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Repairing a Tree File in FTM 2017 and FTM 2019
In Family Tree Maker 2017 or 2019, at times, file damage may interfere with your work. Some common causes are the improper shutdown of software, hardware issues, or malware infections. Fortunately, there are many ways to recover data in Family Tree Maker, so that you won’t waste time redoing your family history.
Easy Steps to Repairing a Tree File in FTM 2017 and FTM 2019
The best way to recover your file is from a previously saved backup. You should regularly back up your work in Family Tree Maker to avoid data loss. If you have a recent backup, restoring it will usually solve the problem you encountered. In case no backup exists, you may try to recover your file using one of the following methods.
Method 1: Compact Your File
Compacting is a fast procedure that can reduce file size and correct minor errors. To compact your file:
- Open Family Tree Maker and close any active tree files.
- From the Tools menu select Compact File.
- Select the Perform extended analysis check box and click Compact.
- Repeat the process of compacting to get the value for file size reduction percentage at 0.00%.
After compacting, open your file to make sure the problems are gone. Often, this will even repair minor file corruption and improve performance.
Method 2: Download from Ancestry (FTM 2019 Only)
If your file is synced with Ancestry, often a download of a new copy from Ancestry can repair a corrupted file:
- Go to the New Tree tab in the Plan workspace.
- Choose Download a Tree from Ancestry and then select the tree that you want to download.
- Proceed with the instructions on the screen to carry out the downloading process.
This will bring you to a clean original version of your tree with no local file damage.
Method 3: Export to GEDCOM File
If compacting or downloading from Ancestry does not work, try exporting it as a GEDCOM:
- Go to File, then go to Export, and select Entire File in GEDCOM format.
- Save the file, then import it back into Family Tree Maker to get a new, clean version of your tree.
GEDCOM files don’t preserve media files or specific publication details, so you’ll probably need to re-add them all individually after importing them again.
In The End
It is essential to keep your Family Tree Maker file safe, and the best defense is to make frequent backups. But if issues do arise, these repair techniques offer effective solutions to restore your data and keep your family research secure. Protect your family history by trying these steps today!
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