* Using FH program on my laptop and computer

[tatewise]

So ALL the Projects are syncing across the two PC?

If you are ABSOLUTELY sure which Projects are superfluous then they can be deleted.
I suggest you create a File > Backup/Restore > Full Backup for each one on say the DT PC (just in case).
Save each backup ZIP file somewhere outside the OneDrive folder so it does not synch to the cloud.
Then in Project Window use More Tasks > Delete Project.
Eventually you could delete those Project backups when sure you don't need them.

I am reluctant to say those other files can be deleted without more information.
So, use Windows File Explorer to Move them outside the OneDrive folder so they do not synch to the cloud.
When sure they are no longer required, then you can delete them.

[erowland]

Thank you Mike
Both Lap top and Desktop are syncing.
I now have the Bowen Family, Rowland Fam desktop latest, Sharon Gibbons Tree on both Project windows dated 1 May 2019. and functional.
Additionally there are on both Project Windows :
Family Historian Sample Project 1971 Not functional
4 Rowland Fam desktop latest- laptop (Rowland Family....) 1971Not functional.
How can I remove these 5 items from the Project Window without compromising the functional projects

Edward

[tatewise]

Have you tried in Project Window using More Tasks > Delete Project as advised earlier?
Just select one defunct Project in turn before using that command.
Do that on one PC, and wait to see if all 5 are also removed from the other PC automatically.

Having done all that, I advise using More Tasks > Samples > Reset Sample Project on one PC, to reinstate the Family Historian sample Project that should appear on both PC eventually.

Before you start all that, I suggest you backup your 3 good Projects to outside the OneDrive folder, just in case!

[erowland]

THank you Mike
I have backed up the three good projects to Documents on PC
I have attempted to delete one of the 4 defunct projects as suggested using More Tasks. When attempting to delete the project I am presented with a box which seems to describe a lot of the core files and I am concerned if I continue withe the deletion process that it will actually delete the good project. Perhaps this is not in fact the case. I am attaching a captured screen shot of the Dialog box which lists all the files etc which will be deleted if I proceed with the deletion process
Edward

[tatewise]

I agree it does look a bit suspicious, because the Project Folder does not match the Project Name and that there are 9 GEDCOM files.

Could you post the screenshot again, but with the window enlarged and the Type and Subfolder column widths adjusted so that the Subfolder paths are fully visible.
OR
Satisfy yourself that those Subfolder paths match & belong to the good Project.
i.e. They don't include the -LAPTOP-SD2NFA79-2 suffix.
In that case Cancel the Delete and use Windows File Explorer to open that Subfolder path.
If you find any Rowland Fam desktop latest-LAPTOP-SD2NFA79-2.ged/fh_proj files then delete them.

The same goes for any of the other rogue Projects.

If you have any doubts then post a screenshot of the Windows File Explorer listing showing as much as possible of all folder and file paths.

[erowland]

Mike I have taken 3 snips of the Delete screen. This is not the complete listing of content but the remainder is jpgs of certs etc. and FHSS Type Snapshot data subfolder. Do you need the complete listing.

On the laptop Project Window I have Surplus project FH Sample Project- Laptop-SD2NFA79-2(Folder: Family Historian....
and 4 Rowland Fam desktop latest-Laptop SD2NFA79- 2,3,4 - all dated 01/01.1971. Ie a total of 5 surplus Projects

On the Desktop Project Window I have the same surplus projects as the laptop.

Edward

[tatewise]

Edward, that is a bit of a muddle!
It looks like at some time the OneDrive synchronisation has been getting upset.
Have you had any Notifications suggesting that OneDrive could not synch files and so has created duplicates?
Have you been running FH on both Desktop and Laptop at the same time?
You must never do that.

Those entries in the Project Window that have a name and a folder in brackets are not actually Projects.
Please do not open them in FH.
They are actually rogue copies of the GEDCOM and other files sitting inside the genuine Project folder.
So this will need some careful handling as follows.

