Migrating to RootsMagic 10

In case you missed it last week, RootsMagic released version 10 of their software. The post, Introducing RootsMagic 10, contains details about the new version along with information on how to get a discounted price to upgrade or purchase new. (Offer expires July 7, 2024)

Since I like to keep my software up to date, I purchased the upgrade.

Prior to installing RootsMagic 10, I opened RootsMagic 9 and created a backup of my file. Even though I try to create a backup every day, I wanted to make sure I had a backup before opening the file in RootsMagic 10.

Then I clicked on the downloaded installation file to install version 10. During the installation, there was a window asking whether I wanted to replace RootsMagic 9 or keep it. I answered KEEP! Now I have both RootsMagic 9 and RootsMagic 10 on my computer. This will allow me to compare the two files. (NOTE: I will NOT be able to make changes in version 10 and have those changes appear in version 9!)

When I transitioned to RootsMagic 9, I created a data folder and a backup folder on my local drive. Thus, I needed to create similar folders for RootsMagic 10.

With RootsMagic 10 open, I used the FILE menu to OPEN a file. The program showed my RootsMagic 9 files in the list of recent files. Thus, I selected the RootsMagic 9 file I wanted to open. A window opened asking if I wanted to CONVERT the RootsMagic 9 file to RootsMagic 10.

I selected CONVERT.

After checking my RM10 folder, I found that the WikiTree file I just converted was still being saved in my RM9 folder. Since I want my RM 10 files to be stored in my RM10 folder, I checked the settings for FOLDERS to make sure the changes I had made when converting my primary file were still in effect.

Since my WikiTree file did not get stored in my RM10 folder, I needed to move it. Thus, I clicked on the Tools icon (on the FILES screen) to access more options.

I used the ‘MOVE/RENAME’ Tool to move the file.

I was then prompted to select a folder and given a list of potential folders which included my RM10 folder.

After selecting the desired folder, a window opened giving me the chance to change the name and then save the file.

Once the file is saved, I closed the file and reopened it from the RM10 folder to make sure I was working with the correct file.

After re-opening the file, I went to the HOME screen and took a screenshot of the file properties. (NOTE: My examples have switched to my primary file.)

Since I had not removed RootsMagic 9, I was able to open RootsMagic 9 and its version of my Heartland Genealogy file and compare properties. Clicking on ENHANCED PROPERTIES opens a longer list of properties. When I compared the properties of the two files, I did find a discrepency.

It seems that I have an ADDITIONAL place in RootsMagic 10! Thankfully, I did not lose any places, sources, groups, media, events, etc. in the conversion!

As a believer in backups, I use the Second Copy program to copy my RootsMagic file to Dropbox at the end of the day. This avoids the issues of file corruption caused by storing my original file in the cloud while saving my day’s work to the cloud.

Thus, I needed to create a new task using the RM10 folder as the source.

Now that I have my file coverted, I can start learning to use the new features!