Family Tree Maker 2017 and FTM 2019 are popular genealogy software packages, but sometimes files can be corrupted or damaged by users. This can result from sudden shutdowns, hardware crashes, or conflicts with software. When a tree file is corrupted, it will interfere with your research, and it is important to know how to recover it. Fortunately, there are several methods of correcting tree file problems in Family Tree Maker.
Methods to Fix a Corrupt Tree File in FTM 2017 & 2019
The most effective method of preventing data loss is by regularly backing up your tree. But in case you run into problems and lack a current backup, you can use these troubleshooting methods:-
1. Compacting the Tree File:-
With the passage of time, your FTM tree file might accrue small faults or grow large unnecessarily. Compacting features removes small faults and enhances software efficiency.
Steps to compact the file:
- Open Family Tree Maker and have no other tree files open.
- Go to Tools > Compact File.
- Check off the Perform extended analysis option and click Compact.
- Do this multiple times until the file size percentage reduction is 0.00%.
- Once finished, reopen your tree file and check if the problem is corrected.
2. Downloading a Fresh Copy from Ancestry (FTM 2019 Only):-
If you have synced your tree to Ancestry, you can download a new copy to overwrite the bad file.
Steps to download a tree from Ancestry:
- Open Family Tree Maker and navigate to the Plan workspace.
- Click on the New Tree tab.
- Click on Download a Tree from Ancestry and select the proper tree.
- Follow the instructions to finish the process.
- This process substitutes the local file with a new copy from Ancestry, which erases corruption in the original file.
3. Exporting the Tree as a GEDCOM File:-
If compacting and downloading from Ancestry fails to fix the problem, export your tree as a GEDCOM file and then import it.
Export and Import a GEDCOM file:
- Open Family Tree Maker and navigate to File > Export.
- Choose GEDCOM format and select Entire File.
- Save the GEDCOM file to your computer.
- Create a new tree in FTM and import the GEDCOM file.
Note: GEDCOM files don’t contain media attachments or some custom formatting, so you might need to manually reattach any missing files.
Final Thoughts
It is important to protect your genealogy research, and the most effective way to prevent file problems is by backing up your Family Tree Maker files on a regular basis. In case you do experience corruption or errors, these repair techniques can restore your data and maintain your research. By doing so, you can be sure that your family history will be preserved and available for years to come.
Also Read: