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New laptop problem

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Amazinggrace
Posts: 42
Joined: 14 Jun 2020, 16:22

New laptop problem

Post by Amazinggrace »

Hi everyone,
I have been using Roots Magic for a few years to record my family tree.I am not very tech savvy but have found it easy for me.
The problem I now have is I have had to purchase a new laptop.
When l inserted the CDRom into the new setup it asked for the key number etc used right at the start.
Unfortunately it is so long ago and two house moves later that I no longer have the details.
I have e-mailed S&N Genealogy requesting the info. Hopefully they will come back to me.
If necessary I am prepared to purchase a new Roots Magic kit.The problem then will be that I will have all
the info on the original CD.
Which brings me to the reason I am posting.Can someone tell me whether it will be possible to transfer the info from the
original disc or will I have to start all over again.
Grace ;)
AntonyM
Posts: 66
Joined: 15 Jun 2020, 12:44
Location: Buckinghamshire, UK
Contact:

Re: New laptop problem

Post by AntonyM »

The CD contains the information you need to install the program (once you have the key).

All your data ( your family tree research) will be stored on the hard drive of your old laptop ( I would assume) ... once you have installed RootsMagic onto your new laptop, you will have to transfer the data over, or copy it from any backup you have.
Professional Researcher (retired) and former Deputy Registrar
Amazinggrace
Posts: 42
Joined: 14 Jun 2020, 16:22

Re: New laptop problem

Post by Amazinggrace »

Thanks Anthony M
Unfortunately the reason I had to buy a new laptop was that the hard drive had gone in it.
Grace ;)
AntonyM
Posts: 66
Joined: 15 Jun 2020, 12:44
Location: Buckinghamshire, UK
Contact:

Re: New laptop problem

Post by AntonyM »

Depending on what the actual fault was with the laptop, it could be possible to retrieve data from the old drive by removing it and accessing it using another computer - but you need the necessary knowledge/cables.

If it has failed completely, then data can sometimes be retrieved by specialist companies, but can be expensive.

If you have no back up - you have lost your data.
Professional Researcher (retired) and former Deputy Registrar
paulr1949
Posts: 147
Joined: 02 Jun 2020, 18:25
Location: North West Kent

Re: New laptop problem

Post by paulr1949 »

I had this problem almost exactly a year ago, I couldn't acess the hard drive whilst in the original computer. I purchased a kit which allows you to access hard disks (both SATA and IDE format) via a USB port. Mine came through Amazon and is a "BIPRA USB 2 to SATA/IDE adapter with power adapter". I believe you can also get similar kits which will just fir a SATA drive.
Whilst I wasn't able to access the original hard disk (it was beyond redemption!) I have been able to access two or three other old hard disks which I found and downloaded some useful data which I had lost. The only other point is that mine was a desktop PC which crashed, but it should be possible to extract the HDD from a laptop too.
Paul
Amazinggrace
Posts: 42
Joined: 14 Jun 2020, 16:22

Re: New laptop problem

Post by Amazinggrace »

Thank you everyone.
I have not had any reply from the ~Roots Magic people despite three e-mails.

I have some friends who work in IT for HMRC so will consult with them and see what they suggest.
Grace
Amazinggrace
Posts: 42
Joined: 14 Jun 2020, 16:22

Re: New laptop problem

Post by Amazinggrace »

Just an update.Roots Magic people have contacted me.
Hope to get the problem sorted before long.
Grace
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