Close FH on both Desktop and Laptop, and shutdown the Laptop.
On the Desktop open Windows File Explorer and navigate to OneDrive\OneDrive Documents\Family Historian Projects.
Open the Rowland Fam desktop latest folder.
Delete each folder that has an unusual name, leaving just Rowland Fam desktop latest.fh_data and Public
Delete each FH Project File that has an unusual suffix, leaving just Rowland Fam desktop latest.fh_proj
Open the Rowland Fam desktop latest.fh_data folder.
Delete each Gedcom File that has an unusual suffix, leaving just Rowland Fam desktop latest.ged
Open the Cache folder.
Delete each file except FindMyPastCache.dat and MyHeritageCache.dat and ThumbCache.dat

Repeat that process for the other Project folders Bowen Family and Sharon Gibbons Tree such that only the folders and Project Files and Gedcom files whose name matches the Project name are retained, and only the 3 files named above are retained in the Cache folder.
i.e. Do NOT delete:
Bowen Family.fh_data folder
Bowen Family.fh_proj Project File
Bowen Family.ged Gedcom File
Sharon Gibbons Tree.fh_data folder
Sharon Gibbons Tree.fh_proj Project File
Sharon Gibbons Tree.ged Gedcom File
FindMyPastCache.dat and MyHeritageCache.dat and ThumbCache.dat

Run FH on the Desktop and check only the good Projects exist and open OK.
If not, then report back here with any problems.

Now shutdown the Desktop and startup the Laptop.
Repeat exactly the same process as above to delete the rogue duplicate files.

Run FH on the Laptop and check only the good Projects exist and open OK.
If not, then report back here with any problems.

Close FH on the Laptop.
Now startup the Desktop and let it synch with the Laptop via OneDrive for a while.
Wait until when you hover the cursor over the OneDrive cloud icon it says Up to date on both PC.
In Windows File Explorer, check the Project folders above to ensure none of the rogue files have reappeared.

Now open FH on one PC at a time and check the Projects are OK.
Make a change in one Project and Save it on one PC and close FH.
On the other PC wait for OneDrive to say it is Up to date then open FH and check the change exists.

[erowland]

Mike Thank you for your help and fore-bearance. I have worked through your instructions and I have the following:
Desktop FH Project Window and Laptop FH Project Window
Bowen Family
Family Historian Sample Project
Sharon Gibbons Tree
No Rowland Fam desktop latest in either computer Project Window.
I had some difficulty with One Drive when it told me that it was full and I transferred an earlier back up file to the DT documents. One Drive tell me that Drive is now 95% full.
On More Tasks, Browse the above projects are listed including Rowland Fam desktop latest, all dated 09/05/2019 except Rowland Fam desktop latest which is dated 01/05/2019) I have opened all four projects and they appear to be ok. I have made an addition to my details in Rowland Fam desktop latest on the Desktop and it has synced with the Laptop.
One other point: When I deleted the various folders with unusual names in the Rowland Fam desktop folder on the Laptop I did not appear to have remaining Rowland Fam desktop latest.fh_proj. Otherwise all went according to plan for both computers.

[tatewise]

Rowland Fam desktop latest.fh_proj must exist in the Rowland Fam desktop latest folder.
Otherwise that Project will not be listed in the Project Window, which is what you are seeing

Copy the Bowen Family.fh_proj file into the Rowland Fam desktop latest folder.
Then rename it to Rowland Fam desktop latest.fh_proj and that should resolve the problem.

Do that on the Desktop, then let it synch with Laptop, and that should get resolved too.

Let me know how you get on, as there are further tidying up steps that may save space on OneDrive.
I have not mentioned them earlier to avoid confusion.

BTW: How did you make an addition to Rowland Fam desktop latest on the Desktop if it was not listed as a Project?
.

[erowland]

Mike
It looks like I am confusing matters.
When I click Family Historian icon on Desktop it opens "Rowland Fam desktop latest-Family Historian Gedcom (Focus Window).
I click on file, then Projects Window and the Project Window appears. This window has three Projects listed- Bowen, FH Sample Project and Sharon Gibbons Tree. But no Rowland Fam desktop latest. I added brief details to my notes bur alas I was mistaken in saying that it had synced with the Laptop.

