FAQ Support Questions
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How do I open my RootsMagic 7 database or backup in RootsMagic 8
RootsMagic 8 has a different file format and extension for database (.rmtree) and backup (.rmbackup) files. The RootsMagic 7 database (.rmgc) and backup (.rmgb) files cannot be opened inside RootsMagic 8. The RootsMagic 7 database (.rmgc) file needs to be imported into RootsMagic 8 by creating a new file. The new database will then have the correct (.rmtree) file extension.
The RootsMagic 7 backup (.rmgb) needs to be first restored inside of RootsMagic 7 before you can import it into RootsMagic 8. If you no longer have access to RootsMagic 7 you can rename the file extension by right clicking on it, select Rename and then change the extension .rmgb to .zip. As a .zip file you can use the computer's program to extract or unzip the file. The unzipped file will contain the RootsMagic (.rmgc) file that can now import into RootsMagic 8. (See Creating a New Database for additional steps)
Ancestry unable to login
When I click on Ancestry TreeShare login nothing happens or I receive a message my password is incorrect.
In a main view use the key combo Ctrl+Shift+U and select "Reset Program Settings". Close and reopen RM8. Go to Settings>WebHints and click on "Reset TreeShare". Then go to Publish>Ancestry TreeShare and see if you can login.
Temporarily turn off your firewall, antivirus and internet filtering software to see if one of them is blocking RM8 access to the internet. Then adjust their settings.
FamilySearch unable to login
In a main view use the key combo Ctrl+Shift+U and select "Reset Program Settings". Close and reopen RM8. Then go to Publish>FamilySearch Central and see if you can login.
Temporarily turn off your firewall, antivirus and internet filtering software to see if one of them is blocking RM8 access to the internet. Then adjust their settings.
FamilySearch not accepting changes
When making changes the FamilySearch Person Tool may look like nothing happened. It just means RootsMagic refreshed before FamilySearch could send the changes. In that case click on the refresh button to reload both panels and display the updates made. The refresh button is located near the top of the Share Data tab, next to the UnMatch button.
RootsMagic hangs when opening with icon on task bar
When trying to launch RootsMagic the icon appears on the task bar and then it hangs.
This can happen with computers with a Gaming GPU or are heavy into graphic, video and moving editing. The Scaling (GPU) issue can be resolved by following these steps:
- Right click on the RootsMagic desktop shortcut
- Select Properties>Compatibility tab
- Click "Change high DPI settings" button
- Check the box "Override high DPI scaling behavior"
- Change dropdown to System or System (Enhanced)
- Restart the computer for the changes to take effect
- Start RootsMagic 8.
A secondary option is to change Compatibility mode to Windows 8
- Right click on the RootsMagic desktop shortcut
- Select Properties>Compatibility tab
- Check the box "Run this program in compatibility mode for:"
- Select Windows 8
- Click Apply and OK
- Restart the computer for the changes to take effect
- Start RootsMagic 8
Clearing the Registration key
The RootsMagic registration key can be cleared by opening RootsMagic in a main view and using the key combo Ctrl+Shift+U, selecting "Reset Registration Information", then closing the program to clear it. If you receive a message that prevents you from opening RootsMagic... You can manually clear the registration key by deleting the RootsMagicApp.xml file.
The RootsMagicApp.xml is located here.
Windows: C:\ProgramData\RootsMagic\Version 8\RootsMagicApp.xml
Mac: Public/RootsMagic/Version 8/RootsMagicApp.xml
The next time RootsMagic is opened you can select to run in Essential mode, purchase RootsMagic, or Unlock RootsMagic 8 with a registration key.
Receiving "Runtime Error 217" with Ancestry Import
This issue could be caused by windows system files damage or corrupt system files entries. Here are some suggestions on resolving this issue.
https://www.thewindowsclub.com/how-to-fix-runtime-error-217-on-windows-10
Has the RootsMagic App for Android and iOS devices been updated
The RootsMagic App has not been updated to accept the RootsMagic 8 database (.rmtree) file. Instead we have created an export option inside RootsMagic 8 that will send the database with the correct (.rmgc) file extension for the RootsMagic App. Go to File, Export Data, Dropbox to upload the file to Dropbox which then can be downloaded by the RootsMagic mobile app.
Will Personal Historian and Family Atlas work with RootsMagic 8
The answer is YES! If you select the GEDCOM File import option in both programs. Inside of RootsMagic 8 go to File, Export Data, GEDCOM to create the file needed to import into Personal Historian and Family Atlas.
RootsMagic To-Go
RootsMagic 8 can be run off a flash drive. The RootsMagic To-Go utility program to install and move the database files is not currently in RootsMagic 8. Click on File, RootsMagic To-Go for the manual directions to install on a USB drive. The direct link for instructions are here - RootsMagic To-Go