Restoring from a Backup in FTM 2017, FTM 2019 and FTM 2024

Note: As a best practice for protecting your family tree, we recommend using TreeVault, which saves an exact copy of your tree into Family Tree Maker’s secure cloud space updated in real-time as you work.  It's the best way to recover a lost or damaged tree, and lets you view your tree any time and any place with the FTM Connect™ app on your smartphone or tablet.  Learn more here at http://www.treevault.com or click here to get started. 

How do I restore a file from a backup in FTM 2017, FTM 2019 or FTM 2024?

Before restoring your file:

• You may need to add Family Tree Maker as an exception to any anti-virus software you may be using.  Check with your anti-virus provider for instructions.
• If your backup file has been copied to a CD or other removable media, copy it to your computer’s hard disk before proceeding with the restoration process.

Please choose the appropriate steps for your operating system:

• Restoring from a Backup in FTM 2017, FTM 2019 and FTM 2024 for Windows

• Restoring from a Backup in FTM 2017, FTM 2019 and FTM 2024 for Mac

   

  Restoring from a Backup in FTM 2017, FTM 2019 and FTM 2024 for Windows

  1. Open Family Tree Maker, click the File menu, then click Restore.

  2. In the Choose File to Restore window that appears, navigate to the location of the backup file, select it, then click Open.
  
  

  3. In the Name For Restored File window, enter a name and choose a location for the restored file, then click Save.

  

  The file will be restored.

  4. If you are restoring a tree that was previously synced, after your file is restored, the Restore - Additional Options window opens. To link the restored tree to your Ancestry tree, make sure the Allow restored file to resume syncing checkbox is selected and click OK.

  

  Screenshot above shows options in FTM 2017 and FTM 2019

  

  Screenshot above shows updated options in FTM 2024

   

  5. Once your tree is re-linked, click the Ancestry icon in the upper-right corner of the application window and select Sync Now to make sure your restored tree is in sync with your Ancestry tree.

  

  Restoring from a Backup in FTM 2017, FTM 2019 and FTM 2024 for Mac

  1. Open Family Tree Maker, click the File menu, then click Restore.

  2. In the Open window that appears, go to the location of your backup file, select it, and then click the Open button. 

  

  3. The Save dialog opens. Enter a name and choose a location for the restored tree file, and then click the Save button.

  

  4. If you are restoring a tree that was previously synced, after your file is restored, a dialog with additional options opens. To link the restored tree to your Ancestry tree, make sure the Allow restored file to resume syncing checkbox is selected and click Restore.

  

  Screenshot above shows options in FTM 2017 and FTM 2019

  

  Screenshot above shows updated options in FTM 2024

  5. Once your tree is re-linked, click the Ancestry icon in the upper-right corner of the application window and choose Sync Now from the pop-up menu to make sure your restored tree is in sync with your Ancestry tree.