I opened Family Historian on the Laptop using the same process as with the Desktop above but I get a blank Family Historian screen. I click on File, Projects Window and the Project Window appears. Listed projects are: Bowen Family, Family Historian Sample Project and Sharon Gibbons Tree. But no Rowland Fam desktop latest. Curiously the hint bubbles appear on the names in the Laptop Focus window but not in the Desktop.
I am not clear about your suggestion that I" Copy the Bowen Family.fh_proj file into the Rowland Fam desktop latest folder.
Then rename it to Rowland Fam desktop latest.fh_proj and that should resolve the problem."
Edward

[tatewise]

FH is opening the Rowland Fam desktop latest.ged file as an isolated GEDCOM and NOT as a Project.
That is confirmed by the window header:
Rowland Fam desktop latest - Family Historian Gedcom - [Focus Window]
and it does NOT appear in the Project Window.

Whereas a Project has a window header such as:
Rowland Fam desktop latest - Family Historian Project - [Focus Window]
and it does appear in the Project Window.

It is opening on the Desktop because Tools > Preferences > Startup has that GEDCOM set as the Default.
i.e. The Default Startup File is C:\Users\.........\Rowland Fam desktop latest.ged

The Laptop presumably has some other Tools > Preferences > Startup setting, possibly blank.
But if you set it to the C:\Users\.........\Rowland Fam desktop latest.ged file it should behave like the Desktop.

Settings such as that Startup file and the Focus Window hints are NOT synched via OneDrive.
That is something else we need to resolve later.

FH demands a specific folder and file structure to recognise a Project.
See how_to:v4:understanding_projects#project_structure|> Project Structure for details.

One of the critical files is the Rowland Fam desktop latest.fh_proj file that you say is missing.
All such .fh_proj files are identical in every Project except for their filename.
So by copying one from any other Project into the Rowland Fam desktop latest folder and renaming it, the Project structure should be mended and FH will recognise it as a Project (unless something else is broken).

At some stage you do need to confirm that OneDrive is synching the two PC.
Perhaps make a change in the Family Historian Sample Project on one PC and check it appears on the other PC.
BUT do remember to only have FH open on one PC at a time.

[erowland]

Thank you Mike. I have amended the Start Up setting on the Laptop(using Tools, Preferences) . It was blank and I set it to C:\users\....\Rowland Fam desktop latest.ged file and it behaves like the Desktop.
I have made a change in Sample Project on the Desktop and it synched with the Laptop..
On the Desktop I went into OneDrive Documents in Windows Explorer, then Family Historian Projects, then Bowen Family. I copied the Bowen Family.fh_proj file, added it to Rowland Fam desktop latest folder and renamed it Rowland Fam desktop latest.fh_proj.
I then opened Family Historian, clicked on File, Project Window. The Project Window has listed Bowen, Gibbons, Sample projects and Rowland Fam desktop (Folder: Rowland Fam desktop latest) Last updated 01/01/1971 00.00.
When I click on this project to open it a dialog box opens withe a Red X. in the Project Window. The message is "Unable to open file C:\Users\Edward\OneDrive\OnedriveDocuments\FamilyHistorian Projects\Rowland Fam desktop latest\Rowland Fam desktop.fh_data\Rowland Fam desktop.ged. File Path not valid.
I have really got into a muddle.
Edward

[tatewise]

Can't you see that Rowland Fam desktop latest is not being used consistently for all necessary names?
Rowland Fam desktop.fh_data should be Rowland Fam desktop latest.fh_data
Rowland Fam desktop.ged should be Rowland Fam desktop latest.ged

This is all part of the critical Project structure mentioned earlier and in how_to:v4:understanding_projects#project_structure|> Project Structure.
The Project name Rowland Fam desktop latest MUST be used in all the correct positions.

Some of your filenames have lost the word latest.
That is a side effect of having such a long Project name, and is another thing I am going to adjust when you get sorted.

