Family Tree Maker is a well-known genealogy program that creates and organizes family trees. When upgrading to a new version, for example, Family Tree Maker 2019, you might have a problem converting your FTM file.
This might also occur when the file is transferred to a different location or saved on an external drive. Don’t panic if you’re having trouble converting your Family Tree Maker file. In this tutorial, we will guide you through how to troubleshoot the problem and open your family tree data in a matter of seconds.
Common Reasons You Can’t Convert an FTM File
- Converting to Family Tree Maker 2019.
- Moving the FTM file from the current directory to a new location.
- Placing the FTM file in an external hard drive.
- The default FTM folder settings having been modified.
- The file being in read-only mode.
Steps to Solve the FTM File Conversion Problem
1. Verify Your External Hard Drive:-
If your external drive contains your FTM file, use these steps to ensure that it’s readable:
- Hold down the Windows + R keys simultaneously to invoke the Run dialogue box.
- Input C: and press Enter to access your C drive.
- Look for your external hard drive on the list.
- If it’s not there, disconnect the hard drive and reconnect it.
- Try to reopen Family Tree Maker and find your file.
2. Check the Family Tree Maker Default Location:-
At times, the program might not see the right folder. To verify:
- Open Family Tree Maker software.
- Click on Tools > Options.
- Check if the default family tree location is the same as the one you were using previously.
- If not, update it to the right folder.
3. Make Sure Your Folder Is Not Read-Only:-
If your FTM file is read-only, it will not open or convert correctly. To resolve this:
- Open the Documents folder on your computer.
- Find the Family Tree Maker folder.
- Right-click on it and choose Properties.
- Under the General tab, find the Attributes section.
- If the Read-only box is checked, uncheck it and click Apply.
Summary
Converting a Family Tree Maker file can be a bit challenging at times, particularly when upgrading to a different version or moving files to a new location. Through the steps provided, you are able to troubleshoot common conversion problems and restore access to your family tree data.
If, however, you continue to have issues, we recommend that you contact Family Tree Maker Support for professional help. Your genealogy data needs to be secure and accessible, so don’t wait to obtain professional help if necessary!
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