Difference between revisions of "RootsMagic 8:ShareableDrive"

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Navigation: <u>[[RootsMagic_8:RootsMagic_8|RootsMagic 8]]</u> > <u>[[RootsMagic_8:The_RootsMagic_Interface|The RootsMagic Interface]]</u> > <u>[[RootsMagic_8:Publish_Page|Publish Page]]</u> >   
 
Navigation: <u>[[RootsMagic_8:RootsMagic_8|RootsMagic 8]]</u> > <u>[[RootsMagic_8:The_RootsMagic_Interface|The RootsMagic Interface]]</u> > <u>[[RootsMagic_8:Publish_Page|Publish Page]]</u> >   
 
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Sharing your family history with others just got easier. RootsMagic’s Shareable Drive will run a read-only version of RootsMagic off a USB drive, without the worry of editing or damaging the database file. The Shareable Drive has a customizable opening page, with your own title, picture, introduction, and contact information. The ShareableDrive will even include your photographs and other multimedia items. Using your own burning software, the ShareableDrive files can be written to a CD or DVD as well.
  
A RootsMagic ShareableDrive is very similar to creating <u>[[RootsMagic_8:RootsMagic_To-Go|RootsMagic To-Go]]</u>, both will run off a USB Drive. The ShareableDrive files can additionally be burned to a CD/DVD and shared with others. The ShareableDrive will run in Essentials mode, with no registration key added to unlock the full features. The database file will be marked read-only so edits cannot be made. The photographs and other multimedia items will also be added in these steps. When completed you will be able to share your research with family members.
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[[File:RM8_ShareableDrive-Menu.jpg|Shareable Drive Menu]]
  
The ShareableDrive will contain an exact copy of your database. First make sure that all your multimedia items are property linked on the Media Page. If you have information you do not want to share create a new database using drag and drop or GEDCOM that will exclude that information.  
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Important: This Shareable Drive will contain an exact copy of this database, INCLUDING any private facts or notes. If you have any information in this database that you don’t want included:
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#Export a <u>[[RootsMagic_8:Exporting_Data|GEDCOM]]</u> file from this database and strip out any information you don’t want included.
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#Create a new blank database
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#Import the GEDCOM file into that new blank database.
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#Create your ShareableDrive from this privatized database. (You can delete the database after you have created the Shareable Drive.)
  
 
==Installation==
 
==Installation==
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RootsMagic 8 will create a Shareable Drive by copying the RootsMagic 8 program folder or application file to a USB drive. (RootsMagic Shareable Drive needs a separate installation from each operating system.) You can install both versions of RootsMagic Shareable Drive on the same USB drive to move between a Windows and Mac computer. The RootsMagic database can be opened on either the Windows or Mac versions.
  
RootsMagic 8 will run as a ShareableDrive by copying and pasting the RootsMagic 8 program folder to a USB drive.  
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To Create a Shareable Drive:
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# Go to Publish, and select Shareable Drive
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#: [[File:RM8_ShareableDrive-Install.jpg|Shareable Drive Install]]
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# The Create a Shareable Drive window will open, click Next
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#: [[File:RM8_ShareableDrive-Create.jpg|Shareable Drive Create]]
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# Select a Drive, click Next
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#* Removable Drives: can be USB drives, flash drives and thumb drives
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#* Non-removable Drives: are intended for external drives only. It’s best not to directly install on the C:\ or root drive of the computer. The Launcher file will not be created if that is done. To burn to CD/DVD save the files to the USB or external drive and then copy them to disc using your burning software.
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#: [[File:RM8_ShareableDrive-SelectADrive.jpg|Shareable Drive-Select A Drive]]
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# Enter Home Page and Contact Information
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#: [[File:RM8_ShareableDrive-HomePageInfo.jpg|Shareable Drive Home Page Info]]
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#* Title for opening page – enter a title such as “The Smith Family”
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#* Introduction (for About this Tree) – You can also enter an introduction which says anything you want about this Shareable Drive or the data on it.
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#* Photo for opening page – click inside the field and a small file icon will appear to the far right. Click on the file icon to select a photo for the opening page. If you don’t enter a photo, RootsMagic will use a generic default picture.
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#* Enter Contact Information - to tell the recipient how to reach you. Click Next.
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# Install Application - RootsMagic will generate the files for your Shareable Drive. Check the box to confirm installation on the selected drive, and click Next. Click Back to edit previous selections or Cancel to exit creating the Shareable Drive.
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#: [[File:RM8_ShareableDrive-InstallApplication.jpg|Shareable Drive Install Application]]
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# Copying Files - When you click Next RootsMagic collects all the attached multimedia files, the database currently open, and the program or application files for a read-only version of RootsMagic to load onto the USB drive.
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#: [[File:RM8_ShareableDrive-CopyingFiles.jpg|Shareable Drive Copying Files]]
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# Finished – the Shareable Drive files have now been copied to your USB drive. Click Close to exit out of Shareable Drive utility program. Click Eject if you wish to eject the USB drive to safely remove from the computer.
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#: [[File:RM8_ShareableDrive-Finished.jpg|Shareable Drive Finished]]
  