[erowland]

Thank you Mike
Family Historian on the Desktop is working properly. I can see that I was not sufficiently alert to the discrepancy in the names.
I regret to say that I have not been able to resolve the problem on the Laptop.
When I open the Project Window by clicking on file and Project Window. Current Gedcom File: C:\Users\Rowland\OneDrive\OneDrive.
Listed projects:
Bowen Family
Family Historian Sample Project
Rowland Fam desktop.fh_proj (2) (Folder: Rowland Fam desktop latest)
Rowland Fam desktop.fh_proj (Folder: Rowland Fam desktop latest)
Sharon Gibbons Tree

When I click on either of the Rowland projects I get a dialogue message Unable to open fileC:\Users\Rowland\OneDrive\OneDriveDocuments\Family Historian Projects\Rowland Fam desktop latest\Rowland Fam desktop latest.fh_proj.fh_data\Rowland Fam desktop latest.fh_proj.ged. File path is not valid

OneDrive are also telling me on DT that it is full
Edward

[tatewise]

I am sorry to say that you are still not alert to the names on the Laptop.

There appears to be two Rowland Fam desktop.fh_proj files missing latest whereas there should be just one file Rowland Fam desktop latest.fh_proj

You also have Rowland Fam desktop latest.fh_proj.fh_data instead of Rowland Fam desktop latest.fh_data

And further Rowland Fam desktop latest.fh_proj.ged instead of Rowland Fam desktop latest.ged

Can you use the Desktop as a model and simply replicate on the Laptop and focus carefully to avoid errors.

Because you keep persisting with those discrepancies it is not surprising OneDrive is using so much space trying to synch those differing folders.

If you are certain that the Rowland Fam desktop latest project is OK on the Desktop, then perhaps the best way forward is to use File > Backup/Restore > Full Backup but save it outside the OneDrive folder to avoid filling it even more, and close FH. Then on Laptop use Windows File Explorer to delete the entire Rowland Fam desktop latest folder contents and let it resynch via OneDrive. However, I am nervous about what you will actually delete!

In that C:\Users\Rowland\OneDrive folder is there anything you can delete that is not required?
e.g. FH Project Backup ... .zip files that are no longer needed.

Please, when making the changes I suggest, do concentrate and be consistent.
By now you should know the rules but are not applying them consistently.

[erowland]

Mike
Thank you. I'm highly embarrassed.
I have done a Full Backup of the Rowland Fam desktop latest and saved it to Desktop documents.
On the Laptop through File Explorer I have deleted the entire Rowland Fam desktop latest folder contents. As you suggested it has resynched via OneDrive and LT and DT FH are synchronising and seem to be working perfectly.
I have moved an earlier FH Project Backup...zip file from OneDrive and created a good deal of space.
The situation now is. The Laptop and Desktop Project Windows have listed:
Bowen Family
Family Historian Sample Project
Rowland Fam desktop latest
Sharon Gibbons Tree.
However the Desktop has additionally Rowland Fam desktop latest.fh_proj(2)(Folder:Rowland Fam desktop latest) How best to remove this?
I can understand that you have grown weary of this my saga and am most thankful for your patience in the face of my shortcomings

Edward

[tatewise]

Delete the rogue Rowland Fam desktop latest.fh_proj(2) file from that folder.

Some other things to do...

I suspect your Project Media subfolder should only hold files linked to your Project database.
If so, then run the Check for Unlinked Media Plugin to remove redundant files and save OneDrive space.
Do that on each of your Projects.

When everything has settled down and OneDrive is up to date, then consider shortening the Rowland Fam... name.
In File > Project Window select Rowland Fam desktop latest, then choose More Tasks > Rename Project and set it to something shorter such as Rowland Family.
Remember that existing FH Backups will have wrong Project name so it would be wise to create a new Full Backup.
The change in Project name should auto-synch from one PC to the other.
But if not then let me know.

