Category: Uncategorized

We’ve received reports from some users who have installed the Windows 10, October 2022 updates (version 21H1 or 21H2) and have discovered that RootsMagic 8 can no longer log into FamilySearch.

After some investigation, we have learned of a known issue in Microsoft’s update that can break the TLS internet security protocol. This affects not only RootsMagic 8, but many other products, including some of Microsoft’s own software.

To be clear:

• This issue only affects RootsMagic 8 (not previous versions) running on Windows 10 with the October 2022 Windows updates.
• Windows 7, 8, 11, and macOS are not affected.
• Not everyone who has Windows 10 with the update is affected.
• This Windows issue is affecting other software and not just RootsMagic 8.

If you have Windows 10 and have not yet installed the October 2022 updates, we recommend you hold off on doing so.

Fixing It (Updated)

If you have Windows 10, have installed the October 2022 updates, and cannot connect to FamilySearch using RootsMagic 8, you have 3 options to resolve the issue:

• Install Microsoft’s fix. Microsoft has released an emergency fix (KB5020435) for this issue which can be downloaded and installed from these links:
  • Windows 10 (64-bit): Download Fix
  • Windows 10 (32-bit): Download Fix

• Upgrade to Windows 11. If your computer is compatible with Windows 11, you may upgrade by following these instructions. Windows 11 does not have this problem, and RootsMagic 8 is compatible with Windows 11.
  
• or Uninstall the October 2022 Update to Windows 10. You may also fix the problem by uninstalling the offending Windows update by following these instructions. You’ll need to uninstall “Security Update for Microsoft Windows (KB5018410).”

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

With the new year, we’d like to take this opportunity to look back at all that has happened with RootsMagic in 2021, as well as look forward to our plans in 2022.

RootsMagic 8

Of course, our biggest event of 2021 was the community preview and official release of RootsMagic 8.

Although this wasn’t the first time we have rewritten the RootsMagic code, it was by far the biggest project in our company history. We rewrote RootsMagic to support the latest genealogical technologies available today while building a foundation for future functionality that would have been impossible with our older code.

One of our main goals was to create native Windows and Mac versions with identical functionality, so we selected a development platform that allows us to create both with a single code base. This means that when we add new features in the future, those features will be available on both Windows and Mac.

In addition, we added an all-new interface that supports easily switching between different types of information without losing your place, the ability to edit multiple persons at the same time, reusable citations, a completely rewritten report engine, and the ability to save reports directly to Word (.docx) or Excel (.xlsx) files.

After working insanely long hours for months on end, we were able to officially release RootsMagic 8 on October 1, 2021.

New RootsMagic Community

In 2021 we also announced a new online community for users to connect and ask questions, share ideas, and discuss how to use the RootsMagic software. This community replaced our old forums which were based on a platform that had long since become obsolete. The new RootsMagic community is based on the Discourse platform and can be found at https://community.rootsmagic.com. Everyone is welcome to view or read posts, but a free account is required in order to post or comment on messages.

New Website

Our official website also received an overhaul with a responsive design, updated content, and easier navigation.

New RootsMagic Wiki

With the release of RootsMagic 8, we also introduced our new RootsMagic Wiki. The wiki contains the online version of help for RootsMagic 8, which means we can instantly add to and update the RootsMagic help, as well as include videos, links to webinars, and other multimedia options.

New Webinars

And speaking of webinars, we brought back our free webinars on getting the most out of your RootsMagic software. To help users become familiar with the new version and features, we’re offering a new series of free webinars; the first being, “What’s New in RootsMagic 8”.

Webinars will also be live-streamed on our YouTube channel and recordings will be available there.

2022 New Year’s Resolutions

RootsMagic Updates

When rewriting RootsMagic 8, we did so with an eye on the future and emerging technologies. In the process, several features in RootsMagic 7 weren’t ready in time. Since then we have added several of those features to RootsMagic 8 in free updates, such as custom reports.

In 2022, watch for regular updates to your software with improvements, fixes, and new features.

Future RootsMagic

The future of RootsMagic is bright. We are no longer constrained by obsolete programming tools and technologies, and can focus on adding the exciting new features we’ve been dreaming of all these years.

Current conditions prohibit large in-person genealogy conferences and events but that isn’t stopping RootsTech. The world’s largest genealogy conference is going online this year and, for the first time, is completely free!

“RootsTech Connect” runs February 25-27, 2021 at www.RootsTech.org. It has an impressive list of keynote speakers and over 1500 class sessions in 9 different categories.

Relatives at RootsTech

There is also an improved “Relatives at RootsTech” feature that lets you see how you’re related to the other 500,000+ RootsTech attendees. Just use RootsMagic to update FamilySearch Family Tree to see how you connect to interested genealogists around the world.

