* Backup and Media

[Kilroy]

I use Family Historian 4.1.3 with Windows Vista.

When I backup, all my files are backed up, but of 220 photographs, copies of birth, marriage, and death certificates, and copies of census reports only 4 census reports are backed up. The missing media are listed as blank squares, each with the appropriate title under the blank square - e.g. Fred Bloggs birth certificate - photo of aunt Mary, etc.etc.
I am about to update to Version 5.  My question is should I try to resolve this matter prior to updating - or would the problem be easier to resolve in Version 5.

Any advice and guidance would be most welcome.

ID:6569

[Jane]

You need to look at the Tools>Work With External File Links, which will show you where Family historian thinks the files should be and you need to compare this to the actual location for the files on the disk.

Also make sure when you have your Project Open it says 'Project' on the window title bar, it you are using a project there is a Media plugin for V5 which tries to help with repairing broken links, but you do need to have a Project first.

[Kilroy]

Hi Jane

Thank you very much for your prompt response.

Tools > Work With External Files leads to a Folder named Project Data Folder, which links to a Folder named Media, which contains all the missing photos and copy certificates etc.

When I open Family Historian the title in the window title box reads:

Family Historian Project - Family History.ged - (Focus Window).

Does this information identify a possible solution?

Kind regards

Brian

[tatewise]

That FH says Family Historian Project means it is a Project and not a standalone GEDCOM  ~ Good!

In Tools > Work with External Files scroll down and check all 220 files are listed WITHOUT any large X marks against them.
If there are X marks, these broken file links must be resolved.

Also, scroll down and see if any files are listed under C: (or any other drive letter) instead of Project Data Folder.
If so, use the Re-Map within Project Data Folder option.

You said 'The missing media are listed as blank squares' ~ presumably X marks.
Is this in your original Project before Backup, or in a restored copy of the Backup?

[Kilroy]

Hello Mike Tate
Thank you for your help.

In the original Project, prior to Backup, pictures and copies of certifcates etc. are on the screen.  When I open a Backup copy the pictures and copy certificates etc. appear as oblong outlines with a large X in them - each with the appropriate title underneath them.

Tools > Work With External Files leads to:

      Project Data Folder

                Media

and listed below are all the missing Photographs etc. - none of them contain an X

I have downloaded two pages of instructions 'Work with External File Links Dialog'  I confess that I find the instructions very difficult to follow - intend to allow a period of study before I attempt any corrections.

[Dagwood]

I had exactly the same until I realised ( or more likely was advised!) that  the backup is,of course, not in the same location as the project Gedcom file. Hence, when you open the backup file it cannot see the images you are looking for as the path is different. At least that is how I understand it.
Dagwood

[Kilroy]

In the process of looking for a solution I noticed that whilst working on the project:
   
     Tools  >  Work with External Files
          leads to
    Project Data Folder
            Media
with all of the individual media files listed below  -

whereas if a Backup copy is opened;

     Tools  >  Work with External Files
           leads to
     
          Gedcom Folder
            XMedia

with all of the individual media files listed below marked with an X.

This suggests that the problem originates in how the Backup is configured, and I suspect that if I could appreciate the significance of this difference a solution to the problem would be indicated.

Thanks to Dagwood for your explanation - I only wish I could understand it!  

[tatewise]

OK, so the original Project before backup is fine.

FH V4 only Backs-up the GEDCOM file, so there are no media files in the backup.

See Backup and Recovery for more details.

[Kilroy]

Thank you Mike Tate  - now I understand both the problem and the solution.

I am obliged to you for your assistance.