Troubleshooting Family Tree Maker 2019

Family Tree Maker (FTM) is a widely used genealogy software that allows users to build and manage family trees. Despite its popularity, users may encounter issues ranging from installation problems to data synchronization errors. This guide provides solutions to common problems and troubleshooting tips.

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Installation and Activation Issues

Problem: Installation Fails
Solution:

• Ensure your system meets the minimum requirements for FTM.
• Temporarily disable antivirus software, as it may block installation.
• Run the installer as an administrator (right-click the installer and select “Run as Administrator”).
• Ensure that you have sufficient disk space.
• If the issue persists, download a fresh copy of the installer from the official website.

Problem: Activation Issues

Solution:

• Check if the activation key is entered correctly without spaces or typos.
• Ensure you have an active internet connection.
• Contact FTM support if the activation limit has been exceeded due to multiple installations.

Performance Issues

Problem: FTM Runs Slowly or Freezes

Solution:

• Close unnecessary background applications.
• Increase your computer’s virtual memory.
• Run the software in compatibility mode (right-click the application, go to “Properties,” then “Compatibility”).
• Check for software updates that may fix bugs and improve performance.

Problem: Frequent Crashes

Solution:

• Ensure you have the latest version and patches installed.
• Disable conflicting software (some antivirus programs may interfere).
• Clear the cache and temporary files used by FTM.
• If crashes occur when performing specific actions, try running FTM in safe mode.

Sync and Backup Issues Troubleshooting Family Tree Maker

Problem: Sync with Ancestry Fails
Solution:

• Ensure you have an active internet connection.
• Log out and log back into Ancestry within FTM.
• Check Ancestry’s status page for any ongoing service outages.
• If sync fails mid-process, try syncing a smaller portion of your tree first.

Problem: Backup Files Won’t Restore

Solution:

• Ensure the backup file (.FTMB) is not corrupted.
• Try restoring from a different backup location.
• If the file is large, allow extra time for the restore process to complete.

Data Corruption and Missing Entries

Problem: Lost or Missing Data

Solution:

• Check if data was accidentally hidden under “Filter” settings.
• Restore from a previous backup.
• If data disappeared after syncing, check Ancestry.com to see if it still exists there.

Problem: Duplicate Entries

Solution:

• Use FTM’s duplicate search feature to merge duplicate profiles.
• Manually review and merge duplicate entries if necessary.
• Ensure proper sync settings to prevent duplication when working on multiple devices.

Printing and Export Issues

Problem: Family Tree Charts Won’t Print

Solution:

• Ensure your printer is set as the default printer.
• Check if the print driver is up to date.
• Try exporting the chart as a PDF and printing from another application.
• Reduce the chart size if it’s too large to process.

Problem: Export to GEDCOM Fails

Solution:

• Check if the file path contains special characters.
• Export a smaller section of the tree first to isolate the issue.
• Try exporting with different settings to rule out compatibility issues.

Media and Attachment Issues

Problem: Images Not Displaying

Solution:

• Ensure media files are properly linked and not moved or deleted.
• Check the media folder settings within FTM.
• Re-link images manually if necessary.

General Troubleshooting Family Tree Maker Steps

• Restart your computer and relaunch the software.
• Reinstall FTM if issues persist.
• Contact Family Tree Maker Support for further assistance.

By following these troubleshooting Family Tree Maker steps, most common issues with Family Tree Maker can be resolved efficiently.

Conclusion

Family Tree Maker is a powerful tool for genealogy research, but like any software, it can encounter issues. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, users can resolve most problems efficiently. Regular software updates, proper data backup, and careful synchronization can prevent many common issues. If difficulties persist, reaching out to Family Tree Maker Support can provide additional assistance and ensure a smooth user experience.

Family Tree Maker is a powerful tool for genealogy research, but like any software, it can encounter issues. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, users can resolve most problems efficiently. Regular software updates, proper data backup, and careful synchronization can prevent many common issues. If difficulties persist, reaching out to Family Tree Maker Support can provide additional assistance and ensure a smooth user experience.