Is this safe: install fm9 and fm7.2 on one computer?

[J_A__Rehn]

I want to try the frame9 trial version on a computer with 7.2 installed (non-structured, XP/SP3).

I have tons of  work to do too and can't afford any cross-pollination (software corruption,

driver conflicts, etc.). Anyone tried this? (I know about backing up my docs, etc.).

Also:

- Anyone found or written any info on migrating from fm7.2 to fm9?

- Anyone tried this an been burned?

- Any release notes for fm9 (bug fixes, etc?).

- Does fm9 use multi-core processors?

Any suggestions or comments welcome.

Thanks.

James

[using Frame since fm1 and still alive !!!]

[MichaelKazlow]

There is not problem with fm9 and fm7.2 on the same machine, but you missed the bandwagon with fm8. There are many files that I have that don't convert well to fm9 that do to fm8. If you never open the same files in a newer version it won't be a problem. Just make sure you do not double-click files to open them. File open to get them to open with the correct version.

[Jeff_Coatsworth]

I would take Art's advice on this one & save as MIF in 7.2 and then open the MIF in FM9 to shake out all the inconsistencies.

[Art Campbell · Accepted solution]

I'm sure that you searched for this in the archives, and Googled for the threads in the FrameMaker mailings lists, so I'll just summarize your bullet items.

7 & 9 together? They co-exist on the same system just fine.

You asked:

Also:

- Anyone found or written any info on migrating from  fm7.2 to fm9?

Probably several thousand of us. 9's been out for a while.

- Anyone tried this an been burned?

Slightly - see below.

- Any  release notes for fm9 (bug fixes, etc?).

Well, obviously you need to apply the 9 patches.

But your biggest problem may be that 7 doesn't support Unicode fonts or characters, and FM has since 8. So any "special" characters need to be remapped, and if your font files are antique formats, they may not be Unicode compliant.

- Does fm9 use multi-core  processors?

No

***

When working with files in FM 9 that started life in earlier versions, I have gotten into the habit of "cleaning" all the component files in the book. SaveAs them to MIF, then open them and save as .FM.  This is my SOP for any files from a previous version that I open in 9. You can do this at the book level if you install the eval copy of MIF2Go from omsys.com -- it installs a WashToMif utility on the Files menu that works for all the files in the book.

In a couple of cases, I've also built new books in the 9 format and just copied in files from the 7 book, then regenerated the TOC/Index and other generated files.

Cheers,

Art