How to Access Family History CD on New Computer with FTM

If you have a CD of family history and since you bought a new computer cannot access that data, you’re not alone. The family history will not appear on the new computer so how do I access it? Many FTM users face this exact issue. The fix is straightforward and takes just minutes.

Simple Steps to Access Family History CD on New Computer

First, check your hardware. Most new computers lack a built-in CD drive. Grab an inexpensive external USB CD drive (under $20 online) and plug it in. Insert your family history CD. Open File Explorer and look for the drive. If files show up, copy the entire folder or the .ftmb (backup) or .ftw (tree) file straight to your Documents folder. This keeps everything safe on your hard drive.

Next, make sure you have Family Tree Maker installed. Download the latest FTM version from the official Mackiev site if you don’t already have it. Run the installer—it works fine on Windows 10 or 11.

Now open FTM. Go to File > Restore (or File > Open for older .ftw files). Browse to the copied file on your hard drive, select it, and follow the prompts. FTM rebuilds your full tree, including notes, sources, and media links if they were backed up.

If the CD itself won’t read, gently clean it with a soft cloth or try the external drive on another USB port. Still stuck? The file may need a quick copy to your desktop first—FTM prefers local files over direct CD access.

That’s it. Your complete family history loads exactly as it was. No third-party converters or complicated workarounds needed. Once open, create a fresh backup on your new computer so this never happens again.

You now have full access to every name, date, and story on that CD. Problem solved.

For more information please do contact us.