Tips for repairing a Family Tree Maker 2014 file
Most often, file damage occurs in a family file through merging unchecked files, improper shut-downs of Family Tree Maker or Windows, malware, or bad sectors on the hard drive.
The best way to recover from file damage is to restore a backup of your data that was created prior to when the damage occurred. We recommend that our members protect themselves against data loss by maintaining a good backup system. For help on backing up your data, click here.
If you do not have a healthy backup, you can try to repair the damage using the processes below,
Probably the easiest fix you can try is compacting your file. This can be done in 2 ways: with the file open, or the file closed. While either may fix your file, in cases like this, we recommend compacting your file while it is closed. To do this, please follow the steps outlined below.
- With Family Tree Maker open, choose Close from the File menu.
- Choose Compact File from the Tools menu.
- In the window that opens, navigate to the location where your file is stored, select it and click Open.
- Click Compact in the Compact File window.
- Your file will now be compacted. Depending on the size of the file and the amount by which the file is compacted, this can take some time. When this process finishes, you will receive a window stating the compact is complete, and the file size was reduced by a percentage. Note the percentage and click OK.
- Repeat this process until the percentage is 0.00%
- Open your file again and check if you are still experiencing issues.
Oftentimes, uploading your file from Family Tree Maker 2014 to Ancestry.com can create a corruption free file that you can download again directly to Family Tree Maker 2014.
Note: Though Family Tree Maker 2008-2010 allow you to upload a file to Ancestry.com, only Family Tree Maker 2010-2014 allows you to download it directly with all photos attached to the tree. If you have FTM 2008 or 2009, you can still upload your file, but will have to download it as a GEDCOM file, which will not include media items.
For instructions on uploading your file from Family Tree Maker 2008-2014, please click here.
Family Tree Maker 2010-2014 users can download their trees directly following instructions below.
- Click the Plan workspace and click the New Tree tab.
- Select Download a tree from Ancestry, and click the Export button next to the tree you uploaded earlier.
- Once the export process finishes, please click the Download to Family Tree Maker button.
- This will start the downloading process. Depending on the size of your tree and your connection speed, this can take some time. Once this process is complete, you will receive a window asking if you want to import this file as a new tree or merge it with an existing file. Please click Import
- Navigate to the location where you want to save your tree. Be sure to give this file a new name so that it doesn't overwrite any other files. Click Save
- Once the file finishes importing, click Close. Check if you are still experiencing issues
Exporting your file as a GEDCOM
When using this repair method, it's important to note that GEDCOM files do not include saved publications or tasks. Additionally, in Family Tree Maker versions 2011 and earlier, you cannot include linked files. This means that any files (media, documents, etc.) linked to the tree, would need to be reattached manually. Family Tree Maker 2012-2014 allow you to include linked files.
- Choose Export from the File menu.
- The Export window opens. Select Entire File if it isn't currently selected
- Change the Output Format to GEDCOM 5.5
- Leave al the items selected and click OK.
- Navigate to the location you want to save this file to, type a name for your new file, and click Save.
- Once this process is complete, you will receive a window saying the export was successful. Click OK
- Re-import this file. If you need instructions for importing files, you can find them by clicking here.