How do I import old or unsupported files in Family Tree Maker 2008-2019?
Family Tree Maker versions 2008-2019 do not support some older file types. If you are unable to import a family tree file created in an older Family Tree Maker version, it may be necessary to convert the file to a supported format. The following file types cannot be imported directly into Family Tree Maker 2008-2019:
- .FTW and .FBK files created in Family Tree Maker versions 1 – 4
- .FBC files
- .AFT files
- .GED – prior to version 5.5
This article will help you use the Family Tree Maker 2005 Starter Edition to convert your file to a supported format so that it can be imported into Family Tree Maker 2008-2019.
IMPORTANT: .FTW or .FBK files from Family Tree Maker versions 5 – 16 can be imported directly into Family Tree Maker versions 2008-2019 and do not require any prior conversion.
Also note that Family Tree Maker 2005 Starter Edition is a 14 day free trial. Once the 14 day free trial is over, the Starter Edition can no longer be used. We recommend installing it after you have received your new Family Tree Maker software and are ready to convert your files.
To download the Family Tree Maker 2005 Starter Edition click here.
As the conversion process will update your file to be a Family Tree Maker 2005 file, we recommend creating a separate backup file from your current version before starting the conversion process.
After downloading and installing the Family Tree Maker 2005 Starter Edition, open your family tree file by following the instructions below:
Converting .FTW Files
- After opening Family Tree Maker 2005 SE, click the Open Existing button, or go to the File menu and select Open.
- Using the Open Family File window, find the file you want to convert, select it and click Open.
- .FTW files will open directly. You can now close Family Tree Maker 2005 SE. Your file is automatically updated. You can now import this file into Family Tree Maker 2008-2019.
- If you have no other need for the Family Tree Maker 2005 Starter Edition, you can uninstall it from your computer.
Converting .FBK, .FBC, .AFT and .GED Files
- After opening Family Tree Maker 2005 SE, click the Open Existing button, or go to the File menu and select Open.
- Using the Open Family File window, find the file you want to convert, select it and click Open.
- .FBK, .FBC, .AFT and .GED files require you to save a new working file. A New Family File window should now be showing. Type a name into the File name: field that will allow you to distinguish this converted file from your other ones. Click the Save button.
- You should now have a window showing your tree. Close Family Tree Maker 2005 SE. The conversion is complete. Your file can now be imported into Family Tree Maker 2008-2019.
- If the .FBC file you are converting is from a version of Family Tree Maker newer than 2005 SE, you will receive a warning message saying “The file you are trying to load is from a newer version of Family Tree Maker 2005 Starter Edition and cannot be loaded. To upgrade your version, please visit our website at http://www.genealogy.com." However, the .FTW file you saved in step 3 can still be imported into Family Tree Maker 2008-2019.
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