[[File:RM8_ShareableDrive-1.jpg|RootsMagic 8 program folder]]
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'''Note:''' the Shareable Drive files copied to the USB drive can now be burned to a CD or DVD with your own burning software.
  
'''Locations'''
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==Open the ShareableDrive==
 
 
* '''Windows''': copy the RootsMagic 8 program folder inside the C:\Program Files (x86) folder, and paste to the USB drive.
 
* '''Mac''': copy the RootsMagic 8.app from the Applications folder, and paste to the USB drive.
 
 
 
==Create the RootsMagic Launcher==
 
[[File:RM8_ShareableDrive-5.jpg|RootsMagic.exe]]
 
 
 
* '''Windows''': Open the RootsMagic 8 folder on the USB drive, right click on the RootsMagic.exe file, select "Create shortcut". Click and drag the "RootsMagic.exe - Shortcut" outside of the folder to the main drive. Right click and rename "RootsMagic Launcher.exe". You will click on this file to simplify opening the RootsMagic ShareableDrive.
 
* '''Mac''': The RootsMagic 8.app needs no modification, the app can be renamed if desired. You will click on the application file to open RootsMagic ShareableDrive.
 
[[File:RM8_ShareableDrive-12.jpg|ShareableDrive]]
 
  
==Adding Files==
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When you send the Shareable Drive to a family member, they will see a RootsMagic 8 folder that contains the program and data files and the “Launch RootsMagic 8.bat” file that will open the Shareable Drive.
  
* In the desktop version of RootsMagic open the database file you wish to add to the ShareableDrive. Go to File, Backup and check the option "Backup media files". Save the backup to your computer.
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[[File:RM8_ShareableDrive-Launch.jpg|Shareable Drive Launch]]
* Go to File, Close to close this database file.
 
* Go to File, Restore from Backup, select the backup you just created. Select the USB drive as the location in which to restore the backup. Select Yes, to "Restore backed up media?"
 
* The RootsMagic database and media will now be displayed in your desktop version of RootsMagic. Now's the time to go through the Settings page to make sure you have the options desired to share with others.  
 
  
Here are some suggestions: 
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If the Windows and Mac versions are on the same USB Drive they must select the correct launch.bat file for their operating system.
* Program Settings:
 
** check the box "Open last closed file"
 
** uncheck "Ask for backup"
 
* General Settings:
 
** select the Root Person
 
** set Start Person as Root Person
 
** select Start view
 
*Preparer:
 
** enter your contact information
 
  
Close the desktop version of RootsMagic.  
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To run the ShareableDrive on:
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*Windows: double click “Launch RootsMagic 8 (Windows).bat” on the USB drive to open.
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'''Note:''' Windows only allows one RootsMagic.exe open at a time. You will need to close the desktop version of RootsMagic before opening the Shareable Drive.
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*Mac: double click “Launch RootsMagic 8 (Mac).bat” on the USB drive to open.  
  
