* Media links on importing Gedcoms from other Programs

[Billread]

I have just spent a while searching the site for ways to delete all media links in a gedcom I have from Legacy. I have looked at plugins, and so on.There are myriad links to missing media. But nearly all say 'do not delete links' etc

I do not want to repair the links. I just want to get rid of all media links, so that when I split the gedcom sent me, and import the part I want into my FH gedcom, I do not get loads of blank white boxes wherever media is missing in relation to a person in the gedcom. This is because i do not link media, and I am finding it frustrating having to find each record for a person with media links, one by one, and so be able to delete. I want to mass delete links.

I did try opening the gedcom in FH and then exporting again, but where some other programs offer 'without media' although I tried the one option in FH for gedcom export that said 'exclude' it did not solve the problem.

Maybe I missed something, but by searching I see this problem has arisen many times over the years, but there seems no easy, and quick solution. AM I missing something?
Help please

[tatewise]

Bill, I have moved this to the FH General Usage Forum because there are many methods for bulk deleting Media records, so no need for a Wish List request. See how_to:delete_a_large_number_of_records|> Delete Any Number of Records. Clearly your searches did not find that advice. So yes you are missing something and that is why you should ask in this Forum first.

BTW: I would be interested in where the problem has arisen many times over the years without a solution.

All the methods require the Legacy GEDCOM file to be imported via File > Project Window > New Project and then choosing Import a GEDCOM file but do NOT tick Copy any linked multimedia files. In the resulting Project the Media can be deleted at least three ways:

1. File > Split Tree Helper
   Leave most settings at default so nothing is deleted, but for Other Records select Delete all Multimedia Records and click the Delete button.
   This would be the simplest method if you also intend to split off other records at the same time.
2. Records Window & Named List
   In the Records Window open the Media tab, select all Media records and Add to Named List.
   Then use Delete Named List Records as explained in the Knowledge Base article above.
3. File > Import/Export > Export > GEDCOM File
   Use Add All to include all Individual records and for Media Records: choose Exclude.
   After clicking OK the exported GEDCOM file will have no Media records.
   That GEDCOM file will need to be imported again if it needs further splitting, etc.

See how_to:index#importing_to_family_historian|> Importing to Family Historian and how_to:import_from_legacy|> Import from Legacy Family Tree (LFT) advice, and apply that to the Legacy GEDCOM Project before merging with your master Project.

[LornaCraig]

Mike,
Bill is not asking how to delete Media records. The Media records are already missing. (He has run the FH Gedcom export to 'exclude' them). What he wants is to ge rid of the "blank white boxes", which he says are still there.

[tatewise]

Lorna,
The OP says he never links Media so that implies no Media records and no Media files.
I believe his Legacy GEDCOM has Local Media Objects but after import to FH they get converted to Media Records but there are no Media files because the OP has only been sent the Legacy GEDCOM file.

I don't understand how links to missing Media records would produce a blank rectangle with a cross.
That is reserved for Media record broken links to the Media files, and includes blank File Link fields.
Anyway importing a GEDCOM with such missing links erases those links so that structure cannot exist.

[LornaCraig]

But he says that he has already tried the FH Gedcom export with the 'Exclude' option for Media (i.e. excluding Media records) which is the third method you suggest, but it did not solve the problem!!

I agree that it's hard to understand how the "blank white boxes" can appear if there are no Media records. I am not familiar with the structure of the Legacy Gedcom, but assumed it must have some quirk which is causing the problem.

[tatewise]

Lorna,
If the OP simply opened the Legacy GEDCOM there would only be Local Media Objects and no linked Media records.
So that would explain why Export > GEDCOM File did not Exclude anything.

It is similar to the difference between local Note fields and linked shared Note records.
Using Export > GEDCOM File to Exclude Note records would not exclude local Note fields.

When the Legacy GEDCOM is Imported or Merged those Local Media Objects are silently converted to Media records.
Then those Media records can be easily bulk deleted.

BTW: I have a problem report with Calico Pie regarding that silent conversion, promised to be fixed in FH V7.
Firstly, it should not be silently unconditional but offer an option.
Secondly, it creates one Media record for each Local Media Object even if they are identical, which may lead to much duplication and require a great deal of merging.
Thirdly, it ruins the special Local Media Objects designed to support Fact Sort Dates.

[LornaCraig]

So if the OP simply opened the Legacy gedcom rather than importing it there would be no Media records, but would he still see the blank white boxes?

[tatewise]

Yes. The Local Media Object path links would still be broken as there are no Media files.
In most respects, they behave just the same as Media records, and get listed in Tools > External File Links, etc.
But do not appear in the Media Window or Records Window ~ Media tab.

[LornaCraig]

OK, so the likely explanation for the Bill's problem is that he didn't import the Gedcom but just opened it.

Bill, can you confirm that? If you import the Gedcom then there will be a list of Media Records (in the Media tab of the Records window). These can then be deleted using one of the methods listed in Mike's first reply.

