Question on Imgburn software. Which option for genealogy report text and pictures.

[madfloridian]

Last edited Fri Nov 7, 2014, 12:59 PM - Edit history (1)

Rootsmagic Genealogy program makes a nice cd to share with others. It is mostly text, with some pictures. Not any video clips. I am going to try Imgburn. I tried Win 7 option to finalize the disc, but it did not do it so I could view it on my Vista machine. Since I want to make copies for family members, I must have a program that will finalize it properly so others can view it.

There must be a way.

Rootsmagic makes it into a file, and then it asks if I want them to burn it. Tried it, can't be viewed by my other computer. Tried the Win 7, didn't work either. Both burn it and all the info and pictures are there, but can not be viewed elsewhere.

Here is the link to the Imgburn page. Which option should I use to burn the file which Rootsmagic has made?

If this doesn't work, I will try something else.

On Edit I could swear I put the link to Imgburn screenshots in my post.

http://www.imgburn.com/index.php?act=screenshots

[gvstn]

1. On the computer with the Rootsmagic CD file.

In Windows Explorer go the folder with the CD file. At the top left of the Explorer window there will be an option to Organize. Click that and select Folder and Search Options. Under the View tab, untick the box for Hide Extensions for Known File Types. Hit Apply and close the little window. There should now be a three character ending on the CD file, is it .ISO?

One other question, are you taking the blank CD directly out of the package and burning it? I just want to make sure that you are not doing any type of formatting before burning but just letting the computer work with a completely blank CD.

[madfloridian]

2. Just tried that.

It has a .cfg extension. I have no idea what that is. It's confusing.

I looked up that extension, and it still means nothing

http://file.org/extension/cfg

[gvstn]

4. That doesn't seem like the correct type of file.

.cfg files are usually very small. Your file to write the CD should be larger than a standard .cfg file as it contains your whole Rootmagic database and a copy of the Rootmagic program. Are there no other files in that folder? How large is the .cfg file?

I know some others were helping you on this problem previously so I wanted to put my idea out there that I think the written CD should be basically a data CD with some type of autorun feature. It would basically just run some form of the Rootmagic program that displays the splash menu screen and from there one would select to load up the database.

That being said if the Share a CD with friends program creates a single file to be written to CD it has to be in a format that a burning program would recognize as a type that can be unpacked and put on the CD correctly.

****
You were able to burn a CD using the original program that was readable on your Win7 computer. If you open that CD in Explorer on the Win7 computer what files do you see? Is it a huge list does it include any .exe files?

When you put that previously burned CD in the Vista computer you get absolutely no files showing in Explorer or are told it is blank, correct?

****
I know it is a lot of questions and no answers but I'm hoping with more information someone might come up with some insight.

On the Win7 computer if it sees all the files but doesn't display the splash menu screen it could just be an autorun problem. If Vista doesn't see any files then it does seem like a finalization problem. If Vista sees the files in Explorer than it again could be an autorun problem.

[madfloridian]

5. It's 28.6 MBs on disc.

Since it is mostly text in genealogical formats like pedigree, with pictures that are not very large, mostly older ones, mostly black and white...it is just not that large.

Yes, there is a splash screen from Rootsmagic with a chosen picture and the small menu beside it.

I am finding that in the usual way of genealogical software, the CD so far opens with 6 files showing. These software programs should have better formatting since they charge so much. I will have to tell those I share with which file to use.

I still have the CDs somewhere here, but I need to check where. I did some rearranging when my monitor died, and when I rearrange stuff I lose stuff.

I will check back later.

I really appreciate the help. Did not get very far along before, in fact had forgotten that other post until you mentioned it. The program looks very nice once I get through all the technical stuff involved in making stuff compatible.

[madfloridian]

3. Yes, just using a new blank CD/DVD

[gvstn]

6. Posting picture of files to be written to disc.

I have to dig up a CD to test this out but I think writing the contents of the RMShareableCD folder as data to a disc is all that is necessary with these type of files. Then when the CD is started in a computer, Windows should see the autorun.inf and take it from there. If anyone is more familiar please jump in!



