How to recover genealogy data lost due to Apple's Bit change in Reunion software?

MrHoffman wrote:

[...]

Reunion version 14 (current) should be able to open any Reunion data previously used on a Mac. Load the Reunion version 14 app, and follow the steps in the vendor’s how-to-upgrade FAQ.

Details: That mail-it-in requirement applies to Reunion version 4, which — also along with versions 5 and 6 — entirely predates Mac OS X itself. That Reunion upgrade path is not a factor here.

For upgrades from Reunion versions in the range of 5 to 13, open the old database with the current version 14 app.

Ah! I didn't realize the truth there.

Thanks for the clarification. 👍🏽

John Roehm wrote:

Reunion software Genealogy data destroyed by APPLE BIT change.

Nonsense. The Reunion app has been reliable throughout its history.

If you mean the change from "32-bit" software to "64-bit" software, that happened years ago and wasn't even a bump in the road for Reunion.

• Reunion 11 and earlier were 32-bit apps. It runs on macOS up to Mojave (10.14.x).
• Reunion 12 and later are 64-bit apps. That was released back in 2018 (8 years ago).
• Reunion 14 is the current version.

If you have an older version of the Reunion data file (v5 or later) all you need to do is open it with a new version of the app and the database will be updated.

If you are having problems with the Reunion app or database you should contact Leisterpro or post your question in the appropriate Reunion Talk forum.

Follow up -

It occurs to me that you may have updated to a newer version of Reunion but did not send your data out to the publisher for a compatibility conversion, as they say you must.

Please see: FAQ How to upgrade - leisterpro.com

If you have backup copies of your Reunion data, you may still be able to restore your work.

D.I. Johnson wrote:

Follow up -

It occurs to me that you may have updated to a newer version of Reunion but did not send your data out to the publisher for a compatibility conversion, as they say you must.

Please see: FAQ How to upgrade - leisterpro.com

If you have backup copies of your Reunion data, you may still be able to restore your work.

Reunion version 14 (current) should be able to open any Reunion data previously used on a Mac. Load the Reunion version 14 app, and follow the steps in the vendor’s how-to-upgrade FAQ.

Details: That mail-it-in requirement applies to Reunion version 4, which — also along with versions 5 and 6 — entirely predates Mac OS X itself. That Reunion upgrade path is not a factor here.

For upgrades from Reunion versions in the range of 5 to 13, open the old database with the current version 14 app.

What 'APPLE BIT' changes are you referring to?

Do you mean the switch from 32-bit to 64-bit software which, as noted, happened some 20 yeas ago, and mandated for the past 5 years.

And what version of Reunion are you using.

According to https://www.leisterpro.com/doc/v14/questions/answers/mymac.php :

Reunion 14 is a 64-bit app and is compatible with both Apple Silicon Macs (using Apple's new M1, M2, M3 or M4 chip) and Intel chips.

Given that, it sounds like 64-bit isn't the problem, unless you're using an old PowerPC-based Mac, or a system that doesn't support 64-bit applications? If so, that's not entirely Apple's fault. Just because the genealogy software can track back your family over hundreds of years, that doesn't mean it requires equally-old hardware to run on.

Besides, if your hardware and your OS only supports 32-bit applications, there's nothing stopping you continuing to use that. The old Reunion software should still work, you just won't be able to run the latest versions of everything.

Reunion version 12 and later are reportedly 64-bit apps, and should work.

For questions or assistance with Reunion app, check with the vendor: http://www.reuniontalk.com/

I’ve used Gramps app, having imported there from another long-abandoned app.

John Roehm wrote:

Is there a safe genealogy software program? Reunion software Genealogy data destroyed by APPLE BIT change.

You can search the >APP STORE

you can search the web and read reviews...

https://genealogy-software.no1reviews.com/

Any genealogy software suggestions for a Mac user?

https://talk.tidbits.com/t/best-genealogy-software-apps-for-the-mac/21571

https://www.archives.gov/research/genealogy

I would download direct from the Developers website or the App Store..

Not from a third party aggregator site...

if in doubt about your Reunion software Genealogy for macOS.. verify your software is up to date.

https://www.reuniontalk.com/forum/using-reunion-14/100960-reuinion-14-with-mac-tahoe-26-0

What exactly do you call a “BIT” change. Did you ask the makers of Reunion why they broke their software?

The current version, Reunion 14, runs just fine in Sequoia, and the system requirements say macOS 10.12 Sierra or newer.

Can't speak for its performance in Tahoe, however, but you can check with the publisher.

Reunion 14 by leisterpro.com

Reunion software Genealogy data destroyed by APPLE BIT change.

Let's look at hard evidence that counters your aspersion :

— The requirement for 64-bit processor in macOS happened in Oct 2019.

— Apple have used 64-bit processors in iMacs starting with the Late 2006 models, close to two decades ago.

— Since Day One, it has been the responsibility of SOFTWARE developers to keep up with computer and OS changes, not the other way around.

If a software developer should see the handwriting on the wall....

Camelot wrote:

Just because the genealogy software can track back your family over hundreds of years, that doesn't mean it requires equally-old hardware to run on.

Ha haaa thanks for chuckle Camelot— very astute...