If you are looking to move your Family Tree Maker (FTM) source tree between two computers, the process can seem complex, but with a few structured steps, it becomes quite manageable. Family Tree Maker (FTM) is a widely used genealogy software that allows you to compile family histories, organize them into a tree structure, and source various documents to support your research. Moving this tree between computers is necessary if you’re upgrading your device, working on multiple machines, or simply want to back up your work on another computer.
The first step in transferring your FTM source tree is to make sure you have a complete backup of your Family Tree Maker file on the original computer. Family Tree Maker files typically include a .ftm file, which stores the actual family tree information, and any media files attached to individuals in the tree, such as photos or documents. The backup will ensure that you not only transfer the basic structure of the tree but also preserve the source citations, historical records, and any multimedia files linked to the individuals in your family tree. To create a backup, open Family Tree Maker on the original computer, go to the “File” menu, and select “Backup.” You can choose whether to include media items, and it is recommended to check this option to ensure that no files are left behind. The backup file will typically have a .ftmb extension and contain all the essential elements of your tree.
Once you’ve created your backup, the next step is to physically transfer the backup file to your second computer. You can do this via several methods, depending on your preferences and the available tools. You could use an external storage device like a USB drive, or, alternatively, cloud storage services like Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive. After transferring the backup file, ensure that it is stored in a directory that you can easily locate on the new computer. If using cloud services, make sure the file is fully downloaded onto the second computer before attempting to restore the tree. For users who work across multiple devices, it may be helpful to store the backup files in a synchronized folder, making future transfers even more seamless.
On the new computer, you need to restore your FTM source tree from the backup file. First, ensure that you have Family Tree Maker installed on this new device. Then, launch the software, and go to the “File” menu once more, but this time select “Restore.” Navigate to the location of your transferred .ftmb file and follow the prompts to restore the family tree, including all media and source documents. The process may take a few moments, depending on the size of your tree and the number of associated files. Once the tree is restored, review it to ensure that all individuals, sources, and media files have been properly transferred.
If you regularly work on your FTM tree from multiple devices, you might consider setting up a synchronization system to make this process even smoother in the future. One option is to use FamilySync, a feature in FTM that allows users to sync their trees with Ancestry.com. By syncing your tree to Ancestry, you can access it from any computer that has both Family Tree Maker and an active internet connection. Another option is to use cloud storage for your backup files, keeping a current version of your FTM tree in the cloud and simply downloading and restoring the latest version when switching between devices.
It is important to always verify that the FTM software version is compatible between the two computers. Moving your FTM source tree between two computers will be much smoother if both systems are running the same version of Family Tree Maker. Version incompatibility could cause errors, especially if newer features from a later version of the software are not recognized on an older version installed on the second computer. Finally, remember that regularly creating backups is critical. Even if you aren’t moving your FTM tree between computers frequently, having a solid backup routine will protect your genealogical research in case of any hardware failures or software issues.