MadFloridian,

1) When you put the program internally burnt CD in the Vista computer can you get this file list in Windows Explorer or do you get an error?

2) When you manually burnt a CD did you drag all these 7 files and Picture folder into your burning program? (Just dragging the main RMShareableCD folder into the program probably wouldn't work.)

I am going to test with Imgburn and CDBurnerXP sometime today.

[madfloridian]

7. Looked up the file on my computer and yes those are the files.

That is what shows first on the CD I remember. I think I know where the cds are that I burned that couldn't be viewed on Vista. Haven't had a chance to look yet, but I can answer some of the questions.

1. I got an error on Vista, will have to check the CD again for details. Not even the file list in Vista.

2. I dragged the RMShareableCD file which contains all of them. Would I have to do so separately? Didn't think about that.

I have done some internet searching, and I found others with the problem. I just never found any with answers. The help I got from Rootsmagic customer service was not helpful. In fact when I transferred the family files from Vista to Win 7, I had to figure it out myself. A simple GEDCOM did the trick. They had me doing all kinds of weird stuff.

I will check out the error message on Vista when I find the CDs, and then I will check back.

Help appreciated. I want to share with family and this seemed so easy.

[gvstn]

8. You have to open the RMShareableCD folder and then drag all the files.

I tried it using CDBurnerXp and Imgburn, both worked but I think CDBurnerXP is more transparent in showing what you are doing.

You would insert your blank CD into the CDROM drive. If an autoplay window pops up asking what you want to do with it just close the window.

(1) Open CDBurnerXP and choose Data Disc and hit OK.

(2) In the main window, using the file tree in the left top pane, navigate to your RMShareableCD folder (It is in your Documents library by default) and click on it. The contents (Pictures folder and 6 files) should show up in the right-top pane.
[IMG][/IMG]

Then click on the first file/folder(in this case Pictures) to highlight it then hold the Shift key and click on the last file, so that now all 7 items are highlighted.
[IMG][/IMG]

Drag the highlighted files into the bottom right pane.
[IMG][/IMG]

(3) Then click Burn button.

(4) In the burn window that opens tick the following radio buttons
Prevent further changes to Disc (finalze)
Verify
Eject Disc
[IMG][/IMG]

5) After the disc is ejected; close out of CDburnerXP. (don't bother saving the compilation)
6) Close disc tray and see if an Autoplay window opens asking if you want to run rmmenu.exe.

[IMG][/IMG]

If so click that option and see if the program menu appears.

[IMG][/IMG]

Then try it again in Vista. If it doesn't run in Vista then click on Computer and then your CD drive and see if you see the files or if you get an error about the CD being blank.

[madfloridian]

9. Wow super great detailed help. Thank you.

I am going to get to doing this in an hour or two, have to download the software you suggested first.

I am pretty much inclined to think it is the finalization issue. And dragging all the files may solve the issue of the splash screen not showing first.

And I will have your excellent instructions open while doing it.

[gvstn]

10. If you don't have CDBurnerXP

MajorGeeks is fine for download but still pay attention during the install so that you don't accidentally agree to any toolbars or change of homepage. Just read each screen and if you see anything about Yahoo or Ask toolbars be sure to opt out by unticking the appropriate box.

Or, Ninite is a site that many like because it is supposed to strip out those offers before you download the installer. You can take a look here: https://ninite.com/

You basically tick the box for CDBurnerXP under the Utilities section and download the installer. Then run the installer after download. I just ran the ninite installer for CDXP and didn't have any unwanted offers.

*****
Let me know how things go with the rootsmagic CD. If it only works on your Win7 computer than I will test mine on another computer but I don't have one here right now.

Oh, and in that last step where I say try it again in Vista, I just mean try inserting the CD in the Vista computer and see if you get an Autoplay window.