==Preparing to Share with Others==
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After clicking on launch.bat file the Shareable Drive will open to a menu page. They can click “View Family Tree” to run the read-only version of RootsMagic with your data, or see more information or contact information.
  
Double click on the RootsMagic Launcher.exe (Win) or RootsMagic 8.app (Mac) file to open RootsMagic ShareableDrive. You will select the option to run RootsMagic Essentials. This is the free version with limited features that will not require a license key. Sharing your RootsMagic license key with others would be against the RootsMagic License agreement. With a ShareableDrive you only want them to use RootsMagic as a viewer.  
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[[File:RM8_ShareableDrive-Menu.jpg|Shareable Drive Menu]]
  
[[File:RM8_ShareableDrive-6.jpg|RootsMagic Essential Mode]]
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The database will appear with it marked "Read Only" at the top. No changes can be made to the database.  
 
 
* Confirm that the correct Settings are showing for the database.
 
* Close RootsMagic ShareableDrive with the database still open. When the RootsMagic Launcher.exe (Win) or RootsMagic 8.app (Mac) file is opened again it will reopen to that database.
 
 
 
'''Mark Read-only'''
 
 
 
Once everything looks good we need to mark the database as read-only so no changes can be made.
 
 
 
[[File:RM8_ShareableDrive-9.jpg|File Properties]]
 
 
 
* '''Windows''': Open File Explorer, right click on the database (.rmtree) file, select Properties, under Attributes check the box "Read-only", click Apply, click OK.
 
* '''Mac''': Open Finder, highlight the database (.rmtree) file, go to File, Get Info, under "Sharing and Permissions" select "Read only".
 
 
 
==Open the ShareableDrive==
 
  
[[File:RM8_ShareableDrive-10.jpg|Open ShareableDrive]]
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[[File:RM8_ShareableDrive-ReadOnly.jpg|Shareable Drive Read Only]]
  
To run the ShareableDrive instruct others to double click on the RootsMagic Launcher.exe (Win) or RootsMagic 8.app (Mac) file to open RootsMagic ShareableDrive, then select the option to run RootsMagic Essentials. You could include a small "Read Me" text file with those instructions.
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==Customizing the Shareable Drive==
  
[[File:RM8_ShareableDrive-11.jpg|Read Only Database]]
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The Shareable Drive will use the program “Theme color” under Settings, Display Settings. You can create the Shareable Drive with the existing Theme color in the program or change it on the Shareable Drive afterwards. To change afterwards, click on “View Family Tree” on the Shareable Drive opening page, and go to Settings.  
  
'''Note''': the RootsMagic database can be opened in either the Windows or Mac versions. RootsMagic ShareableDrive needs a separate installation for each operating system. You can install both versions of RootsMagic ShareableDrive on the same USB drive to move between a Windows and Mac computer.
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Additional Themes available.
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[[File:RM8_ShareableDrive-Menu-Blue.jpg|Shareable Drive Menu Blue]]
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[[File:RM8_ShareableDrive-Menu-Purple.jpg|Shareable Drive Menu Purple]]
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[[File:RM8_ShareableDrive-Menu-Red.jpg|Shareable Drive Menu Red]]
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[[File:RM8_ShareableDrive-Menu-Silver.jpg|Shareable Drive Menu Silver]]

Latest revision as of 18:50, 29 June 2022

Navigation: RootsMagic 8 > The RootsMagic Interface > Publish Page >


Sharing your family history with others just got easier. RootsMagic’s Shareable Drive will run a read-only version of RootsMagic off a USB drive, without the worry of editing or damaging the database file. The Shareable Drive has a customizable opening page, with your own title, picture, introduction, and contact information. The ShareableDrive will even include your photographs and other multimedia items. Using your own burning software, the ShareableDrive files can be written to a CD or DVD as well.


