Windows 7 and FH Resource File Viewer 4.0

[lddueck]

I have been able to install the FH Resource File Viewer on my Windows 7 PC but cannot seem to add a Resource File, e.g. the British Vital Records Index.  I get a "Run-time error 5" message.  Hope someone can help!

Thank you! 

[DiddyDumpling]

I've just installed it on my new computer running Windows 7 and received the same runtime error.  I suspect it's going to be an issue needing a patch.  I'm looking for one and will let you know if I find one.

Den

[Gadget]

Hi

Falkyrn has also had problems:

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,432941.msg2973687.html#msg2973687


Gadget

[DiddyDumpling]

Hi

Thanks but I tried the solution suggested in the linked post before coming onto Rootschat today but no joy I'd hoped the same solution would have worked for Windows 7.  I've now emailed the LDS tech support.  If I get an answer that works I'll post it.

Den

[Gadget]

Hi Den

I think if you read Falkyrn's posting again, he was saying that the BVRI and the 1881 just wouldn't work at all on 64 bit architecture.


His comment about loading in compatibility mode was about the other programs.

I'm interested because I hope to take delivery of  a new laptop tomorrow with Win7 Prof.


Gadget

[DiddyDumpling]

Sorry I misread that.  I also found that my copy of Generations won't work on Windows 7.  I don't know why they can't make Windows backwards compatible when they bring out a new version.  After all software isn't cheap.

I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that the LDS bods can help.

Den

[RJ_Paton]

Unfortunately you will probably get the same response I did from the LDS - directed to their web page which directs you to contact the church who direct you to the web page.

Although 64 bit systems have been with us for 7 years it appears that the LDS do not have any current plans to update the viewing software.

Please note this applies only to the 64 bit version of Windows 7 as the viewer runs with no problems on the 32 bit version

[DiddyDumpling]

Hi

I got a reply from support who told me to do what they had previously advised for Vista...turn compatability to XP service pack 2 or 3.  But since I'd already tried that there was no joy.  I've replied to them as requested telling them it didn't work and asking if there's a patch but I don't hold out much hope.  I hate to say but I think it's going to be a case of not binning the old computer just so we can run the software we already have.

Den

[zorba]

I've done a bit of research into this today - it appears that LDS used to distribute "Folio Viewer" software as the browser for their Census and Vital Records Index CD's. See Mark Howell's article at http://www.oz.net/~markhow/writing/more.htm. An article on Wikipedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folio_Corporation shows how this product was sold from company to company over the years and probably explains why LDS did not upgrade beyond v4.2. It seems from http://www.nextpage.com/news/releases/pr_061704.htm that even Version 4.5 was compatible only with Windows 2003 and Windows ME. A later article at  http://www.cedion.de/fast_sheets/FAST_Folio_Publisher_Product_Sheet.pdf shows that version 4.6 runs on a 64-bit platform, although it does not mention Vista or Windows 7. I'm guessing that this version would be likely to run OK on 64-bit Windows 7 and probably requires the 64-bit version.
Bad news is that according to http://groups.google.com/group/soc.genealogy.britain/browse_thread/thread/8184af4b5a19f7e3?tvc=2 this version 4.6 of Folio Views cost £140 in 2006. It's since been replaced by version 4.7 which might be the proper Windows Vista/Windows 7 version  but as a business tool no doubt costs even more!
Even if the alternative of the XP compatibility mode did work it would mean for me as a user of Windows 7 Home Premium a cost of £100 to upgrade to Home Professional in order to be able to use the XP Mode!
It occurs to me that the LDS software might run under WINE - the Windows emulator for Linux. Since I'm running Linux under Sun's Virtual box on my 64-bit Windows 7 PC  - specifically Ubuntu 9.10 - this might be a free way of getting compatibility for older versions of Windows for nothing!
Richard