* Transferring Projects to New computer

[christina46]

I have Family Historian 4 which was installed previously on my Windows Vista. I now have bought a new computer with Windows 10 and although I realise I can install the software again on my new computer, can anyone advise me the best way to copy/paste(?) the projects into my new computer. Thank you for any help. Christina.

[jbtapscott]

There is a section in the Knowledge Base "Move Family Historian Settings and Projects" that provides guidance on this.

[LornaCraig]

Here is the link to the page: how_to:move_settings|> Move Family Historian Settings and Projects

If you have customised any settings or created any custom queries or diagrams you will need to transfer those customisations as well as your projects. If you are considering upgrading to V6 this would be a good time to do it, so that you can use the Backup and Restore Family Historian Settings plugin. You would need to install V6 first on your old computer, then use the plugin to back up the settings. Then run it again on the new computer to restore them.

[tatewise]

See how_to:family_historian_migration_guide|> Family Historian V5 & V6 Migration Guide which has tips on how to migrate, but with FH V4 it is a bit more complex. However, the checks on Project Media are important.

(1) If you upgraded to FH V4 from earlier versions, then you must start from the very first full version installed. See how_to:family_historian_installation_details|> Family Historian Installation Details.

(2) FH V4 cannot use the Backup and Restore FH Settings Plugin so you must migrate customisations by hand following how_to:move_settings|> Move Family Historian Settings and Projects.

If you were prepared to upgrade to FH V6 (at a discount for V4 users) then not only is the migration so much easier, but you get all those bug fixes and new features.

[christina46]

Thank you everyone for your prompt replies. The V4 I have was the first I bought and I didn't have any earlier versions. I haven't made any customised setting or queries so really just want to transfer records/charts. I don't think I need the later version 6 as I am not putting photos in or queries etc., I am a novice at this so records/charts are about my limit and all I shall be transferring, I hope! I shall certainly read up all the information you have given me. Thank you once again for all your help. Christina.

[tatewise]

OK, Christina, that simplifies things a great deal.

With no Media photos or images, and no customisations of Diagrams, Reports, Queries, Preferences, etc, then the migration is easy.

Install FH V4 on the new Windows 10 PC exactly as you did originally on the old Vista PC, using the same CD/download file and the same Licence Key details.

That will create a Family Historian Projects folder in your My Documents folder on Windows 10.

Then on the old Vista PC use Windows Explorer (NOT Internet Explorer) to copy the entire Family Historian Projects folder to a memory stick. Windows Explorer is opened by clicking Start > Documents or the Windows Logo key + E.

Then on the new Windows 10 PC use File Explorer (same app with a new name) to copy the entire Family Historian Projects folder from memory stick to overwrite the Family Historian Projects folder created above.

[christina46]

Dear tatewise, Thank you so much, I can follow your instructions and think I can do that. It does sound quite easy to do. Will try soon and let you know how I get on. Again, many thanks, I am so pleased I will be able to do this, the thought of having to input all the details again was quite scary. Christina.

[christina46]

Dear tatewise,

A long time I know but I have at last managed to follow your instructions. I had a problem logging onto my old computer to retrieve information and son isn't local so I had to wait for a visit from him before I could go any further with this. All the information has now been transferred to my new machine, saving an awful lot of work, it is a relief. Thank you for all your help, kind regards Christina.