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FH 6.2 Crashing when trying to open hints

Posted: 27 Nov 2020 20:52
by twentyfourvolt
Hi,
A lot of times when I try to open the hints number FH 6.2 crashes and closes down. This did not use to happen, but has become increasing common outcome when I click on the number. Any suggestions as to why this might happen and how I might fix it?
Thanks in advance

Re: FH 6.2 Crashing when trying to open hints

Posted: 27 Nov 2020 21:47
by tatewise
Welcome to the FHUG.

There are a number of potential causes and solutions, although FH crashing is not usually a symptom.

Firstly, checkout how_to:internet_data_matches|> Internet Data Matches and try the refresh suggested there.
Also, under Record Matching it suggests you try the External Web Browser option.
If that works then it advises running the Write Reg IE Shell Version Plugin.

Recently there have been problems with logging in to MyHeritage via the Web Search Window.
A workaround is described in My Heritage Data Matches (18105).

Re: FH 6.2 Crashing when trying to open hints

Posted: 28 Nov 2020 09:19
by twentyfourvolt
Hi Mike,
Thank you so much. I have now got it working using the external browser. I think the problem was caused by Windows removing Internet Explorer and replacing it with Edge.
Regards
Stephen

Re: FH 6.2 Crashing when trying to open hints

Posted: 28 Nov 2020 09:53
by Mark1834
The latest version of W10, 20H2, does its best to hide Internet Explorer and promote Edge, as there is no reference to it in the Start menu at all, but it is still there for users who need it to support legacy sites that require it and don't work properly with other browsers. Type the name into the Task Bar search box, and set up your own shortcut if you still need it (but only if you really need it, as it is very old technology now...).

Re: FH 6.2 Crashing when trying to open hints

Posted: 28 Nov 2020 10:22
by tatewise
Yes, as Mark says, the Internet Explorer shell is so integral with Windows that it cannot be removed.
Among other things, it underpins File Explorer, the Desktop, and browsers built into applications such as FH.
All that the later Windows Updates have done is hidden the user interface to IE.

Have you tried the Write Reg IE Shell Version Plugin to reset the IE Shell used by FH that may have been upset by Windows Updates?

Re: FH 6.2 Crashing when trying to open hints

Posted: 29 Nov 2020 09:46
by twentyfourvolt
Hi Mike,
I have tried the plugin, and it made the window start to change and then freeze (I could still use the top menu bar). I have gone back to the external webrowser.
Regards
Stephen

Re: FH 6.2 Crashing when trying to open hints

Posted: 30 Nov 2020 07:34
by twentyfourvolt
Hi,
Slight development for the worse after accessing a few records via the external browser I now get a new error message "could not locate, or failed to open an internet browser". If I close down & restart FH it works again for a few then repeats the error. I'd be grateful for any further advice.
Thanks
Stephen

Re: FH 6.2 Crashing when trying to open hints

Posted: 30 Nov 2020 10:21
by tatewise
I am trying to interpret your description of events.
I think you are saying that you click a green circle 'hint' in the Focus Window and your external browser opens OK.
Having reviewed those records, you return to FH and click another green circle 'hint' in the Focus Window and all is OK.
But after repeating that a few times, a later click on a green circle 'hint' raises that error message.

There was a posting 6 years ago: 'View online Map' not working with Chrome Browser (11896) that reported exactly the same error with Google Chrome as the default browser.
That turned out to be because the user had fh.exe running in Compatibility Mode for Windows 7.

Can you try alternative browsers set as your default?

I presume you performed all the resets advised in how_to:internet_data_matches|> Internet Data Matches.

A general cure-all for such mysteries is to try reinstalling FH V6.2.7 over the existing installation.
It is very unlikely to do any harm and may fix some minor glitch.

Re: FH 6.2 Crashing when trying to open hints

Posted: 30 Nov 2020 20:52
by twentyfourvolt
Hi,
Your understanding is correct. I tried all the resets, without success. I have switched the browser from Chrome to Firefox and all seems to be ok now. Thanks so much for your time and suggestions.