* migration from v3 to v6: folder structure in projects

[fugu68]

I am a long time user of v3, and have decided to upgrade to v6 to enjoy the new features offered.

In trying out the trial version, I tried to import my existing GEDCOM file into the new project structure, and noticed that only linked documents were copied into the project. I have a lot of other source documents that I have collected along the way that are not linked to the GEDCOM, and these did not get copied across.

e.g. \v3_tree_name\census\notes etc.

Can I copy these into the new project structure (and if so, will they get backed up etc.), and do they HAVE to go into the Public sub-folder, or is a subfolder of the data folder allowed?
e.g \v6_project_name\project_name_data\census\notes etc.

I am a bit confused on how restricted the folder structure is within a project. I am wary because of a note that says FH will not recognise the project if you change the structure.

Grateful for any insights.

[Jane]

You have quite a few different options, you could simply create an "Unlinked" folder in your Project and copy them in there to keep them together, or simply drop all the files into the media window so they end up in the Media folder as part of your Project database.

[fugu68]

Thanks, Jane.

If I do create an unlinked folder within the project, will it still get backed up by FH's 'full backup' option, or would I need to back up that folder separately?

Looking forward to trying out all the new features in v6!

[davidm_uk]

This is the folder structure I have on my D: drive (programs are on C:, data is all on D:) -

Folder Structure.JPG (37.47 KiB) Viewed 4934 times

Miller-Burslem is my main project, so the folder with that name is where all my files are.
The folder "0 Research" (and sub folders) is where I keep all my research notes, potential source records etc, including items awaiting "loading" into the project itself (0 New To Add). FH itself doesn't know about these.
Folder "Miller-Burslem.fh_data" is the FH folder for that project. It and it's main sub folders are created by FH when the project is created.
The "Media" sub folder to that is where I place all my source media files (moved from "0 New To Add") before linking them in to FH.
That "Media" sub folder has sub folders of it's own that I have added, eg. Media\Certificates and Indexes\Births and Baptisms\Births\Certificates\.....
That gives me some structure to my media files, and keeps the individual folders smaller than would be the case if putting everything into one folder. I just have to be careful about overall path+filename lengths (keep to <255)

When I do a Full Project Backup all of the files in that top level (Miller-Burslem) folder are included, so it contains all of my research stuff as well.

Of course everyone has different preferences, but this might give you something to think about.

[fugu68]

Thanks a lot, David, your detailed post was extremely helpful.

That's exactly the kind of structure that I had in mind, so I'm pleased to hear the full project backup will include any extra folders created within the project. I'm good to go!

[tatewise]

As long as you don't upset or rename or relocate the folders created by FH then you can create whatever sub-folders you like anywhere. If they are somewhere within the folder with the Project Name then a Full Backup will include them.

However, checkout the Backup & Recovery advice given in how_to:key_features_for_newcomers|> Key Features for Newcomers.
Then move on to all the other topics, many of which will be relevant to a migrant from FH V3 such as yourself.

[fugu68]

Thanks, Mike - will follow up on your suggestions for further reading.

I will include my extra folders within my project, to keep everything backed up with the Full Backup option.