If you click on your tree and see the message “The file you are trying to open cannot be read,” learning how to fix Family Tree Maker cannot open selected file error messages will immediately restore access to your research without risking data loss.
Why the “Cannot Open Selected File” Error Appears
This error occurs when the software loses the direct path to the file or when the database lock fails to release after a previous session.
- Stuck Database Lock (.LCK): The software thinks another instance is still running.
- Permissions Mismatch: The file was moved to a read-only directory or cloud-synced folder like OneDrive.
- Damaged File Header: An interrupted save or crash left the file indexing unreadable.
Quick Steps to Fix the Error and Open Your Tree
1. Delete the Residual Lock File
Close Family Tree Maker completely. Open File Explorer and go to the folder where your tree file lives. Look for a small file with the exact same name as your tree but ending in .lck or .tmp. Delete this lock file. It was left behind by an improper shutdown and is blocking access. Relaunch the program.
2. Move Out of Cloud-Synced Folders
If your file is stored directly inside an active OneDrive, iCloud, or Dropbox folder, Windows may mark it as “offline” or lock it during an active sync. Drag your .ftm file to a standard local folder on your main drive, such as C:\Users[Username]\Documents\Family Tree Maker, and double-click it directly from there.
3. Restore from the Built-In Auto-Backup
If the raw .ftm file is truly unreadable, open the program, click File > Restore, and look inside your default backup folder. Select the latest .ftmb backup created before the error occurred. The software will unpack a clean, uncorrupted version of your database.
