Transferring My Legacy Genealogy Software Family Data File To A New Computer

🌳 After much research, the decision on a new computer has been made. 

And now, aside from all the excitement of getting a new computer, one of the down sides is having to set time aside from an already busy life to get it set up to a working standard.  

Preferences, software downloads, emails.. and on and on. 

       

                 

       You would think the process can and should be enjoyable.  

                

The thought of cleaning-up and re-structuring files as you revise your organizational methodology sounds productive, and under other circumstances I would actually enjoy that process.  Yet, realistically, it is time-consuming, as I approach it from the standpoint of a weekly job and a busy family life.. and so it is, a necessity to get the job done as efficiently as possible in the time allotted. 

✔️✔️✔️    ✔️✔️    ✔️✔️✔️     ✔️✔️

One of the tasks that I can now check off is transferring my Legacy genealogy software, and the family data.  This was, by the way, the first task after setting up my preferred web browser and email, of course. 

First thing I did was to check on the Legacy Family Tree website. 

I found the download page and still had some questions. 

So, I decided to also check on the Facebook group - Legacy Users’s Group for suggestions, as I remembered reading posts on this very thing in the past.  I found this to be very helpful as well, and would recommend checking here whenever you have a question for a specific topic related to Legacy. Just do a search for what you are needing and the posts should come up. 

I figured I would log the steps so I have it on hand for future reference, if and when the time comes again, or maybe someone else can simply benefit from the information along the way.

1. Seek out instructions. 

Went to the Legacy Users’s Group and found several suggestions. 

Go to the Legacy Family Tree website —   ‘Moving Your Family File From One Computer to Another’  This page is great, and will pretty much give you everything you need to get the job done. There really is not anything to add, my purpose is simply to minimize the steps and relay my experience.   

2. Download. 

Click on the Legacy Download link:  https://legacyfamilytree.com/DownloadLegacy.asp 

3. Select type of Download.

I have always used the Deluxe version since I first started using Legacy back in 2007, and have updated when a new version has come out through the years. 

                     
              

                     I use Legacy Deluxe version 

 

There are three choices listed. 

Decide on which version one to use. I read on the Legacy User group to first download the Free standard version and then use the unlocking code that was sent to your email when you first made the purchase to unlock the Deluxe version. 

Why not just click on the 9.0 Deluxe version right at the start?  I may need to look into that later and update this post. 

a). Legacy 9.0 Standard Edition (Free) — 

b). Legacy 9.0 Deluxe Edition — 

c). Legacy 9.0 Deluxe (from 34.95)  — 

This version is obviously different from the one above - Maybe a CD-Rom version? 

The description on the website includes Legacy 9.0 Deluxe software - download-only edition, 

the Legacy manual (PDF), Legacy Charting Deluxe software (installed along with Legacy 9.0)

I downloaded Legacy 9.0 Standard Edition (Free) first and then unlock 🗝 the Deluxe version with the code received at time of purchase.    

Now, to figure out the best way to transfer my family data from my other computer. Normally, I would just copy a data file onto a flash drive or external hard drive to transfer to another computer.

I checked on the Legacy site on how to transfer the family data file in Legacy, just to be sure. I was able to find a webinar on using Dropbox in Genealogy, by Thomas MacEntee that was done several years ago on Legacy Family Tree Webinars,. I listed the link below in resources.  

This was great!  I decided that it would be a good idea from here on to save at least one copy of my Legacy backups to Dropbox. This would allow me to facilitate a transfer to another device or computer in the future. 

4. Save Family Data file to Dropbox. 

I like the idea of saving 2 backups- one to my computer and another to Dropbox.  

In general, Dropbox makes it so much easier to share files across various devices, and it works like a charm with Legacy.  I created a Legacy Software folder to save my Legacy Backup files when I need to. 

5. Restoring Legacy Family Data File to Another Computer — 

In Legacy software, click on ‘FILE’ at the top - Then Click on ‘RESTORE FILE’. 

File explorer will come up. Click on Dropbox and then locate the family file that I had saved. 

The Media File is separate, but there is a box you can click on to restore that file as well. I will do that at a later date, as my goal at the moment is to have Legacy installed and working on the new computer. 

                                            Mission accomplished!!

Family file is now installed in the Legacy software on the new computer. 

🌳  🌳  🌳  🌳  🌳  🌳 🌳  🌳  🌳  🌳  🌳  🌳  🌳  🌳  🌳  🌳  🌳  🌳  🌳  

Resources: 

Side Note: The Tips and How-To’s link on the Home page in Legacy is excellent. You should be able to find just about anything you may need help with. 

Legacy Family Tree Webinars:  ‘Moving Your Family File From One Computer to Another’

For more about Dropbox see Dropbox and Legacy.

‘Dropbox for Genealogists’ by Thomas MacEntee on Legacy Family Tree Webinars. Despite, the fact that it was taped a few years ago, I found it relevant. 

‘Backup & Restore - How to Restore a Legacy File’

Names — What’s in a Name?

Names — what’s in a name?  Well, sometimes... a lot. 

For instance, a name, whether it is a person or place, can crack the door wide open to some long-standing questions, or it can create even more twists and turns. And if you love mysteries, it may definitely not disappoint. In fact, I would venture to say you will have more than a few yarns to untangle throughout your research while searching for names.  

Of course, the caveat is to focus on the goal leading to new possibilities and discoveries, and not simply become name collectors, in the process.  

