Family Tree Maker software - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Re: Family Tree Maker Won't Uninstall, Reinstall or Open

BarbaraTaylor7777 — 2013-05-19 23:52:33Z

You might be better to do a system restore to a time before you started messing with the registry.
If a restore doesn't get you back where you were, contact Ancestry support directly. This board is for users to help each other, not for technical support.

Barbara

Re: Family Tree Maker Won't Uninstall, Reinstall or Open

johndd189 — 2013-05-19 22:54:30Z

That sounds like a Windows problem

Many have found the Revo Uninstaller will thoroughly uninstall any program in Windows.

http://www.revouninstaller.com/

It has a 30-day free trial and it may solve your problem

Disclaimer: I do not work for Revo or any associated companies with it

John D

Re: Duplicate Media files in main directory for FTM2012

johndd189 — 2013-05-19 22:43:27Z

The media usage report also provides a thumbnail of every media item, who it is linked to and the all important link

John D

Re: Family Tree Maker Won't Uninstall, Reinstall or Open

joydhitt — 2013-05-19 22:06:34Z

Thanks for your response.

System won't let me restore either. :-(

Re: Family Tree Maker Won't Uninstall, Reinstall or Open

BrklynBridge — 2013-05-19 20:42:40Z

Were I you (and assuming "restore" is available in your OS), I would attempt to return to where you were before you commenced tinkering with the registry. I do not own 2006 and can't offer you anything more.

Family Tree Maker Won't Uninstall, Reinstall or Open

joydhitt — 2013-05-19 20:06:44Z

To begin with, the program would not search the internet. I went to help and tried to follow the instructions even though they were not for my version..2006. I deleted some of the registry files and the program.
Now, after reinstalling, I can't do any of the above.

Please Help !!!!

Thanks

Family Tree Maker Won't Uninstall, Reinstall or Open

joydhitt — 2013-05-19 20:05:05Z

Re: Problem with FTM 2012 in Windows 8

ladyp148 — 2013-05-19 17:35:53Z

I have an purchased a downloaded version of FTM 2012, and have a factory loaded W8, which has stopped opening. It was working and then stopped working. I had to refresh my pc, uninstall and install and still would not open. The same FTM2012 downloaded on my old W7 pc is running ok.

Re: Duplicate Media files in main directory for FTM2012

casey745 — 2013-05-19 13:54:12Z

Thank you, John. I thought that was the case. I am relinking missing media items and then I will change the options. All of the media files in the parent directory are already backed up in case I lose one or two (or more!). So I should be OK after changing the options. All my media folders are also backup up.

Thanks for the explanation.

Karin Corbeil

Re: Duplicate Media files in main directory for FTM2012

johndd189 — 2013-05-19 11:59:22Z

In FTM since version 2008, when you "add media" you in fact creating a link to the media item on your hard drive and additionally FTM makes a thumbnail which it uses if you lose the link.

The key option that FTM provides when you link media, is to either link the media item directly from where it resides on your hard drive, or make a copy of it to the 'media center' FTM creates for each file and link it from there.

If you chose the latter option, you have two copies of the media on your hard drive.

One wherever you stored the original media file, the second in the FTM media center which is simply a folder that FTM creates and stores the copy.

The advantage of the second option is that all the media linked to a file are stored in one easy to find and back up location and of course makes a backup of the media.

The disadvantage is that it uses more room on your hard drive.

The user has the option to use either option and FTM will also advise when linking the first media item to let the user choose and then it will also offer to then retain this choice for all subsequent media links. See attachment

Before deleting anything from the media center if you have used it, is to check in the Media Workspace as to where the media files are linked. If the media are linked to the media center and you decide to delete this folder, you have lost all your links for that file. You may not wish to do this.

If you are using FTM 2011/ 2012 it can in most cases relink media. Note this facility is not in FTM for Mac 2.

See http://ftm.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5241/kw/Link...

FTM Help Notes

Copy to Media Folder
Copy to Media Folder helps you specify how to handle new media items. It appears as part of the process of attaching a new media file to a person, fact, or source. When you attach a new media file, you can either leave it where it is or copy it to the tree's default media folder. Copying a file to the default folder keeps all of the tree's media files together in one location. Linking from the current location takes less memory on your computer. After you select which option you want, it becomes the default choice for subsequent files. If you choose to always use the selection, you will no longer see the Copy To Media Folder dialog box unless you change the settings in Options.

The following table describes the options available:

Options
Description

Copy this file to the media folder for this tree and link to it there
Use this option when you want to keep all of your media files together in one folder. Family Tree Maker copies the file to the media folder assigned to the tree (usually located within the Family Tree Maker folder that is in My Documents). This is your best option when the media is located on a removable drive, such as a CD-ROM, DVD, or flash memory drive.

Link to this file where it is (without copying it)
Use this option when you want to save storage space on your computer or don't want multiple copies of a file on your computer.

John D

Duplicate Media files in main directory for FTM2012

casey745 — 2013-05-19 10:15:24Z

In looking at my files in the directory structure of "Family Tree Maker", there are duplicates from the media folders. Are these supposed to be there? For example, I have a file in the "Jones Media" directory named "1900 census John Jones.jpg" This same file also is the parent directory "Family Tree Maker". In fact there are several of the same file in the main directory.

In total there are over 7,000 of these media files in the parent directory. Can I delete them as they also are in the media folders?