[madfloridian]

11. I am on the homepage now of CDBurnerXP. I'll try their download.

After my horrible browser hijacker 3 days after I got this new computer, I watch my downloading VERY carefully. I was downloading VLC Media, thought I was on their homepage, then CNet (supposedly) pops up and I downloaded from what I thought was their site. Turns out I got majorly hijacked.

I use Major Geeks most of the time now for downloads.

Will let you know later today how things go. Lots of distractions today

[gvstn]

13. I thought I remembered something weird about their download.

It is good software but they bundle adware with it to help defray costs. I would not install the version you downloaded unless you read installation screens very carefully.

You can go back to their homepage and then the downloads page. From there select the standard installer WITHOUT Opencandy. (Opencandy being what set off your antivirus). Since your computer is new it is probably running 64bit but 32bit will work if you are not sure. https://cdburnerxp.se/en/download Then under where it says download latest version there is a light colored link for More Download Options, click that and from there you will see the one without OpenCandy.

Or use ninite. If MG then again read the screens (I think they have the version without opencandy because usually they will warn you in red text if a toolbar is included and there is no such warning on the download page http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/cdburnerxp.html)

Either way still be sure to read the installation screens to optout of any toolbars.

[madfloridian]

12. Would you believe the homepage download caused Malwarebytes to pop up...

and prevent malware from being downloaded? Download seems to have gone okay otherwise, will try the burning later on.

[madfloridian]

14. Okay, done. On Vista, autorun showed the rm choice.

I chose that and got the RM screen and menu. I could access each section of the menu except the family tree. Here is the error message I got. It was long, and I am just picking pertinent parts since most is personal info.

Edx GdipException
Invalid Operation in GDI+ (Code: 1)

Can't figure what is going on.

[gvstn]

15. I'm not sure either.

It seems it is now a problem with the Vista machine. The GDI+ error is usually an XP error. You could try installing a fresh copy from here: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=18909 to see if it makes a difference. I would create a restore point before installing and if after installing it makes no difference and you still get the error then go ahead and restore to the previous restore point.

I just want to be sure the CD works ok on Win7 including launching the family tree but cannot launch the family tree on Vista?
You can verify that it is the rootsmagic program that is incompatible with your Vista machine by inserting the CD and when the autorun menu comes up Choose to Open Folder to View Files. Then double click the rmreader.exe file to see if you get the GDI error. I'm sure you will.

I'm fairly sure the CD is fine at this point. If Vista can show the Menu screen then it can read the CD. The error seems to appear at the point that you attempt to open the family tree which is the same as running the rmreader.exe program.

I can't duplicate the problem because I only have fully updated Win7 machines at this point. BTW did your Vista machine ever run the RootsMagic program before and/or is it still installed?

[madfloridian]

16. I have RM on both computers. But a very older version on Vista.

Basically the same info, and I added pics to it as well. I wonder if it would make a difference to make the CD on the Vista computer, download XP burner and try it from there. Wonder if it would be compatible forward? Thinking about it.

Correct the family tree can be launched on Win 7 but not on Vista. Since the older version of RM is on Vista it might be more compatible with other systems?

I don't want to upgrade the older RM program, I see no need for it. But the CD made from that program might be more easily compatible.

Thinking out loud here.

[gvstn]

19. That is a good idea.

On the Vista machine open Computer and go to C: drive then Program Files then RootMagic folder. Scroll down to find the rmreader.exe file and double click it. See if it will run without the GDI error. If it does then that gives you some options.

You could make a copy of that file and then replace the newer version in your current RMShareableCD folder. Then make a new CD from the folder and see if it runs on both machines.

Or as you suggested make the CD on the Vista machine and see if it runs on both machines.

Because of the possibilities of confusion I would always be working with duplicates. (You don't want to accidentally lose your main database and all your work.) I'm a bit compulsive that way.
I don't want to give too many suggestions about backing up/copying your files and thus cause confusion myself. Let me know if I cn be any help.

[madfloridian]

22. On the Vista that RM file consisted of a long long list of others, yet on 6 or 7 on Win7

I just dragged them all to the burning program and it worked.