Special RootsMagic Discount

While RootsTech Connect does have a virtual expo hall, we’ve been putting all of our time and efforts towards getting RootsMagic 8 ready and, unfortunately, don’t have a virtual booth this year.

However, we’re pleased to offer our users the same special discount that we usually give at the in-person RootsTech event. You’ll get RootsMagic 7 Download and Getting the Most Out of RootsMagic 7 eBook (a $45 value) for only $20!

Plus, you will receive a free download of RootsMagic 8 when it is released (currently in Community Preview). This means that you can reserve a future copy of Version 8 at today’s lower Version 7 price!

So connect with others around the world at RootsTech Connect and take advantage of our special offer today!

With a new year comes a new release. We are excited to present the RootsMagic 8 Community Preview!

Now, you may be asking yourself- “What is a community preview?”

Basically, it is pre-release software. RootsMagic 8 has already been through extensive development and testing, but there is still some “spit n’ polish” before we are ready to officially release it. The Community Preview is a chance for us to get feedback from a larger group of testers and a chance for you to get acquainted with the software early.

As we are expecting a lot of feedback as we open the floodgates, we respectfully ask that you please do not contact our technical support regarding the preview. Our technicians are still becoming acquainted with the software themselves and are unable to offer any help with it until it is officially released.

In the meantime, we’ve set up a new special Facebook group just for users to discuss the preview with others. We’ve also made a special feedback form to send in any errors, bugs, or suggestions.

Do you still have questions? Check out our Frequently-asked questions for important answers to common questions.

Are you ready to take RootsMagic 8 for an early spin? Get the RootsMagic 8 Community Preview today!

 

We are pleased to announce that RootsMagic 7 is now available for Apple computers running macOS 11 Big Sur. When Big Sur was released last month, it made some changes that broke the wrapper that allowed RootsMagic to run on macOS. While users with previous version of macOS could still use RootsMagic, users who had upgraded to Big Sur found that RootsMagic (and many other software applications) stopped working.

After much work and testing, the wrapper for RootsMagic 7 has been updated to run on Big Sur, as well as prior versions of macOS.

Users who installed a previous version of RootsMagic 7 on their Mac should uninstall RootsMagic before installing the new wrapper. Full instructions are found here.

Those users that are installing RootsMagic 7 on their Mac for the first time may download it here.

RootsMagic 8

In addition to the updated wrapper for RootsMagic 7, we are hard at work finishing up RootsMagic 8.  Version 8 is a fully-native, 64-bit macOS application and runs great on macOS Big Sur. Keep watching for more news about RootsMagic 8.

We’ve been so busy working on RootsMagic 8 that we’ve neglected to post any updates on our progress over the last few weeks. While we’ve been sharing videos and tidbits via email and social media, we realized that we needed to pull these recent updates into one place to better communicate with all of our users.

The Testing Continues

We have many users who have been using RootsMagic 8, reporting bugs, and giving suggestions. In order to start testing the software, a user first agrees not to disclose to others about their experience or even that they are a tester. So for those that aren’t testing, it feels like everything is very quiet in regards to RootsMagic 8 while those that are testing are actually very busy and active. We gradually add more users to our testing pool so as not to overwhelm the process. Many of you have already volunteered to test the software and- if you aren’t already doing so- we hope to give you the opportunity soon.

Video Previews Galore

We’ve also been posting video previews of RootsMagic 8 onto our YouTube Channel. If by chance, you’ve missed them- then you’ll definitely want to check these out:

RootsMagic 8 Preview – People Page

RootsMagic 8: Work-in-Progress Preview

RootsMagic 8 Preview – Mapping

RootsMagic 8 Preview – Edit Screen

And our latest video:
RootsMagic 8 Preview – Reports, Charts, Publish & Search

We hope you enjoy these video previews of what is to come in RootsMagic 8. Thank you for your patience as we work hard with our testers to make this our best version of RootsMagic yet.

We are pleased to announce that RootsMagic 7 is now available for Apple computers running macOS 10.15 Catalina. When Catalina was released last October, it required all applications to be 64-bit applications. This, unfortunately, broke the wrapper that allowed RootsMagic to run on macOS. While users with previous version of macOS could still use RootsMagic, users who had upgraded to Catalina found that RootsMagic (and many other software applications) stopped working.

After much work and testing, the wrapper for RootsMagic 7 has been updated to 64-bit that allows it to run on Catalina, as well as prior versions of macOS.

Users who installed a previous version of RootsMagic 7 on their Mac should uninstall RootsMagic before installing the new wrapper. Full instructions are found here.

Those users that are installing RootsMagic 7 on their Mac for the first time may download it here.

RootsMagic 8

In addition to the updated wrapper for RootsMagic 7, we are hard at work finishing up RootsMagic 8.  Version 8 is a fully-native, 64-bit macOS application and runs great on macOS Catalina. Keep watching for more news about RootsMagic 8.