Shareable Drive Menu

Important: This Shareable Drive will contain an exact copy of this database, INCLUDING any private facts or notes. If you have any information in this database that you don’t want included:

  1. Export a GEDCOM file from this database and strip out any information you don’t want included.
  2. Create a new blank database
  3. Import the GEDCOM file into that new blank database.
  4. Create your ShareableDrive from this privatized database. (You can delete the database after you have created the Shareable Drive.)

Installation

RootsMagic 8 will create a Shareable Drive by copying the RootsMagic 8 program folder or application file to a USB drive. (RootsMagic Shareable Drive needs a separate installation from each operating system.) You can install both versions of RootsMagic Shareable Drive on the same USB drive to move between a Windows and Mac computer. The RootsMagic database can be opened on either the Windows or Mac versions.

To Create a Shareable Drive:

  1. Go to Publish, and select Shareable Drive
    Shareable Drive Install
  2. The Create a Shareable Drive window will open, click Next
    Shareable Drive Create
  3. Select a Drive, click Next
    • Removable Drives: can be USB drives, flash drives and thumb drives
    • Non-removable Drives: are intended for external drives only. It’s best not to directly install on the C:\ or root drive of the computer. The Launcher file will not be created if that is done. To burn to CD/DVD save the files to the USB or external drive and then copy them to disc using your burning software.
    Shareable Drive-Select A Drive
  4. Enter Home Page and Contact Information
    Shareable Drive Home Page Info
    • Title for opening page – enter a title such as “The Smith Family”
    • Introduction (for About this Tree) – You can also enter an introduction which says anything you want about this Shareable Drive or the data on it.
    • Photo for opening page – click inside the field and a small file icon will appear to the far right. Click on the file icon to select a photo for the opening page. If you don’t enter a photo, RootsMagic will use a generic default picture.
    • Enter Contact Information - to tell the recipient how to reach you. Click Next.
  5. Install Application - RootsMagic will generate the files for your Shareable Drive. Check the box to confirm installation on the selected drive, and click Next. Click Back to edit previous selections or Cancel to exit creating the Shareable Drive.
    Shareable Drive Install Application
  6. Copying Files - When you click Next RootsMagic collects all the attached multimedia files, the database currently open, and the program or application files for a read-only version of RootsMagic to load onto the USB drive.
    Shareable Drive Copying Files
  7. Finished – the Shareable Drive files have now been copied to your USB drive. Click Close to exit out of Shareable Drive utility program. Click Eject if you wish to eject the USB drive to safely remove from the computer.
    Shareable Drive Finished

Note: the Shareable Drive files copied to the USB drive can now be burned to a CD or DVD with your own burning software.

Open the ShareableDrive

When you send the Shareable Drive to a family member, they will see a RootsMagic 8 folder that contains the program and data files and the “Launch RootsMagic 8.bat” file that will open the Shareable Drive.

Shareable Drive Launch

If the Windows and Mac versions are on the same USB Drive they must select the correct launch.bat file for their operating system.

To run the ShareableDrive on:

  • Windows: double click “Launch RootsMagic 8 (Windows).bat” on the USB drive to open.

Note: Windows only allows one RootsMagic.exe open at a time. You will need to close the desktop version of RootsMagic before opening the Shareable Drive.

  • Mac: double click “Launch RootsMagic 8 (Mac).bat” on the USB drive to open.

After clicking on launch.bat file the Shareable Drive will open to a menu page. They can click “View Family Tree” to run the read-only version of RootsMagic with your data, or see more information or contact information.

Shareable Drive Menu

The database will appear with it marked "Read Only" at the top. No changes can be made to the database.

Shareable Drive Read Only

Customizing the Shareable Drive

The Shareable Drive will use the program “Theme color” under Settings, Display Settings. You can create the Shareable Drive with the existing Theme color in the program or change it on the Shareable Drive afterwards. To change afterwards, click on “View Family Tree” on the Shareable Drive opening page, and go to Settings.

Additional Themes available. Shareable Drive Menu Blue Shareable Drive Menu Purple Shareable Drive Menu Red Shareable Drive Menu Silver