Files and (Backup) access

RootsMagic
1

I’m confused by the fact that I cannot access my backup files from the Cloud. They are created on my desktop and saved as a backup and closed each session. Oftentime, I trot down to the local genealogy society, here in the city to do further research as they have a wealth of information to reference and that’s where my problem begins! To document my research, I activate my laptop computer which has a compatible Roots Majic 9 application. When I search for the past evenings backup copy and previous copies listed in the folder, BUT they are not highlighted as being accessible as other programs in the folder are. What is accessible are RMtree files that the accompanying date to them is like 1 to 2 weeks old. In desperation, I did access and open one of these files out of curiosity to see if my latest input ( the backup) was included in the file and it was not. ???

I thought I'd put this issue out there while I struggle on to remedy this dilemma with the hope that my struggle can be ended with the receipt of an enlightened reply from someone.  Lol.  Here's hoping!
2

I believe I found the solution. In a nutshell, not understanding the procedure of accessing documents from a cloud from 1 unit to the other. So, I think my question is mute.

3

Since you’re mentioning backups (.RMBACKUP) in the cloud, but them not being highlighted (only .RMTREE) it ~sounds~ like you’re trying OPEN, when one would normally use RESTORE (from a RM10 backup into RM9).

TWO NOTES:

  1. Just as an aside… a .RMBACKUP file is just a .ZIP file with an RM filename extension. Inside that archived backup is a .RMTREE database file which can be extracted just like any .ZIP file

  2. If you have an RM10 license, you should install and use it (instead of RM9) on that laptop (product keys are household licenses…installable on both your devices).

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4

Which cloud service are you using - like OneDrive or Dropbox or Google Drive or I_Drive or whatever? They should all be about the same as far as accessing them from your laptop, but I’m just curious because some of the exact details might vary depending on which one you are using.

As kbens0n already mentioned, you do not open an RMBACKUP file. Rather, you restore it. To operate in this mode, it’s best to turn off the option for RM to open your database automatically when you start up RM. Rather, you can either open your current file or you can restore from your most recent backup. If you open, RM will show you RMTREE files to open. If you restore, RM will show you RMBACKUP files to restore.

As long as you are just using your desktop, you can just open instead of restore. But if you are switching between computers, it’s essential to backup on your desktop and to restore on your laptop when you are switching from the desktop to the laptop. And it’s equally essential to backup on your laptop and to restore on your desktop when you are switching back. If you open instead of restoring when switching in either direction, you will not have your most current data available. When using RM on two machines in this fashion, it’s only ok to open if you are using the same computer over and over again.

Also, to operate in this mode, you should be sure your RMTREE file is not in the folder that is being synced to the cloud, and you should be sure your RMBACKUP file actually is in the folder that is being synced to the cloud.

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5

Thank you for the explanation. I do have a licensed RM9. I just didn’t see the need to upgrade to 10. Thank you for the (aside). Very helpful and understanding.

6

Mr. Bryan. Thank you as well for your detailed explanation and the sharing of your knowledge. Much appreciated! The methodology to use when switching between 2 computers seems to be the key. Al