Keeping your family history data secure is a biggest concern for any genealogist, and Family Tree Maker 2019 offers robust tools to assist you in doing so. Among its numerous features, Backup and Sync Logs are of fundamental importance in ensuring the integrity and stability of your family tree files.These logs maintain a clear record of every backup and sync operation, whether it was successful or not. They assist users in identifying issues, making informed decisions, and protecting their data.
What Are Backup and Sync Logs in FTM 2019?
Backup and Sync Logs are automatically created files by FTM 2019 that record the activities of the software with respect to backing up files and syncing with Ancestry. These logs include useful information like backup time, file size, success or failure status, error messages, etc. Whether you’re having trouble with a sync or just looking at your backup history, these logs are your best friend.
How to View Backup and Sync Logs in FTM 2019?
To see these logs, simply follow the easy steps below:
- Open FTM 2019 on your computer.
- Open the Tools menu in the top menu bar.
- Choose Preferences from the drop-down menu.
- In the Preferences window, click on the General tab.
- Find the Logs Folder option.
- Click on Open beside the Logs Folder option.
This will launch the folder where there are multiple log files, including backup and synchronization. You can open these files in a text editor to check them.
Understanding the Backup and Sync Logs
Knowing what is logged into the Backup and Sync Logs really helps when you are trying to resolve problems or see how your software is performing. Here’s what these logs usually include:
- Successful Backups: These entries show you when the backup was done, how big the backup file is, and where it was saved. This helps confirm that your data has been stored properly.
- Failed Backups: If a backup doesn’t finish, the logs explain why. Common reasons might include not enough space on your drive, a problem with file permissions, or an issue with the backup location.
- Sync Problems: If your Family Tree Maker is having difficulty syncing with Ancestry, the logs will indicate why. This may be things such as conflicting data between your local tree and the online tree, or issues with your internet connection.
- Performance Metrics: These sections of the logs indicate how long each sync or backup took. This informs you about the performance and how to make things smoother or faster.
Troubleshooting with Backup and Sync Logs
Here are some ways logs help with troubleshooting:
- Slow Backups: Verify whether low disk space or network traffic is the problem.
- Sync Conflicts: Detect conflicting changes and resolve them manually.
- Error Messages: Examine messages to identify access problems or damaged files.
- Data Loss: Use the logs to restore from earlier backups if needed.
Best Practices for Backup and Sync
- Regularly back up to safeguard recent changes.
- Use cloud storage for off-site backup.
- Regularly check logs for early detection of issues.
- Turn on version control to reverse changes when needed.
Conclusion
Knowing and using Backup and Sync Logs in FTM 2019 can become a lifesaver for safeguarding your genealogy work. By monitoring them regularly and being proactive about backups, you can avoid data loss and save your family tree history for generations to come. Develop the habit of reviewing your logs—your family’s heritage is worth it.
Related Posts: