There may be a number of reasons you can't open a family file or get error messages such as "Error opening database" or "You do not have permission to open this file" Please try the solutions that best fit your problem:
The Family File Read-Only Attribute Is Checked
When you add or edit records, Legacy must be able to write to the family file, but it cannot when the file attribute is inadvertently set to Read-only. Use Windows Explorer or My Computer to find the file, then right-click on it and select Properties from the popup menu. In the Properties screen, click the General tab. Uncheck the Read-only property. Be sure the Read-only attribute is removed from every file in the Legacy folder.
Unable to Open a Family File Saved on a CD or Copied from a CD or DVD
Files saved on a CD or DVD may have their file attribute automatically changed to Read-only by the CD or DVD software. In addition, when you attempt to open the family file on the CD or DVD, Legacy tries to create an .LDB file in the same directory; however, most CD or DVD burners are unable to write this file "on the fly" which prevents the family file being opened.
1. If the family file is on a CD or DVD, you must first copy it to your hard drive.
2. Use Windows Explorer or My Computer to find the file, then right-click on it and select Properties from the popup menu. In the Properties screen, click the General tab. Uncheck the Read-only property. The Read-only attribute also must be removed from all files in the Legacy folder.
You do not have permission to open this file
This error can occur when attempting to write a family file or a backup file directly to a CD or DVD by bypassing the CD or DVD burning software. First create the file on the hard drive and then copy it to the CD or DVD using the software provided for the burner.
If you are attempting to access any file that has been saved on a CD or DVD, you will need to first copy the file(s) from the CD or DVD to the hard drive and then remove the Read-only attribute. Use Windows Explorer or My Computer to find the file(s), then right-click on it and select Properties from the popup menu. In the Properties screen, click the General tab. Uncheck the Read-only property.
The Family File Is Corrupted
1. Open the file in MS Access 2000 and run Tools > Database Utilities > Compact and Repair Database....
2. If a Legacy family file is so damaged that MS Access 2000 can't repair it, then restore the file from your most recent backup copy. (You should make regular backups and test them. Please visit www.legacyfamilytree.com/tipsBackups.asp for detailed step-by-step instructions.)
3. If you don't have MS Access 2000 and a viable backup file, send the family file to us to attempt a repair. Please contact Support@LegacyFamilyTree.com for further information.
The Program Is Corrupted
1. Repair the program by downloading and installing the most recent Update (available free at www.legacyfamilytree.com/Download.asp). Legacy may become corrupted if the program is open when an Update is installed, making it un able to open a family file. Please close Legacy, as directed by the prompts, before installing the Update.
2. If step 2 does solve the problem, uninstall Legacy and then run the Legacy setup again to re-install the program.
3. Sometimes antiviral software, installation monitoring utilities or Real Player cause problems that prevent Legacy from opening family files. Temporarily disable these programs and re-install Legacy.
Family File Version Problems after Re-installing Legacy or Installing on a New Computer
If the family file build date is newer than the Legacy build date attempting to open the file you may get an error message. Legacy often cannot open a family file created in Legacy with a build date more current than the program attempting to open it. Download and install the most recent Update (available free at www.legacyfamilytree.com/Download.asp) to bring the program up to the current build date.
In addition, if you have a family file created with Legacy 7.0, you won't be able to open it with Legacy 6.0, 5.0 4.0, 3.0 or 2.0. Please install Legacy 7.0... there is a free Standard Edition of Legacy 7.0 available for download. We charge a small fee for sending a Legacy CD. Please see our Online Store at www.LegacyFamilyTreeStore.com for details or call (623) 444-8918 (1 800 753-3453 toll-free in the U.S.).