Protecting your family tree data is crucial, and Family Tree Maker (FTM) offers several tools to ensure its safety. As a best practice, we highly recommend using TreeVault. This feature creates a secure, real-time backup of your tree in the cloud, making recovery seamless if your file becomes damaged. Plus, with the FTM Connect app, you can access your tree anytime, anywhere.
Why File Damage Happens?
File damage in FTM may result from an incorrect software shutdown, a hardware malfunction, malware, or damaged sectors on your hard drive. The most effective method to recover from file corruption is through the restoration of a saved backup. Always maintain a backup of your files. Here is how to back up your tree. If a backup does not exist, try these steps to fix it.
Step 1: Compact Your File
Compacting reduces file size and fixes minor issues. Here’s how:
- Close your tree file: If open, go to the File menu and select Close.
- Compact the file: From the Tools menu, select Compact File.
- Select your file: In the window that opens, locate your file, select it, and click Open.
- Perform extended analysis: Check the box for Perform extended analysis and click Compact.
- Repeat: Continue compacting until the reduction percentage reaches 0.00%.
- Reopen your file: Check if the issue is resolved.
Step 2: Download from Ancestry
If you’ve synced your tree with Ancestry, you can download a fresh copy of your tree. This process eliminates potential corruption.
From the Plan Workspace
- Navigate to the New Tree tab in the Plan workspace.
- Select Download a Tree from Ancestry.
- Locate your tree in the list and click Download Tree.
- Choose a unique name for the new tree and adjust sync options.
- Start the download. Once complete, your tree will open automatically.
Using Tree Browser (FTM 2019 Only)
- Open the View menu or the Select Tree drop-down on the main toolbar.
- Click Tree Browser.
- Under the Ancestry group, select your tree and click Download Tree.
Via Ancestry Sync Icon
- Click the Ancestry Sync icon on the toolbar and choose Download from Ancestry.
- Select the tree and click Download Tree.
Step 3: Export as a GEDCOM
This method rebuilds your tree in a new file but excludes saved tasks and publications.
- From the File menu, select Export.
- Choose Entire file and set the Output format to GEDCOM.
- Ensure all checkboxes under Include are selected.
- Save the GEDCOM file to a location on your computer.
- Reimport the GEDCOM file into FTM to create a fresh tree.
Conclusion
Repairing a tree file in FTM 2017 and FTM 2019 is straightforward if you follow these steps. Always prioritize regular backups and consider using TreeVault™ for added security. If these methods don’t resolve your issue, feel free to reach out to our support team for further assistance. With consistent care and the right tools, you can keep your family history safe for generations to come.
FAQs Section!
TreeVault is a cloud-based backup solution for Family Tree Maker. It gives you real-time protection for your tree and easy recovery if your file gets damaged.
It could be because of an improper shutdown of software, hardware failure, malware, or bad hard drive sectors.
You should regularly backup your tree especially after significant change.
You might try to salvage your tree through compaction or download a new copy from Ancestry. If the latter still fails, export and re-import your tree into another application as a GEDCOM file.
GEDCOM exports tasks and publications. GEDCOM still has all the data for a tree rebuilt.
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