[Billread]

The many times is that I have had various people send me gedcoms. Which i split out what I require from. However many times they export their ged from wherever they have it, and even though I ask for a ged 'without media links' i end up with one with then in. In some cases the person sending cannot find how to export without. Then when I open the ged I have loads of white boxes where the media image should be, and a whole raft of dead links as I do not have the media ( most times dont want it either as I dont put media in my geds). I have tried all I can to export, re import and so forth to get rid of all the media links referring to media i dont have. I have tried splitting out what I need, but when add that to my main ged I still get loads white boxes where media should be. As I d o not specify what I am getting I need a way to clean things up, as simply as possible. When i searched evrywhere i looked said do not mass delete media links...so whats next please? a simple way out for a simple mind

[Billread]

PS its not removing the media, as others have said, the media is already gone, but the ged is full of links to missing items when I open it in FH. Plus these white boxes where a photo or similar was, that i cannot get rid of!

[tatewise]

Hi Bill, this is what I advise you to do.

Open the File > Project Window click New Project and choose Import a GEDCOM file.
Browse to select the supplied GEDCOM file and untick Copy any linked multimedia files.
This process is important because some GEDCOM files use two Media file link formats.
The import converts the local media object format into separate Media records that can be more easily deleted.

In the resulting Project the Media can be deleted by two methods:
1)
Use File > Split Tree Helper
Leave most settings at default so nothing is deleted, but for Other Records select Delete all Multimedia Records and click the Delete button.
This would be the simplest method if you also intend to split off other records at the same time.
2)
Use Records Window & Named List
In the Records Window open the Media tab, select all Media records and Add to Named List.
Then use Delete Named List Records as explained in how_to:delete_a_large_number_of_records|> Delete Any Number of Records.

[Billread]

Thanks i will try that later, and see if it clears the problem. I would prefer to clear the whole ged bfore I split it, but I guess anything that works is good.

[Billread]

Hi
I have carried out the new Project Part. It has opened the Ged and told me as doing that , there are 62 media with broken links that it asked if I want to repair. I selected no. Trying to follow your options for clearing the broken links. I have used split tree helper, but find it much easier to use the method of opening a diagram , say of descendants, and using a select box, and individual selection from there to a named list.

Your NO 2 method I cannot find the way to select the 62 media items as you describe/ sorry if I am being silly
thanks Bill

[Billread]

Just to explain a little more, I have opended the media tab and it gives a list on the left, and shows 62 white boxes with a cross on the right. ( and media name under). I have highlighted the 62 boxes, and tried right click etc, but I cannot find a way that gives the option of select all, or the option ADD to named list.

[tatewise]

[EDIT: This posting has overlapped with your new postings. I will answer your new postings next.]

When anyone sends you a GEDCOM whether it has Media or not, always import it as a temporary New Project.
Then you can remove ALL the Media in one step as I described earlier.
It is also a good idea to review any data that FH does not recognise such as Uncategorised Data Fields (UDF).
There will usually be error messages in Window > Log Files telling you what has been fixed and what needs fixing.
See how_to:index#importing_to_family_historian|> Importing to Family Historian for loads of advice.

Then you can split off branches of the tree you don't want.

Once you have a clean split temporary Project you can File > Merge it into your master Project.
See glossary:merge_compare_files|> Merge/Compare File for detailed advice.

Then when happy it has all gone well, you can delete the temporary New Project.

[tatewise]

You cannot solve the Media problem by working with Diagrams.
If that was a possibility I would have mentioned it. Please just stick carefully to my advice.

1) The easiest method is to use the File > Split Tree Helper as shown below.
Leave all the settings at their default 'do not delete' mode except for Multimedia.
Simply choose the Delete All Multimedia Records option as highlighted and click Delete. Job done

SplitTreeDeleteMultimedia.png (39.72 KiB) Viewed 8666 times

2) I did NOT say open the Media Window because that won't work.
I said open the Records Window and open the Media tab.
Use Lists > Named Lists Pane to open the Named Lists and select or create a list.
Select all Media records as usual by holding down the Shft key while selecting first and last record.
Use Lists > Add to Selected Named List.
Use Lists > Delete Named List Records.
That is all explained in how_to:delete_a_large_number_of_records|> Delete Any Number of Records ~ did you read it?

But as I said Method 1) is much easier unless you only want to delete a subset selection of Media records.

[Billread]

Hi Mike?
i realise you are being helpful, and maybe I am being a bit slow somehow, but Your method No 2 I cannot seem to find easily, I have just sat here an hour playing with the MEDIA tabs. Trying to do as you say for number 2. But I have tried by clicking the MEDIA camera icon on the taskbar, which is what gives as I described the 62 white crossed boxes. But cannot dlete from there.

I have also clicked VIew...Records list....Media, and get the list on the screen. I did once manage to get up a seperate window that I have used to add to named lists, but now cannot get that again? I have created a new NAMED list, and now assume just need that window back that allows me to add to that list. I assume I then delete those records in that list.

