Syncing your Family Tree Maker (FTM) 2019 or 2024 with Ancestry is essential to keep your family history updated across all your devices. However, sometimes sync issues may occur, which can stop changes from updating or cause errors. This simple Sync Troubleshooting Guide will help you fix the most common sync problems quickly and easily.
General Sync Tips
Before diving into specific issues, try these general troubleshooting steps:
- Retry Syncing: The first step is always to try syncing again.
- Do Not Edit During Sync: Avoid making changes on Ancestry while syncing from FTM. Also, ensure that no invited users are making edits at the same time.
- Try Syncing During Off-Peak Hours: Early mornings or low-traffic times may give better sync results.
- Contact Support if Needed: If problems continue, you can always reach out to Family Tree Maker Support via Live Chat.
Common Sync Problems and Solutions
1. Changes in FTM Aren’t Syncing to Ancestry
Solution:
- Go to Tools > Compact File.
- Create a backup.
- Use Turn Back Time to roll back half of the changes made since the last sync.
- Try syncing again.
- If successful, restore the backup and sync again to include the remaining changes.
2. Changes on Ancestry Aren’t Syncing to FTM
Solution:
- Compact the file and try syncing again.
- If syncing fails:
- Download the tree from Ancestry as a new linked file.
- Merge the original FTM file into this new file to keep all updates.
- Sync the merged tree back to Ancestry.
3. Changes in Both Trees Aren’t Syncing
Solution:
- Compact your file and try syncing again.
- If syncing still fails:
- Backup the file.
- Use Turn Back Time to undo half of the unsynced changes.
- Try syncing again.
- Once successful, restore the backup and sync again.
4. Tree Upload to Ancestry Fails
Solution:
- Log out from Ancestry in FTM.
- Restart FTM and log in again.
- Compact your file and try uploading.
- If the upload fails again, try restoring a previous backup and upload it instead.
5. Tree Download from Ancestry Fails
Solution:
- Log out from Ancestry in FTM.
- Restart FTM and log in again.
- Try downloading the tree again.
6. Large Tree Sync is Timing Out
Solution:
- Compact the file.
- Log out from Ancestry, restart FTM, and try syncing again.
- If syncing fails:
- Backup the file.
- Use Turn Back Time to roll back half of the changes.
- Try syncing again.
- Once successful, restore the backup and sync again.
7. Lost FTM Tree and Outdated Ancestry Tree
Solution:
- Use the Emergency TreeVault Restore to recover your tree.
- Sync the restored tree to Ancestry.
8. Sync Failed Due to Edits Made During Sync
Solution:
- Close the Ancestry website in your browser.
- Try syncing again without making any changes.
9. Sync Interrupted or Incomplete Error
Solution:
- Log out from Ancestry in FTM.
- Restart FTM and log in again.
- Compact the file.
- Try uploading, downloading, or syncing again.
10. FTM Shows “Appears to Be Offline” Error
Solution:
- Check your internet connection.
- Ensure FTM is in online mode (File > Go Online).
- Restart FTM or your computer.
- Try another internet connection.
- Temporarily disable antivirus or firewall if necessary.
Final Thoughts
Sync problems in Family Tree Maker 2019 and 2024 are usually easy to fix. Simple steps like compacting your file, restarting the program, or using Turn Back Time can solve most issues. Just follow the steps carefully and try again. If problems continue, don’t hesitate to contact Family Tree Makers Support Live Chat for quick help.
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