Blank Edit Search Window in FTM 2017 Web Search

If you experienced a blank “Edit Search” window or similar problems during web search in Family Tree Maker (FTM) 2017, then you are not the only one experiencing this problem. Many users complained about the difficulty of searching online through the Ancestry massive collection of records using the Web Search feature found in FTM 2017. These issues can disrupt your research and leave you feeling frustrated, However, the good news is that there are solutions. In this article, we will look at the problem, possible causes, and steps you can take to fix it.

Reported Issues on Blank Edit Search Window in FTM 2017 Web Search

Users have reported three key problems when trying to use Web Search in FTM 2017:

• Blank Edit Search Window:- When a search is started, the Edit Search window opens totally blank, and no search criteria can be set.
• Zero Search Results:- A message appears that says “your search returned zero matches” even when the search terms are general and no “exact” boxes are checked.
• Categories Missing from Search Results:- The list of categories, usually found on the lower-left side to filter records, is missing, which makes it more difficult to narrow down search results.

Root Cause

These problems often arise from temporary connectivity issues between FTM 2017 and Ancestry’s servers. Compatibility issues or incorrect search settings may also be the cause.

Workarounds and Fixes For Starting a Web Search in FTM 2017 for Windows

Until the root issues are fully addressed in an update, you can use the following workarounds:

1. Adjusting Search Settings:

• Click on “Edit Search” (if it is blank, follow the instructions below to reset search settings).
• Scroll down to the bottom of the Search Criteria area.
• Untick the “Family Trees.” Now click “Search” again.
• To view only Family Tree records, untick all the other checkboxes except for “Family Trees.”

2. Exact Match Settings:

• Verify that the “Match all terms exactly” is unchecked.
• Avoid selecting multiple “exact” checkboxes, as they can overly restrict your search results.

3. Refreshing the Web Search:

• If the Edit Search window appears blank, click on “New Search” to reset the search.
• Re-enter your search terms and adjust filters carefully before running the search again.

4. Updating FTM 2017:

Ensure your Family Tree Maker software is up-to-date with the latest version, at least 23.2 or higher. Many of the updates correct known issues, such as problems with web search.

Verifying Your Update

• To check your version of FTM 2017:
• Open the software and go to the Help menu.
• Click on “About Family Tree Maker.”
• Check the version number. If it’s less than 23.2, download and install the latest update from the official Family Tree Maker website.

Conclusion

While it may be frustrating when encountering a blank “Edit Search” window or missing categories in Web Search, the workarounds and solutions outlined above should help you regain full functionality. It will make all the difference in keeping your software updated and making the right adjustments to your search settings.

Common Asked Questions