I was crushed when Windows 7 did not recognize my Family Origins 6.0 genealogy program with its years and years of research. Fortunately, RootsMagic, by the same company as I understand it, had no problem opening my old data files and converting them to this new format. RootsMagic provides a set of tools for designing a family tree. With simple directions and an excellent layout, family roots can be monitored from their earliest origins. The program's interface. Cannot Open RootsMagic on Windows 10 - posted in Issues: I am completely baffled. Ive been using the same/upgraded version of RootsMagic for many years with no problems. Two days ago my son was showing me how to move an old Rootsmagic file from one folder to another. He put it on my desktop and it opened fine.
Two things:
- I love RootsMagic. I have used it for years and would never voluntarily change. In the past, I’ve used FTM, PAF, Family Tree Builder, Ancestral Quest, TMG. None compare to RootsMagic for me. I’ve tried Geni, Ancestry, even Gramps. Nope, I’m hopelessly stuck on RootsMagic.
- I love my Chromebook. I’ve had it for about 2 1/2 years and use it all the time. It’s very lightweight and lightening-fast.
The thing about Chromebooks, though is… you can’t install and run Windows programs on a Chromebook. For the most part, the Chrome Web Store can provide just about any type of program you might need in your daily computer activities. Everything, that is, except for good genealogy programs. They do have a few, but they are pretty much garbage, in my opinion.
So… no RootsMagic on a Chromebook.
Not!
Maybe not in the “classic” sense, anyway. But there is a way that you can use Rootsmagic on a Chromebook, and it involves a nifty little free app called Chrome Remote Desktop and a decent wi-fi signal.
All you need is the Chrome browser on your Windows computer, the same computer where your RootsMagic copy resides. The Chrome Remote Desktop is then downloaded to that Chrome browser and also to your Chromebook, which automatically runs with a Chrome browser. In just a few simple steps, the two computer browsers connect over wifi and you are accessing, editing, using RootsMagic on your Chromebook!
I first tried the Chrome Remote Desktop app a couple of years ago, soon after I bought my Chromebook. It did connect the 2 browsers and I could use RootsMagic on my Chromebook. But I found it sluggish and slow, and the images of RootsMagic that appeared on the Chromebook were fuzzy and difficult to read. Oh, I could use it if I had to, but I tried not to had to. In short, I gave up and deleted it from both machines.
But yesterday, on a whim I downloaded the app again and set up the remote connection, and was very pleasantly surprised with the outcome. The RootsMagic now visible on my Chromebook was responsive and easy to read. I could navigate around the program and do what needed to be done and RootsMagic acted and felt just as it does on my Windows computer. The screen is a bit smaller, but not enough to cause any problems. I guess the developers have been busy in the past couple of years!
I am quite satisfied with this new setup.
One last tidbit: I guess I just assumed that the remote desktop would only work if both computers were on the same wifi, in other words that I could only access RootsMagic with my Chromebook if I were at home with my Windows computer close by, perhaps just in another room.
Not so! I took my Chromebook to work with me tonight, which is about 5-6 miles from my home and my wifi. The Chromebook picked the wifi signal at work and when I opened the remote desktop app, within seconds I was looking at my desktop HP’s home screen. I clicked on the RootsMagic button and it instantly opened up to the same page that I was using earlier in the day.
I certainly wouldn’t suggest using the Chrome Remote Desktop app without a source of free wifi, as it would probably gobble up data in a big hurry. But, as it seems I’m always within a free wifi zone… no worries!
P.S. I guess I don’t get out much… 🙂
Family History Made Easy
RootsMagic has become one of the UK's most favoured genealogy packages. This software creates superb wallcharts and integrates with research sites. It is the top rated program in numerous reviews and articles which emphasise RootsMagic's ease of use and powerful features.
Version 7 is the latest edition of this award-winning full-featured genealogy program. This great package is authored by Bruce Buzbee, the author of Family Origins, and the UK Edition is created specifically for the UK. RootsMagic UK is powerful, yet easy-to-use, genealogy software. Its intuitive interface lets you publish your family history in a variety of ways: as charts, reports, books and even online.
Basic Edition
The full RootsMagic program, without any of the extra content found in the Standard or Platinum editions.
Download: £19.95
Standard Edition
Includes a movie tour of RootsMagic, a printed quick start manual and a Bartholomew's 1898 Atlas of England and Wales
On CD: £34.95
Upgrade
This is all you need if you have RootsMagic Version 6. RootsMagic UK Version 7 Upgrade will bring your RootsMagic software up to date.
On CD: £19.95 || Download: £18.40
RootsMagic V7 Platinum Edition
RootsMagic UK genealogy software takes researching your family history to a new level of ease. Gone are the days when documenting your ancestors meant shuffling through piles of paper work. RootsMagic UK Platinum Edition has everything you need to organise your family history.
£49.95
See MoreBuy NowFeatures
Rootsmagic For Windows 10 Versions
- RootsMagic-to-go - Carry your research in your pocket on a USB memory stick
- Wide range of charts and reports
- Add photos to bring your family history to life
- Live spell checking and thesaurus
- Plan your next move with research tools
- Create a beautiful family history web site
- Publish your family history
Rootsmagic For Windows 10 32-bit
Included Content
Rootsmagic For Windows 10 64
- FREE subscription to: The Genealogist
- Change of names CD 1760–1901 (UK and Ireland)
- General Armory of England, Scotland and Ireland (Encyclopedia of Heraldry)
- English and Welsh Landowners 1873
- Bartholomew's 1898 Atlas of England and Wales