Why is it so hard to find the names to our ancestors. I’m sure you’ve discovered that some people are easier to find than others. Some pop up without hesitation while others are more elusive, and then there are those that you fear will never be revealed. However, even in the  most difficult circumstances, one discovers that it can often be a very simple deviance to your method or a random trial and error that works.  So, does the outcome justify the means?  Maybe, maybe not.. you will have to decide. 

And so, in our name quest, we cannot talk about names, or the difficulty of uncovering them, without bringing up the subject of our hidden female ancestors. Yes, you know, the ones that don’t seem to exist... anywhere.  

Well, I wish I had the keys to give you, with all the answers, but unfortunately, that doesn’t exist.  

Although, I can provide a suggestion here and there. Not what you want to hear, yet small, simple nuggets can help in surprising ways. 

A few tips... 

I cannot count the ways I have seen names entered into family trees, throughout all the well-known databases that we enjoy using. Many of these sites have world-wide platforms, and subscribers with varying levels of experience.  It’s all good, after all it is fun, and not everyone has hours to spend on research, nor are they studying to become a genealogist. Shocking, I know... but it’s true.

In fact, in my family I’m probably the only one that has an intense interest in genealogy and family history, where I could talk genealogy, hands down nonstop, all day. I know... can you relate??

And.. that’s ok too.  As I say, whatever floats your boat.  

With that said, it takes dedication and commitment to stay the course of the research.  And.. from a genealogical standpoint, it is important to use a genealogical standard. There are several resources on the subject. 

When adding women to your family tree always use their maiden name. 

One of the reasons women are hard to track in genealogy research, is that more often than not, we see the woman listed in a family tree with her married name despite the fact that the birth name is known and not used. Needless, to say, this makes it more difficult to find her birth parents, family and other pertinent information. In addition it is often, not always clear as to which name that appears in the tree is the birth or married surname, particularly in situations where the parents and, or the spouse is unknown.   

Of course, it is often the case, that only a married name is known. I would suggest to leave her surname blank until it is discovered in further research. 

Of course, it just requires a bit more legwork to pinpoint whether the name used is either a birth or married surname.  It is easier in our current time-frame to distinguish, thanks to the SSDI, than say, 100 years ago, when records were being introduced and established, depending on the state. 

It is only a tradition that women change their last name to their husband’s surname.  

Let’s explore a few things..  

In general, we know throughout history, that women were recognized legally, either through their husband, if married, or her father or older brother, if unmarried.  Historically, this trend originated from the transfer of property that took place when a woman married. Basically, a woman went from being part of her birth family to becoming her husbands’ property.  Sounds a bit archaic in our present day world, but nonetheless, that is historical fact. Yet, as I always say, there is always the possibility of an exception to the rule, however, for the most part, it was pretty much the rule.   It is an interesting subject that can be researched further, as this piece is not an in-depth study on the subject. 

Globally, it is more often the case, that women maintain their identity by keeping their birth surname regardless of marital status.  Obviously, as for research purposes, this allows for a much easier experience. 

In addition, when a woman has children, the children are also known by both surnames. They carry the father’s surname which is their primary, legal name and then the Mother’s surname comes second. You will find this practice in Spanish-speaking countries, primarily. 

Another caveat... Be certain you know which is the paternal and maternal surname. 

It is important to study the history and know the time-frame you are researching, as that practice was reversed at times, making it even more confusing. For example, the mother’s name was used first and then the father’s surname. Perhaps I will do a piece on the history of that practice in a future post. 

Although, this is not practiced in the United States, there are still ways to maintain your surname by becoming proactive to use it. I have reminded my daughters numerous times, of the importance of keeping their birth surnames after marriage, wherever possible.  You can take your husband’s surname.. just don’t lose your own in the process.  Keep your identity.. that is who you are.  A few obvious options that generally use your maiden name are driver’s licenses, legal papers, etc.  

Entering females on a Family tree. 

1. Use the birth surname for the female.  Use the birth surname if it is known. Remember, that there is also a marriage entry, if it applies to her, that will obviously display her married name. 

2. Leave it blank — If the birth surname and birth parents are unknown, my suggestion is to leave it blank. You can always fill it in later.  By leaving the surname blank, there is no confusion or guesswork as to who she is. Remember, in most cases, her married name will always be known through the husband. It is the birth name that is key and easier to lose.. as that is her identity. 

3. Be consistent — When entering data on family trees, be consistent!  

And so it goes.. the search goes on.. and on.  Always looking for that one name that could turn the tide in our research. Remember, it will take time.. a long time.  It can be a lifetime commitment, illuminating the road to the past. The goal is to move forward, and not worry whether we are making giant steps or baby steps.

One more thing.. If you are interested in learning more about genealogical standards in your research, I will provide a few links at the end of this post.  I would highly suggest that you take advantage of the excellent learning resources Online that are available. They offer an invaluable education, not only to those of us working to become certified as a professional, but simply to further your own education as a more proficient researcher, to achieve better results in your own genealogical endeavors. 

There is so much to learn in life and so much to accomplish, and I have found, that it is when you learn proper methodologies, that it can help circumvent the trials and errors in achieving your goals. 

The point is that we be consistent in our work and press forward to make progress — as that is our end result.  🌳

Additional Resources: 

BCG:  https://bcgcertification.org/learning/        

NGS: https://www.ngsgenealogy.org/learning-center/  

NIGS: https://www.genealogicalstudies.com 

Boston University: https://genealogyonline.bu.edu/? 

Evidence Explained by Elizabeth Shown Mills:  evidenceexplained.com