Hi
I have my media logically arranged in folders. I am retaining that structure for imports into my FTM database.

When I use the web search feature it automatically creates a new folder called by the name of my tree media and drops the media in there.

How can I change the default media storage for websearch downloads ?

Cheers
Jon

Jon,

You can not change that.

Have you tried to Back Up your Family File in 2009?

I ask, because I don't know what will be backed up when you have your media "logically arranged in folders". I know that with the < filename > Media arrangement, that Media Folder is ALSO backed up when you back up the file including the media.

I keep my media folders, probably like you suggested, but I put a copy of them in the Media Folder.

Russ

Ok. Thanks for that. Will see how I get on with that approach.

Shame the web search found media can't be directed to a location though.

Anyway now have 208 fresh new media files sat uncategorized in my system. Oh why didn't they enable a method for bulk categorisation. Each item takes 5 clicks and some mouse floating to categorise.

Starting to wonder where the 'advanced' button is for actually using and manipulating all this data as a database should be.

J

Jon,

Are you saying that the Web Merge Media files are NOT in the < filename > Media folder?

Aren't they Source-Citation Media?

Russ

Russ,

jono42 said "When I use the web search feature it automatically creates a new folder called by the name of my tree media and drops the media in there."

I read the above as being yes, the Web Merge Media files are put in the folder File/DatabaseName Media. However, jono42 considers those media items "uncategorized" because they have to be manually sorted into the specific file structure he/she maintains due to FTM not allowing a change to the default download location.

Thank you yep that was the point.

FTM creates 'my tree media' folder. By design it appears that FTM would have that as the only media folder with all media in the one folder. FTM then uses its media manager to manage them into categories. So yep its a shame I can't say allow websearch media ie: a census entry to be saved in 'my tree media' - Bloggs - census folders.

But I do have them now in folders. Thats my preference. Thing is no matter what the folder structure in order for FTM to manage the media you categorise. ie: I have a folder of birth , death certs etc. Whi;lst you can drag n drop them into the FTM media environment you can't select all - category birth.

But I guess thats one I should raise with developers for FTM 2010.

Cheers
J

Jon,

Did you try the Back Up of your file, with media?

Again, I have my images filed, much like you do. A separate folder for different categories. I also have a copy of them in the Media folder, using what ever filename Family Tree Maker wants to use.

If I want to look at a specific image, while NOT in Family Tree Maker, I know where to look.

If I want to look at a specific image, within Family Tree Maker, I know where to look.

I also use the Description of the Image, within Family Tree Maker so that they appear in the order in which I want, for that Individuals. Like Census Year, location. Year, High School Graduation.

When I opened my file(s) in 2009, I spent some time, cleaning up my images.

I know what I can Back Up my Family File, with Images, and they will all be there when I restore from the back up.

I also have a copy of the images, in their appropriate folder, backed up on an external drive.

How Family Tree Maker backs up my file is most important. If I need to do a little more work so that I can find information, outside of Family Tree Maker, I will do that work.

Just one user's opinion.

Thank you,

Russ

Cheers. Thats cool looks like we got exactly the same kind of set up. Only difference is your better organised that me !

I guess bottom line is that if you started FTM today fresh and had 200 assorted media files to import into FTM. You'd have to tell FTM what category each file sat in each time.

Just annoying that seems such an obvious bulk task efficiency for a database. Cest la vie.

I just thank my stars I started this interest before I retired and so have a few years to get it right before someone adds in my final details !!

All best
J

Jon,

I found a long time ago, not to try to do stuff in Family Tree Maker quickly or on a batch basis. I learned to take my time and do them one at a time. Periodically, I go back and clean up my file.

I wouldn't try to mass import 200 media files. I would do them, one at a time, using the method that I just described. In fact, I am in the process of doing that now.

What I have found, a couple of times, that as my research continues, I find new places to find information, and while cleaning up an individual, I'll go back and look at the new place that I found since the last time I did research on that individual.

Russ