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General => Technical Help => Topic started by: KateW on Sunday 08 January 12 13:54 GMT (UK)
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Happy New Year!
I have all my family tree research on Family Tree Maker (2005 version) and am considering a new PC or Laptop. Could someone explain to me (in simple terms, please) how I would transfer all the data to a new machine?
I have FTM backed up on my old PC and have saved the Backup on a Memory stick. I have tried to save from memory stick to a Netbook but it told me that it needed to know which programme I had saved the FTM in - completely over my head, sorry do not understand what the answer is!! ???
If I buy a new PC or Laptop, I am now worrying about how I can save FTM across to that. I am considering an external hard-drive for saving important data (yes, I have had 2 hard-drives failing in the past so probably seem rather paranoid about this!)
Sorry for long explaination and thanks for any suggestions anyone has. :)
KateW
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Not an expert but would assume that you would need to put the "Family Tree" programme onto new computer first. What you are doing is trying to put the files from Family Tree Maker onto new computer - which doesnt understand what you are doing. Put the programme itself on first, then the files. Only problem is:
Family Tree Maker 5 is an older programme and it depends on what operating system your new computer is running on, ie, Windows XP, Windows 7 or any of the other versions of the operating system. I used Family Tree v2006 without any problems but when I upgraded to Windows 7 it said that the v2006 was not compatible with Windows 7. I eventually bought 2011 version of Family Tree Maker but I dont like it. Hope this helps.
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So how did you transfer your data? I have had this problem too and am almost ready for the daunting task of typing it all in to the new programme, but I would rather not! Hannah
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First make doubly certain that "Family Tree Maker" is working properly on new computer. When you are happy that it is there is somewhere on FTM, which says import files. Put your memory stick in and it shoud come up with a list of FTM files which you have copied. I had loads of trouble find this out but believe me it is so easy, if I can do it, so can you. Dont go mad and import all the files at once though. Import one or two then open FTM to make sure it has worked. If you are still confused I will do a screen capture to show you how.
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Note to KateW. What you have backed up is not the actually Family Tree Programme, it is the files for the programme. You have to put the disc into new computer and install it again, then you can copy files across
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Just had a good look at FTM2011 to find out how to import existing files. Click on PLAN, then choose Import from existing files. (Dont forget to have your memory stick in the drive) I dont know what version of FTM you are using but it will be something similar
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JeanH , thanks for your advise. I have now found my FTM (2005) disc (phew!) which will help when I have decided which new machine to buy. I have a Netbook without a disc drive. Was wondering if I can transfer information from the disc via a memory stick to the Netbook.
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I have found the FTM programme an easy and really helpful way to record all the details as I find them but there are times when I wonder if pen and paper aren't more reliable!! :)
I have unearthed a CD that I saved my FTM data on in 'Read only' format but it must have been a couple of years ago and I have since added considerably to the family tree. I can't remember now how I managed to save it and to add to my confusion I have another disc where it tells me I have saved a 'zipped' version as Back-up.
Any suggestions as to how I could update the 'Read only' disc?
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The only way you would be able to copy the disc of FTM is to copy the actual disc, which is infringing the copywright. You have managed to save the files as read only which will still not allow you to instal the full programme, which is what you need, and it doesnt seem that you have the full programme. Even if you bought another copy of the 2005 version, without a disc drive you would not be able to instal it. Sorry I cannot help you further but perhaps someone else on here can. Regards Jean
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Hi
Copyright -
No infringement if you are taking a security copy for your own use.
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No infringement if you copy rhe CD to a USB stick and install from that
Old PC FTM tree data files -
Export as gedcom (.ged) to the old pc hdd.
Copy .ged file to usb stick
Import .ged to new pc after installing ftm
Backup treee data on new pc as .ged AND natural ftm backup.
Ray
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Thanks Ray,
That sounds possible even for me! Straightforward instructions. Thanks, I'll try it out on my Netbook with USB stick.
KateW
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Hi Ray
Thanks for the information re: copying disc. I just had a look at four of my programme discs and all of them say NO COPYING or you get your hands smacked as it is infringing copywright. I leave it to the individual to do with what they will with a dic they have bought and paid for. Many discussions are around regarding this issue, which is a minefield and I personally am not going to get involved in the pros and cons of copying.
On another subject, if the person who initiated this discussion has not got the original programme disc, how would she go about putting this on her no-disc drive computer? This is of interest to me as one of my relations has the same problem. Backed up the files onto data stick (thought he was copying the actual programme) and then lost the original disc. Regards JeanH
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Hi JeanH
"On another subject, if the person who initiated this discussion has not got the original programme disc, how would she go about putting this on her no-disc drive computer?"
I would answer that with "How would you expect to install software on a no-disc machine?"
You seem to have forbidden me to discuss the solution with you.
:'(
kr
Ray
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If once a disc has been copied, the program doesn't install onto original machine/another.
That to me means that the program is protected game over.
If the program allows itself to be reinstalled by using a 'back up copy', that is o'k to me.
(Nowhere did I say that I share my program with a second party)
Brian
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Hello all,
My original question was asked in advance of buying a new PC / Laptop. I reported in my reply yesterday that had now found my original FTM disc so hopefully when I follow Ray's instuctions I will have success. Hopefully Windows 7 will not cause me a problem! ::) Hopefully the disc is not protected.
Thanks for all your suggestions
KateW
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Problem now solved by copying onto USB stick and then onto my Netbook which runs Windows XP. I have not tried to load onto our new Laptop as we understand that Windows 7 causes great problems.
Thanks for helpful suggestions.
KateW
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To complete a back up you have to save your data from your old program to a gedcom - File, export, entire file, "Save as type" (at the bottom)gedcom( save to USB easy!). Install new program to new computer and open up your usb gedcom. This will install on new computer and new program.
Just in case!!!
My problem that I had, doing a backup from Family Tree maker 2005 to gedcom. Opening up FTM 2011 downloading gedcom to FTM 2011 I had missing files and a lot of media missing. (doesn't tell you what is missing) Attempted several times, with the same results. After a lot of research and trial and error - I downloaded a free Trial of The Master Genealogist. Uploaded my gedcom in master Genealogist, perfect! no files or media missing. I then did a back up to gedcom in the Genealogist, transferred it over to FTM 2011 again perfect. FTM 2011 was dreadful and ended going back to 2005. I have tried several genealogist programs, I just don't like them 2005 is simple and easy. I had just over 15,000 persons at that time, something like 175 persons missing!!! Good Luck, I'm again back in the market looking for another program
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Sorry I should have also pointed out. I have several external hard drives. The only ones that have failed on me are portable connecting to USB only. My other hard drives with plug into the power mains and usb, I have not had a problem with.