I have been using computers and various programs for years, and I cannot find a way to do what you say in No2 that seems simple and intuitive...If I could I can assure you I wouldnt be here , and maybe making a fool out of myself.
So run through No 2 again please step by step?
appreciated Bill

[tatewise]

Hi Bill, I emphasize that Method 1) is the easiest but here is a more detailed Method 2) which is trickier as you found:

1. Open the Records Window by selecting the records icon below the magnifying glass icon on the left.
2. Then select the Media tab to list the Media records as shown in screenshot below.
   Alternatively, as you found, use the View > Record Lists > Media command.
3. Ensure Lists > Named Lists Pane is enabled to display the Named Lists pane on the right.
   Or you can click the Named List Pane icon in the toolbar at the top.
4. Either select an empty list or use Lists > New Named List to create a new empty list.
5. Select all Media records on left by holding down the keyboard Shft key while selecting first and last record.
   Now all the Media records on the left should be highlighted in blue.
6. Use Lists > Add to Selected Named List to copy all the selected Media records into the chosen list.
   Or you can click the bright green arrow in the toolbar at the top.
7. Use Lists > Delete Named List Records to delete all those Media records.

RecordsWindowMediaNamedList.png (75.5 KiB) Viewed 8660 times

[LornaCraig]

Actually you can miss out steps 3 and 4. Go straight from step 2 to step 5. Then for step 6 just use Edit > Add to Named List. You'll be prompted to select an existing list or enter the name of a new one. It's really very quick.

[MIKE's EDIT: Yes, but without seeing your lists how do you know if one is empty. If you tick Replace current list contents you might be removing important data. For someone unfamiliar with the process it seems dangerous.]

[Reply: The user is clearly invited to type the name of a new list, which by definiton will be empty. But if someone is unfamiliar with lists they won't have anything in any lists, so it won't matter anyway. I find it hard to believe that if someone knows enough to have put some records in a list already they would deliberately choose that list and opt to replace its current contents, rather than just create a new list. But I suppose there is no accounting for what people might do! ]

[Billread]

Hi Mike
i had already managed some of what you say, what I did not get is at step6, having highlighted the records as you say, you say select LISTS> ADD TO selected List, it was greyed out because some records were still highlighted. So thanks , that worked and all white boxes are gone.


Final question, in the middle of trying to move the records into the named list, at one point I got a pop out screen as I mentioned. I have had that before when using named lists. The records are shown on the left, with > or a double arrow to move them to the right side into the list. I closed it accidentally and couldnt get it again. How do I open that pop out?
and many thanks for keeping with me
Bill

[tatewise]

As I keep on saying, File > Split Tree Helper is by far the simplest method as it only needs 4 mouse clicks.
Whereas the Records Window and Named List method needs at least 10 mouse click.

I have just noticed that you have not stated your Family Historian Version in your profile on the right.
So please click your username Billread top right of this web page, and choose User Control Panel.
Then on its Profile tab, select your Family Historian Version and scroll down to Submit.

Maybe you are not using the latest FH Version 6.2.7 ?

I cannot be sure what popup window you are getting, but probably caused by clicking the wrong command.
e.g.
Lists > Configure List Columns would popup:

ConfigureColumns.png (18.79 KiB) Viewed 8640 times

Publish > Media Report would popup:

SelectRecords.png (44.62 KiB) Viewed 8640 times

[Billread]

Ok Mike
What was happening was that after highlighting the media to add to named list, it stayed highlighted, when i clicked on LISTS that caused the options you said to be greyed out and so not selectable. Once I cleared that all went ok.

I notified as you requested, V6.2.7

Your first option using split tree helper may seem easier to you as using so much. I wasnt as you thought i might be trying to use the diagram way of splitting geds to clear the media link problem, but that has always seemed the easiest way to split what you need from a ged.

I just looked back at what you said in option one, But I have never had media records to delete , only the media record links. As when sent the geds I needed they came without a media file. I seem to remember trying that Delete all Mumtimedia records option, but it left the links still. I will try next time again.

So using method 2 I now have a ged clean of media links.
Bill

[tatewise]

Media records are what contain the Media links which cannot exist on their own.
You cannot delete just the links, but deleting the records does the job.

You could not find the items to delete in the original GEDCOM because they used local media objects for the links.
When the GEDCOM is imported into a New Project those local media objects get converted to Media records which can be easily deleted. It is a detailed technical GEDCOM feature you do not need to understand, just believe me.

Using a Diagram to select Individual records to delete is fine, but won't work for Media records.
It doe not matter whether you have used Split Tree Helper before as the steps are very very simple to follow.
Try it now, it does not matter the Media records have all been deleted already.

[Billread]

Thanks again. I followed the steps with split tree helper , and used a new copy of the same gedcom imported into a new project again ( i kept backups before did option2). I get that now. It works

Must admit the split tree helper has never seemed easy. I never seem to choose the right parameters when trying to sort out the bit of tree I want as a seperate ged. I will have to attend school I think. Whereas the diagram method apart from keep shrinking and expanding it is easy to get clear.
Bill