[gvstn]

23. I'm wondering if on the Vista machine

You put the files whole RootsMagic folder from within Program Files rather than just the ShareableCD files. I had noticed that the main RootsMagic folder contains a lot more files than the ShareableCD folder.

I have been playing around with compressing the files into a single executable. Unfortunately, the method I was using identified itself to Windows as an installer program so although the program ran fine, after closing it a Windows compatibility window would open up saying the program hadn't installed properly (a bit annoying since it was never intended to install anyway).

Eventually, I found a simple program that seems to do it automatically. You might want to take a look at it. I would try it using the ShareableCD folder on the Vista machine. Very simple to use and SourceForge is a very reliable site for open source software.
http://sourceforge.net/projects/sfxappcreator/ Just Browse to the Shareable CD folder in the first box. The program name rmmenu.exe fills in for me automatically in the second box (probably because it is the first alphabetically in that folder) which is the correct file so then just hit Create and pick a name for the new file. When complete just doubleclick the new file and it should run just like the CD.

Here is a sample one I created and tested. It may not run on your Vista machine since I am using ver. 6.1 of RM for testing but it should run on Win7. http://www.mediafire.com/download/6ug696xbj56531o/RootsMagic_Archive_sfx_App_Creator.exe

[madfloridian]

24. No, actually there were all those files IN the RMShareable CD file.

I followed the path after I made it on Vista and RM 3.6. I clicked it and instead of the 6 or 7 in Win 7 there was a huge list.

It might have been the whole file, but I accessed it from the shareable cd file.

Now I will read and absorb the rest of your post. But it won't be tonight, probably tomorrow.

I am all for an easier way. Gotta a lot of cousins to go yet.

[gvstn]

25. Sorry, I get involved in an idea and get sidetracked.

While working on your CD problem, I realized that the ShareableCD folder contained all the necessary files to run the RootsMagic Reader program without actually being written to a CD. I think it might be easier to just put those files into a one-click program and then upload it to a hosting service like Mediafire and send your relatives a link to the file in an email. They could download the file and run the RootsMagic program the same as if you sent them a CD.

The Mediafire link in my last post is just a one entry RootsMagic sample used for testing but demonstrates all options on the menu can work in a single file. When downloaded and run it works like the CD giving you the menu and allows you to run the RootsMagic Reader program. You would make your own similar file using the application/program at the sourceforge link and your own ShareableCD folder. If the one you create runs on both Vista and Win7 then you could possibly try giving your relatives a link to the file rather than sending them a CD that way you could get immediate feedback if there was a problem with the program running properly.

[madfloridian]

26. Just getting around to really reading this.

I think it is amazing you could create a file like that. If I try it on Vista, would the fact that I already have RM on there interfere with the use of the file?

Will be a few hours before I can test it out.

[gvstn]

27. No, it is a 7zip file.

It will unpack a copy of the ShareableCD folder I created on my computer to a temp directory and run the program from the temp dierectory never touching your installed RM files or your ShareableCD folder. When you close the program the temp files are deleted. I ran it on a computer that does not have RootsMagic installed and it ran fine; it is self contained.

The files in it are from RootsMagic 6, which is the version of the CD that would not run on your Vista machine so it probably will give you the same GDI (Code 1) error on the Vista machine when you try to access the View Family History option. If you create your own file from your RootsMagic ShareableCD folder on your Vista Machine then that file should run on both Vista and Win7 and probably XP too.

[madfloridian]

28. So I download it on Win7 and check it out.

How hard would it be for me to create one if it seems to work? It would have to be created on Vista. And where would I put the file for access? I belong to Photobucket, would that work? I don't use any drop or file sharing sites other than that, though I have a few albums up at Smug Mug.

[gvstn]

29. It is easier to create than the CD was to figure out.

Open the sfxApp program.
[IMG][/IMG]

Hit the Browse button, find your ShareableCD folder and Click on it to highlight.
[IMG][/IMG]

Hit OK and everything should fill in automatically.
[IMG][/IMG]

Then hit create button and in the window that opens give a name for the file and where you want it to go. That's it.