[erowland]

Mike
I have deleted the rogue Rowland Fam desktop latest.fh_proj(2) file.
I have run the Check for Unlinked Media Plugin for each Project.
I have shortened the Project name to Rowland Family.
The Project Window now has Current Project- Rowland Family. The list of projects includes Rowland Family (Folder:Rowland Fam desktop latest)
I have done a new Full Backup.
Both Laptop and Desktop now are synced.

Edward

[tatewise]

You should be expert enough now to find the Rowland Family (Folder:Rowland Fam desktop latest) rogue files.
I assume that is listed quite separately from the default Rowland Family project?
In Windows File Explorer there must be a Rowland Fam desktop latest folder and inside that a Rowland Family.fh_proj file.
So you should delete that Rowland Fam desktop latest folder and all its contents.

[erowland]

Thanks Mike
I am unable to locate the Rowland Family (Folder:Rowland Fam desktop latest) rogue files
The PROJECT WINDOW
Current Project: Rowland Family

Family Historian Projects
Bowen Family
Rowland Family (Folder: Rowland Fam desktop latest)
Sharon Gibbons Tree

I am unable to locate Rowland Family (Folder:Rowland Fam desktop latest) rogue files when I peruse Family Historian Projects in OneDrive Documents. I am concerned if I delete the file Rowland Fam desktop latest I may delete the Rowland Family project. Perhaps I should attempt to again rename the project

Edward

[tatewise]

Sorry, thought you had both a Rowland Family project and a Rowland Family (Folder:Rowland Fam desktop latest) project.

How did you rename that project?
Did you use File > Project Window > More Tasks > Rename Project as I told you to? I suspect not?

Try using Window File Explorer and rename the folder Rowland Fam desktop latest to Rowland Family.

Remember all the critical folders & files must use the same name, in this case Rowland Family, otherwise you get problems.
File > Project Window > More Tasks > Rename Project ensures all those folders & files are renamed correctly.

[erowland]

Mike
I tried again to rename the Project file using More Tasks as before but alas no change.
I then used the method suggested by you ie File Explorer, Rename file and that was successful. So LT and Desktop are in synch and the Project has been renamed Rowland Family.
I can understand that this process has been tedious for you and I thank you for your patience. In the process I have also learned a good deal.
What can I do to show my appreciation?

Best Regards

Edward

[tatewise]

No problem. Glad we got there in the end

[erowland]

Mike
Edward Rowland Windows 10, V.6. 2
I sought your help regarding synchronisation of FH through OneDrive on my laptop and desktop. Refer email 20 April 2019 et al.
You then identified that OneDrive was not logged into the same Microsoft account. Microsoft OneDrive on the laptop settings account had edwardrowland45@gmail.com and on the desktop the account was erowland@eircom.net. Notwithstanding that I use only Gmail and all emails are synched to come into the Gmail account it was decided that the best solution was to use erowland@eircom.net account for both computers to facilitate OneDrive. Virtually all data inputting etc is done via the desktop.
A new problem has arisen. I have been informed by Eircom that I will not be able to use their erowland@eircom.net address from 30 March without payment of a monthly charge. As I do not use the Eircom email service I do not wish to continue with them.
My concern is how to change to using edwardrowland45@gmail.com for both computers without causing problems- duplication etc.
Once again your advice would be appreciated.
I should say that since your last intervention last year all is working smoothly.

Regards
Edward Rowland

[tatewise]

That is not really an FH question, because it is purely to do with your Microsoft Account settings.
Remember that many MS services such as OneDrive are all accessed via that MS account.
See https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/hel ... one-number that explains how to add up to 10 email addresses or phone numbers to your Microsoft account as aliases.
Towards the end, it explains how to use a different email address to sign in to your Microsoft account.

Sign in to your MS account at https://account.microsoft.com/account and choose Your Info at the top.
Then select Manage how you sign in to Microsoft.
There you can Add email address edwardrowland45@gmail.com as an alias, Verify and Make primary.
Then Change sign-in preferences and tick that alias instead of the old one.
Finally, once all is working, you can go back and Remove the old email address.
BTW: It is a good idea to have a number of aliases.