This plugin provides a simple and convenient method for backing up and restoring Family Historian custom settings and features, such as Plugins, Custom Queries, Fact Sets, Language Packs, etc, using Windows scripts for file management. This gives a faster backup than using traditional plugin methods, and can be used either for restoring to the original PC or transferring all customisations to a new or additional PC.
No prior knowledge of Windows scripting is required to use the plugin, as all menu options are presented in familiar everyday language. However, they provide a template for technically-minded users to develop more sophisticated backup routines, such as single-click backups activated from a desktop shortcut, or even regular unattended backups that run automatically in the background to a defined schedule.
The plugin is designed for ease of use, with a minimum of configuration options in a simple and streamlined interface. Family Historian 7 custom fonts and zoom levels are fully supported, with no additional configuration required.
Download Backup and Restore Family Historian Settings via Windows V2.0
- Family Historian Version(s): V5 V6 V7
- Plugin Type: Standard
- Written by Mark Draper
- View Source Code
- Downloaded 467 times
- See Help page for more information
Version History
This list does not include prototype versions made available on FHUG.
1.0 – May 2022
- First Store version
1.1.2 – May 2022
- Scope extended to include use in MacOS and Linux via WINE, and FH5.
- Fixed bug with WOW64Node in Advanced mode.
- Relabelled Restore option to improve clarity.
Version 1.2 – Jan 2023
- Checks only one instance running before restoring to prevent potential data loss.
- Various minor code tidies and rationalisations.
Version 1.2.1 – Feb 2023
- Corrected instance count when running in FH6.
Version 1.3 – Sep 2024
- Corrects restore operation in emulator and new emulator check.
- Now fully Unicode compatible (FSO rather than lfs).
- Creates temporary script files in tmp folder, not an FH system folder, and improved ini file format.
- Clears settings that are not restored in FH5/6, not just FH7.
- Improved user dialogs and menu button labels.
- Various code optimisations and minor tweaks.
Version 2.0 – Dec 2024
- Simplified restore without overwrite option (always restores in full)
- Simplified main menu reflecting this change
- Enhanced menu pop-up prompts
- Supports multi-monitor extended desktops
- Checks existing backups for completeness before updating or restoring
- Various corrections and enhancements to Unicode support
- Backup script modified to call 64-bit Registry key specifically if running in Advanced mode
(avoids potential issues with missing backup file when called directly from Windows)
Thank you so much for this plug-in. I have had Family Historian since v4 and am now quite settled in my ways. Although I was able to write my own customisations back then I seem to have lost the knack and was panicking quite a bit when I got a new laptop a few days ago. Your plug-in saved the day. Thanks again.