****
I don't see an option at Photobucket to upload non picture/video formats.

I've had a free Mediafire account for about 5 years and find them very reliable. I make an effort to sign in every couple of months to make sure it stays active but have gone several months without signing in and the files have always been there.

I'm not sure how making a file private works. The "make file private" feature seems to get turned off if you try to share a link. So I think if you were to use that service you should zip up the file with a password. That way only someone with the password would be able to decompress and decrypt the file. 7-zip can do this very easily. I could give you instructions. You would just choose to zip it up in standard zip format but set a password that would have to be entered by your relatives to get to your RM file.

[gvstn]

30. Microsoft OneDrive which replaced SkyDrive

Might be another option for sharing your file. It has a free option. I don't know how it works because I have never really investigated it but have downloaded from others' SkyDrives in the past and it works fine. They may have better ways of limiting access to certain files. You'd have to read up on it but it has been around for a few years as well.

If you have a Hotmail or Microsoft Live email address you probably already have access to it.

Edit: Just noticed that you have to download and install a program to use OneDrive. I think I would stick with Mediafire or see if anyone else has a site they recommend.

[madfloridian]

31. I am bookmarking this post of yours about how to create the file

I am going to wait and see if the ones I mail the CDs to are able to read them okay. I plan to send out 3 the next couple of days. Then it will take time to hear back from them.

If that works okay, I think I will stick to the CDs for a while. I have the file made up, ready to go..just takes several minutes now to create a CD.

But the ones I am sending it to have Win7 Win 8. Should work. Fingers crossed. They are not fancy CDs but they are nice enough and easy to navigate. I have not looked at my research for a while and found myself fascinated by some of my notes. I had forgotten the wonderful stories I found about my ancestors. I found writings by them online, and I got a long story passed down by church ladies in Alabama about the arrival of their new pastor in the mid 1850s. It was an amazing find. I have been very lucky in my research.

Thanks so much for all your help. Believe it or not I really learned a lot from trying to make these CDs. It's been worth it though if they work.

I plan to download the file you created and maybe try one of my own. But I don't belong to a sharing site, and I know my kids and other relatives don't that I know of.

Which reminds me...Smug mug is calling. I have some more albums to upload.

Again, thanks. Won't forget your help.

[madfloridian]

18. See my reply below, #17. Burning it on Vista with older RM seems to work.

Go figure. Thanks so much for all your help. Will let you know if the other family can read it on their newer computers.

[gvstn]

20. Great!

Good work!

I think the GDI error occurred with some revision of RM 5. So probably you have some revision of RM 4 on Vista. My rough understanding from cursory searches is that it was around 2008/9 that Microsoft changed something in that GDI+ program such that older computers needed to manually update. They stopped letting third-party software companies include the files because they were downloadable from MS. So maybe the Vista computer missed an update. It could run an older version of RM that included the files but not run a newer version that was not allowed to include the GDI+ files. (Take with a grain of salt.)

Working with these types of files gave me some ideas. I am going to experiment with creating a self-extracting 7-zip file that would allow you to just have someone download a file rather than send a CD. You may prefer to send a CD but I am still going to try a few things out.

It would be easy to just zip up your RMShareableCD folder and upload it to a hosting service like MediaFire then let a friend or relative download it and just double click to unzip and then go into the folder and click on the rmmenu.exe file to start the program and have it work just like the CD. But I want to see if I can get it so that just double-clicking the zip file would start the menu program. I'll let you know if I can get it working. I just like to see what possibilities exist.

I hope your family enjoys and appreciates your efforts.

[madfloridian]

21. Yes, let me know how it goes. I would be willing to test it out.

I think genealogy programs make it hard to share with others so they can make more profit.

It should not have been so hard to make a simple CD to share with family. They can't add to it or anything unless they buy the program.

Thanks for your help. I hope this works. Will get a couple in the mail to family soon.

