Unable to transfer files from XP to Win 7

[gnshelley]

I was able to transfer certain files from the old computer (XP) to my new Dell Optiplex 380 (Windows 7) by converting files to a file Windows 7 will accept. For example, converting WB3 files to .xls on the XP computer & transfering to the new computer. Windows 7 will accept .xls files but not WB3 files. Converting BK! files to .doc files also worked well. I used Microsoft Excel & Word 2007 to make the changes.
However, CL5, FBK, FTW, FBC & SHS could not be converted. Excel & Word would not make the conversion to a file that Win 7 would accept.
The F-- files are Family Tree Maker files & downloading the original CD did not help.

 

[zigzag3143]

I was able to transfer certain files from old computer (XP) to my new Dell Optiplex 380 (Windows 7) by converting files to a file Windows 7 will accept. For example, converting WB3 files to .xls on the XP computer & transfering to the new computer. Windows 7 will accept .xls files but not WB3 files. Converting BK! files to .doc files also worked well. I used Microsoft Excel & Word 2007 to make the changes.
However, CL5, FBK, FTW, FBC & SHS could not be converted. Excel & Word would not make the conversion to a file that Win 7 would accept.
The F-- files are Family Tree Worker files & downloading the original CD did not help.

AS a workaround, does your win 7 machine have the ability to run in "XP" mode?

 

[robmulally]

I'm missing something here, windows 7 wouldn't accept the file type?
Can you shed more light on the original problem, what error do you get transferring the WB3 file for instance.

Can I assume you can copy the files to the new system you just can't "open" them?

If that assumption is right, then you need to install the applications related to the files you want to open.
For instance family tree maker for windows 7 (I can see that Version 2010 supports windows 7).

Hope this information helps.

Thanks
Rob

 

[gnshelley]

Sure appreciate your help! I transferred all my files from the XP computer to the Win 7, using a flash drive. When I tried to open the file, I got a message saying it could not open the file since it was not a "supported file type". My kids solved the problem w/ BK! & WP3 by installing Microsoft Word & Excel 2007, converting the files on XP to .doc & .xls & then transferring them back to Win 7. They tried for hours to convert CL5. Have since learned that it is nie on to impossible to do so.
As for the Family Tree Maker, I have an old Version 5.0 which is all I have ever needed. I have hours & hours of information on these files which would take years to replace. When I try to open them now, a window just repeats itself, asking me if I want to "Save or Open".
Hope this info answers your questions & clarifies things. Thanks again.
Glenn

 

[bigmck]

Sure appreciate your help! I transferred all my files from the XP computer to the Win 7, using a flash drive. When I tried to open the file, I got a message saying it could not open the file since it was not a "supported file type". My kids solved the problem w/ BK! & WP3 by installing Microsoft Word & Excel 2007, converting the files on XP to .doc & .xls & then transferring them back to Win 7. They tried for hours to convert CL5. Have since learned that it is nie on to impossible to do so.
As for the Family Tree Maker, I have an old Version 5.0 which is all I have ever needed. I have hours & hours of information on these files which would take years to replace. When I try to open them now, a window just repeats itself, asking me if I want to "Save or Open".
Hope this info answers your questions & clarifies things. Thanks again.
Glenn

It sounds to me as if you have not installed the original programs on Win 7. You can't just copy the files. You have to actually install the program as you did when you first purchased it.

 

[whs]

I think Roxio can deal with the CL5 filetype. My system (Dell) came with Roxio, but I have also seen a few free download options on the web.

 

[MacGyvr]

I was able to transfer certain files from the old computer (XP) to my new Dell Optiplex 380 (Windows 7) by converting files to a file Windows 7 will accept. For example, converting WB3 files to .xls on the XP computer & transfering to the new computer. Windows 7 will accept .xls files but not WB3 files. Converting BK! files to .doc files also worked well. I used Microsoft Excel & Word 2007 to make the changes.
However, CL5, FBK, FTW, FBC & SHS could not be converted. Excel & Word would not make the conversion to a file that Win 7 would accept.
The F-- files are Family Tree Maker files & downloading the original CD did not help.

Your post doesn't make any sense. There aren't any files that Windows 7 "won't accept". You can transfer ANY file from a Windows XP machine to a Windows 7 machine that you want to. There is no conversion necessary.

I believe your confusion is related to applications installed IN the operating system rather than a conflict in the operating system itself. If you could explain better what you are trying to do and what you have done, it would be much simpler.

In the meantime, to transfer ALL your files, you should only use Windows Easy Transfer. It is simple and will take everything from your old machine and put it on the new. Bear in mind, this means files you have created, NOT installed applications. Applications must be reinstalled on the new machine from the original installation media.

 

[DarkStar GT]

You will need to install Family Tree Worker on your Windows 7 system (is there a compatible version?). Then you should be able to open the .F-- files.

It looks like .CL5 is EasyCD. You'll need to install that program too. And .SHS is a Microsoft "Shell Scrap" file - I would not think that you will need those.

 

[gnshelley]

Obviously, I was wrong when I said I couldn't transfer files to Win 7 (I'm 80 & not a computer guru). All the files were transferred. However, the BK! & WB3 are old files & I updated them to files that Win 7 readily accepted.
I downloaded the original CD for Family Tree Maker, version 5 but I'm not able to open up any of the FTW(regular file), FBK(backup file) or FBC(compressed backup file). I went to Ancestry. com & was told to type in *FTW in Search programs & files. Most are encoded & I haven't a clue as to how to decode them. When I try opening some files, I'm referred to Filecure or Windows. Would Filecure by Paretologic be worth the money & would it work?
Dummy

 

[whs]

Would Filecure by Paretologic be worth the money & would it work?

Filecure is a free program - e.g. on CNET. All it will tell you is that you need this Family Tree Maker program to deal with these filetypes. There is a 2010 version that I assume would work on win7.

 

[gnshelley]

Transfering files

Thanks to everyone and Ancestry.com, I have resolved my problem with Family Tree Maker. With your help, I have solved the issue on CL5 & SHS files also. Thanks a million.
Old Dummy