I can't find my family file in 7.5 or earlier

Legacy does not typically delete files; rather it just loses track of where they are. This is rare, but it can occasionally happen during installation or updating.

Legacy files that contain family data come in two types:

 • Legacy family files have the extension .FDB (as in family database).  These files are the primary data file for your genealogical information. Windows may hide the family file extension. You can identify a Legacy family file type by right-clicking on the file and selecting Properties from the popup menu. A Legacy family file will show as “Legacy Genealogy Software (.fdb)” on the General tab. The icon associated with a Legacy file looks like a sheet of white paper with a small red and blue Legacy shield in the middle of it.

 • Legacy family file backups have the extension .ZIP (a “zipped” or compressed archive file). You can identify a backup file or Legacy family file type by right-clicking on the file and selecting Properties from the popup menu. A Legacy backup file will show as “Compressed (zipped) Folder (.zip)” on the General tab. The icon looks like a manilla folder with a zipper.

When you “lose” a family file on your computer, there are four possibilities:

 • Legacy has lost track of where the .FDB file is located, but it is still in its original location on your hard drive.
 • Your .FDB file was renamed or moved to another location and Legacy no longer knows how to find it.
 • Your .FDB file was inadvertently deleted and may be in your system Recycle Bin.
 • A hard drive crash, in which case you family file is probably gone for good.

Here are the things to try when searching for your lost family file:

1. Click on File and look at the bottom of the pull-down menu below Exit.  Legacy will show the last four family files opened.  Clicking on a family file listed here will open it  (so long has it has not been moved, renamed or deleted).
2. Click on File and select Open Family File from the pull-down menu. By default this opens the C:\Legacy\Data folder where your family file may be located.  If it is there, click on it and open it.
   
3. Use the Legacy Charting program to find genealogy files on your computer. Examine the results in the genealogy file list and if your Legacy family file is listed, make note of its location (path) and close the Legacy Charting.  Next, in the Legacy Family Tree program click on File > Open Family File and browse to the folder where the family file resides.  Highlight the file and open it.
   
4. Use the Window 7 Search feature to find your family file with a wildcard search.  First close Legacy.  Next, click on the round start button in the lower left corner of your Desktop screen.  In the "Search programs am files" field (right above the round start button) type *.FDB and press Enter on your keyboard. If no items match your search, click on "See more results" and select Computer. If Windows 7 finds your lost family file, double click on it in the results screen and it will open in your Legacy program.
   
5. If none of the above steps finds your family file, open your system Recycle Bin and manually scan the list of deleted files.  If you find your family file, highlight it and restore it to its original location. (Make a note of the path since you will have to find it again using step 2 above)
6. Also check for CDs and memory sticks that may have a copy of your family file or backup file.
   
7. If you experienced a hard drive crash, your family file may be irretrievably lost. Seek professional help to replace your hard drive, re-install Legacy and restore your family file from a backup copy.

If you cannot locate your family file using the five methods listed above, restore your family file from your most recent backup copy, use the Window 7 Search feature to find your family file with a wildcard search.  First close Legacy.  Next, click on the round start button in the lower left corner of your Desktop screen.  In the "Search programs and files" field (right above the round start button) type *.ZIP. and press Enter on your keyboard.

If no items match your search, click on "See more results" and select Computer. If Windows 7 finds your lost backup file, double click on it in the results screen and it will open in your Legacy program.  Click on Search (or Find).  If Windows finds your lost backup file, make note of its location; then open in your Legacy program and click on File > Restore Family File, browse to the file and follow the prompts.  Please visit http://www.legacyfamilytree.com/tipsBackups.asp for additional help.

You can set a preferred family file to open whenever Legacy is started.  Here are the steps:

1.     Click on Options and select Customize. 
2.     In the Customize screen select the General tab.
   
3.     Go to Starting Family File and select Always Open This File. 
   
4.     To select or change the filename, click the Down button, find the preferred family file and select it.
5.     Click Save in the lower left corner of the Customize screen to make the setting permanent.