[madfloridian]

32. I have another question about sharing files.

If a family member decides to get Roots Magic software for themselves...would this help page from RM apply.?

It's about changing the shareable CD to download files. Not sure I am reading it right.

From RM help section Knowledge Base
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx


How to Convert a Shareable CD to a Modifiable Database

Renee
posted this on February 17, 2011 10:32

1. Insert the shareable CD into your CD drive.
2. When the shareable CD automatically starts, exit the CD.
3. On your computer, select START/COMPUTER/ and then right-click the D drive to view the files on the shareable CD.
4. Copy the family database file (Roots Magic File) on the shareable CD.
5. Paste the database file to your C: drive.6. Check that the file attributes are not set to read only. (Some versions of Windows leave read only checked when copying a file from a CD. Others remove the read only flag.) To remove read only right click on the folder, click properties and then un-check the read only attribute box, click apply and then OK.
7. Open the RM genealogy program.
8. From the RM genealogy program, select File/Open/Open a File and then open the database file.

Note: A database with media files has to have the path restored:

1. Right-click and copy the folder PICTURES on the shareable CD.
2. Paste the folder to your C: drive.
3. On the RM toolbar, select Search/Search and Replace on the RM toolbar and change the Field to search to Multimedia filenames.
4. In Search for enter “Pictures\” (without the quotes)
5. In Replace with enter "C:\Users\Customer\Documents\FAMILIES BEING RESEARCHED PHOTOS\". (without the quotes)
6. Leave Match case unchecked.
7. The dialog window Replace this text? should pop up with "Pictures\" highlighted
8. Click Replace All
One person found this useful. - Me too!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Would this work in allowing someone with RM to download the files and work with them?

BTW got one CD mailed off today. More to go.

[gvstn]

33. It will take me a bit to digest those steps.

I believe it is a way to copy the database on the CD to a second computer running Rootsmagic. So if a family member had Rootsmagic they could copy your database and Pictures to their computer. The steps don't indicate if this would overwrite any existing database on you family member's computer(actually it does sound like they are overwriting the Pictures folder and its contents). I'd like to see some steps being taken to protect/rename a current database on the destination computer before attempting this. I don't have RM on this computer so I will take a look at those steps in the next day or so.

I had run across a reference to RM to Go program which puts a writable copy of RM on a USB drive the other day. The USB drive would share your registration key but I don't think that would be a problem if you were sharing it with family members. The program creates a copy of the full RM program on a USB drive which allows editing. You don't need a very large USB drive and I believe 4gb would be plenty. The big box office stores should be having sales on drives like that this time of year and a 4gb can probably be found for about $5-7.

The problem comes with sharing data later much the same as the instructions in your post. I noticed when creating the ShareableCD that RM just overwrites the existing file with no warning. So for instance, I created a dummy database with one entry and create a ShareableCD folder. Then decide to add a more entries and create a new CD folder. RM just overwrites my original one entry database but doesn't even warn me I am losing rhe smaller one. I consider that poor programming because if I was overwriting a 500 entry database with no warning I would not like the lack of notification.

I don't want to give you bad instructions. I'll take a look a the program and your steps to see exactly what they do.

For reference here is a video on RM to GO:

&list=UUlAeFYGdN0CRVehqGjDDTgg

[madfloridian]

34. Take your time. I am still mind-boggled from the CD experience

It was my understanding the RM To Go was mainly for the user's convenience when visiting libraries or attending forums or family gatherings. I will watch the video but I did not think it was meant so much for sharing. Might be wrong

[madfloridian]

17. Updated. Tried burning CD on Vista and older Rootsmagic. It seems to work.

I have a much older version of Rootsmagic on my Vista computer, but it had the shareable CD capacity. So I downloaded CDBurnerXP on the Vista, made a shareable cd, and burned it there.

Works perfectly on both computers, with the splash screen appearing first before other files as it should be.

Guess an older version is more compatible. Will mail a couple to family members with Win7 and up and see what happens.