for the time I spend looking after it.
Do not take my comments as any thing to do with them.
Do not take my comments as any thing to do with them.
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hsw
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Mr. George,
I find it difficult to understand why you should be so rude to somebody who does a great deal to help all users of Family Historian and has no official connection with Calico Pie.
I find it difficult to understand why you should be so rude to somebody who does a great deal to help all users of Family Historian and has no official connection with Calico Pie.
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tatewise
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May I make a few points.
(1) First, and most importantly, do not confuse the commercial organisation Calico Pie with this free FH User Group run by volunteers for the benefit of users.
(2) I agree that FH should allow users to retain the V3 features, and with the exception of Charts I believe it does. The ability to save/load Charts anywhere should be an option.
(3) FH V4 has NOT 'abandoned the Windows standard' file conventions, it has simply introduced a folder & file hierarchy to assist in managing family history Projects, which for many users is a great benefit.
(4) You say 'no other application on a PC that has abandoned the Windows standard - not even Adobe or Microsoft', but Microsoft regularly redefine the 'standard' e.g. Microsoft Office 2007/20010 introduced .docx, .xlsx, etc file formats and the command Ribbon, and Windows Vista/7 changed many 'standard' operating system folder/file structures. Furthermore, most application have there own folder & file conventions without which they could not work e.g. Google Picasa, Windows Live Mail, Outlook Express, Microsoft Outlook, Firefox, to name a few.
(1) First, and most importantly, do not confuse the commercial organisation Calico Pie with this free FH User Group run by volunteers for the benefit of users.
(2) I agree that FH should allow users to retain the V3 features, and with the exception of Charts I believe it does. The ability to save/load Charts anywhere should be an option.
(3) FH V4 has NOT 'abandoned the Windows standard' file conventions, it has simply introduced a folder & file hierarchy to assist in managing family history Projects, which for many users is a great benefit.
(4) You say 'no other application on a PC that has abandoned the Windows standard - not even Adobe or Microsoft', but Microsoft regularly redefine the 'standard' e.g. Microsoft Office 2007/20010 introduced .docx, .xlsx, etc file formats and the command Ribbon, and Windows Vista/7 changed many 'standard' operating system folder/file structures. Furthermore, most application have there own folder & file conventions without which they could not work e.g. Google Picasa, Windows Live Mail, Outlook Express, Microsoft Outlook, Firefox, to name a few.
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ireneblackburn
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I have 5 projects and several geds all of which I access quite happily with FH4. I did find the upgrade to version 4 quite confusing for an hour or so, but I resolved my problems be reading Help pages not by blaming everyone else.
I also think you owe Jane an apology, she spends a lot of time looking after this User Group, she is not employed by Calico Pie and she should not be blamed for your loss of your property.
Irene
I also think you owe Jane an apology, she spends a lot of time looking after this User Group, she is not employed by Calico Pie and she should not be blamed for your loss of your property.
Irene
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johnmorrisoniom
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Within the Family History Projects folder, each project has it's own folder, which is waht you want.
Within each project you can choose to copy images to the project folder or just link to your own storage area.
Personally, I copy to the projects folder.
Backup of all projects can the be achieved by archiving one folder (The FH projects folder)
I recently started to use dropbox, and moved the whole folder to the dropbox folder.
First time after, I had to tell FH where to find the relocated folder, and now I have identical copies on all machines I use.
I would spend some more time trying to locate the email with your FHv4 serial on it than chastising other members of the FHUG.
Also have you tried contacting calico pie directly.? they may have a record of your download and serial.
Within each project you can choose to copy images to the project folder or just link to your own storage area.
Personally, I copy to the projects folder.
Backup of all projects can the be achieved by archiving one folder (The FH projects folder)
I recently started to use dropbox, and moved the whole folder to the dropbox folder.
First time after, I had to tell FH where to find the relocated folder, and now I have identical copies on all machines I use.
I would spend some more time trying to locate the email with your FHv4 serial on it than chastising other members of the FHUG.
Also have you tried contacting calico pie directly.? they may have a record of your download and serial.
Saving Work
Well, I'm glad I'm not the only one who is confused and to a certain extent irritated with the saving to a given location problem.
Like Peter, I have a number of geds, and save them to 3 distinct places, 2 being outside of the PC (external hard drive and memory stick) Using the 30 day trial, so far I've only opened and transferred one of the geds to a Project format. But if I open the ged from one of the external saved places, all media links have been lost, even though that is where the media are stored.
Although I like the on screen presentation of the Project format, rather than upgrade permanently, I'm seriously considering reverting to V3. [confused]
Like Peter, I have a number of geds, and save them to 3 distinct places, 2 being outside of the PC (external hard drive and memory stick) Using the 30 day trial, so far I've only opened and transferred one of the geds to a Project format. But if I open the ged from one of the external saved places, all media links have been lost, even though that is where the media are stored.
Although I like the on screen presentation of the Project format, rather than upgrade permanently, I'm seriously considering reverting to V3. [confused]
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tatewise
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For both external ged data, if you use FH V3 - Tools > Work with External File Links does it show any black X's anywhere on the file links?
Do you include the drive letter in the Multimedia File specification?
When you open the external ged with FH V4, do you open them directly on the external media, or do you copy the ged to the FH V4 Projects folder and open it there?
Do you include the drive letter in the Multimedia File specification?
When you open the external ged with FH V4, do you open them directly on the external media, or do you copy the ged to the FH V4 Projects folder and open it there?
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goodwin2
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I agree with Irene that Peter should apology to Jane for his rude attitude which seems far from his stated profile of helping others with their family history.
Jane has answered some of the stupidest questions imaginable - yeah, some from me - with clarity, precision and grace. She is a MOUNTAIN of information - which she shares FOR FREE - I guess - just because.
I can't imagine finding so much help for so many quirks anywhere else.
I believe that pretty much all of us who use this forum for tips, help and a bit of fun, are EXTREMELY grateful to Jane. Do I hear some - RIGHT ONS?
Jane has answered some of the stupidest questions imaginable - yeah, some from me - with clarity, precision and grace. She is a MOUNTAIN of information - which she shares FOR FREE - I guess - just because.
I can't imagine finding so much help for so many quirks anywhere else.
I believe that pretty much all of us who use this forum for tips, help and a bit of fun, are EXTREMELY grateful to Jane. Do I hear some - RIGHT ONS?
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tatewise
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RIGHT ON
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PeterR
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RIGHT ON!
Saving Work
Right on!
Dagwood
Dagwood
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I don't often feel the need to reply or comment on posts, but I do regularly read them and keep up to date with the FH community on FHUG.
Frankly I am stunned by geopet544's 'rant' in relation to Jane and her reply to his post, and I add my support in recognising her 'above and beyond the call of duty' on this site.
One example of which was early on when I started using FH, with her emailing me directly with detailed instructions with a query I had about automatic citations. I am sure there are many other examples.
A firm RIGHT ON from me!
Frankly I am stunned by geopet544's 'rant' in relation to Jane and her reply to his post, and I add my support in recognising her 'above and beyond the call of duty' on this site.
One example of which was early on when I started using FH, with her emailing me directly with detailed instructions with a query I had about automatic citations. I am sure there are many other examples.
A firm RIGHT ON from me!