How to Import FTW Files into FTM 2024 from Old CDs

If you’ve got old CDs stashed away with FTW files from past Family Tree Maker versions, and you’re eager to import them into FTM 2024, this guide will walk you through it. These files hold precious family history, so getting them into the latest software keeps everything up to date and accessible.

Understanding FTW Files and FTM 2024 Compatibility

FTW files come from older editions of Family Tree Maker, often versions 5 through 16. The good news? FTM 2024 can handle most of these directly without extra hassle. For anything older, like versions 1-4, you might need a free conversion tool from the official site, but that’s rare with CDs.

Steps to Import FTW Files into FTM 2024

First, insert your CD into your computer’s drive. If it doesn’t autoplay, open File Explorer (on Windows) and copy the FTW file to a folder on your hard drive. This avoids read errors from aging discs. Also, grab any media folder if it exists—it contains photos and documents linked to your tree.

Next, launch FTM 2024. Head to the Plan workspace at the top. Click the New Tree tab on the right. Select “Import a tree from an existing file.” Hit Browse, navigate to your copied FTW file, and open it.

The software will process the import. It might take a minute for larger files. Once done, review your tree for any missing links, especially media. If something’s off, reconnect them manually via the Media workspace.

For safety, back up your new file right away. Go to File > Backup, and save it as an FTMB file. This protects against glitches.

Tips for a Smooth Import

If your CD won’t read, try another drive or clean the disc. On Macs, ensure compatibility since FTM 2024 works on both platforms, but older files might need the File Migration Utility—download it free from Mackiev’s support page.

Avoid merging duplicates blindly during import; FTM 2024 has tools to handle that later. If you’re upgrading from an ancient version, consider syncing with Ancestry for cloud backup.

This process revives your old data seamlessly. With FTM 2024’s features, you can expand your tree easily.

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