Thank you.

Re: Improvements Severely Needed: Photo Organization or a plugin into Adobe Photoshop Album

takvah — 2013-05-18 22:38:13Z

Well considering the post was made 8 years ago, and we still don't have the feature, despite numerous requests....it does not appear that Ancestry is interested in doing it. Unfortunately since nobody else does it, that is probably why we won't get it...

Re: FTM 2011 - Help on how to delete relationships?

curmil — 2013-05-18 19:15:02Z

Near the top left of the screen you will see a line that reads
File Edit View Person Tools Help
Attach/Detach is under the Person tab.

Curt

Re: FTM2012 Changed some persons place -- was sync to web

Hoover_Deborah — 2013-05-18 16:05:59Z

Yes, you are certainly correct. But, one of the reasons for paying for Ancestry.com was to be able to make genealogy easier. I will now think of it as a resource. I really enjoy all the help from other individuals on this site. Thanks for the feedback!

Re: FTM2012 Changed some persons place -- was sync to web

barbarajfn — 2013-05-18 15:26:35Z

There's lots of solutions other than paper and pen; although that is the most "permanent" way to keep records. 1. Ignore all hints.
2. Don't sync.
3. Use different genealogy software...
etc...

Re: FTM 2011 - Help on how to delete relationships?

BurgessDonnelly — 2013-05-18 14:25:45Z

I skipped 2011, going from 2010 to 2012, so I don't know that it is exactly the same as the attached screenshot, but it should be close.

Re: FTM 2011 - Help on how to delete relationships?

boyle0141 — 2013-05-18 14:09:00Z

This approach isn't working for me. I cannot find the "detach person" option when I am viewing a person. I've got a son married to his father--crazy--and I cannot figure out how to remove the father from the "spouse" list. Interestingly, this error doesn't exist in my online tree. Deleting the father as a spouse was pretty straightforward there, but the change doesn't take hold in Family Tree Maker when I sync.

Re: Uploaded Ancestry Tree Disappeared.

DavidHassell40 — 2013-05-18 04:00:33Z

Ah, that helps further explain things, especially if (as you say) a month errs on the short side.

Thank you.

Re: FTM2012 Changed some persons place -- was sync to web

Hoover_Deborah — 2013-05-18 01:33:28Z

I have used FTM since 1999. I have had my tree ruined. Citations were attached to all different individuals, not even family lines. I attempted to get help from support. No answer that worked. Deleted tree. Began with old backup tree. Now everyone has their "leaf" hint. They are giving me info from the tree I deleted. The info that was attached to wrong individuals. Called support. Told index only updates about once a month! Guess its back to paper and pen

Problem with "Notes" in Ancestry Tree

awcraig — 2013-05-18 00:47:10Z

For some reason, several but not all, of my person entries that have associated photos or documents have the URL of the photo/document in the Notes section. I did not enter these URLs in the notes section, so I'm wondering how they got there. Any ideas? I just noticed this when generating a Descendant Report in FTM2012 and the URLs were displayed in the Notes section.

Re: Uploaded Ancestry Tree Disappeared.

BurgessDonnelly — 2013-05-18 00:35:35Z

"I would have thought that it would not take long for Ancestry to take down the old trees?"

See attached from ancestry site instructions - which errs on the short side, in my experience.

Re: Cunningham, Henry and sister, Bridget

BurgessDonnelly — 2013-05-18 00:03:19Z

This board is dedicated to the use of the FTM software.

You will be better served by posting on the appropriate surname or location boards.

Re: Unable to Compact file with FTM V16, windows 7

kj_norway — 2013-05-17 23:48:51Z

The way to find these errors is to look at the GEDCOM and either count the lines to 404 or find a program (like TextPad) that will print line numbers next to the GEDCOM code.

I get this type of error when I import a GEDCOM tag that is not supported by FTM but is still a valid tag. This is because FTM does not support all GEDCOM tags.

_dcause is not a regular valid tag

Re: Ftm 2012 & old search

jeffjahn — 2013-05-17 22:18:55Z

this is basicly my screen when I do a search now. Under the results I can start a new search and click, then I get a option to use old search but it wont save when I exit or if I click New Search its back to the new search options.

Re: Unable to Compact file with FTM V16, windows 7

RandyOG — 2013-05-17 22:14:17Z

I have been using FTM 16 for many, many years. I now use it on a Windows 7 box, 64 bit, without the Vista patch. My file 91meg file with 14,000 people compacts just fine. Have you tried uninstalling the Vista patch? I understand it is not necessary to use the patch.

Re: Ftm 2012 & old search

BurgessDonnelly — 2013-05-17 21:53:13Z

When you enter a search, do you see "Start a new search" (to the right of "Edit Search")?

If so, click on that, then the next screen will have the "old search" link in the top right hand corner.

I'm in the middle of a compact, so I can't give you screenshots right now.

Ftm 2012 & old search

jeffjahn — 2013-05-17 21:47:37Z

When I started up FTM 2012 and did a web search it went to the new search instead of the old search which I always use. I cant stand the new search at all but it wont let me go back to the old search. Running windows 8 and ie10. Any ideas?

Re: Garrity, Ann and brother, Patrick

jwardh — 2013-05-17 20:54:53Z

Hi,
This is a board for information/questions about the genealogy software called Family Tree Maker. You likely would have better luck posting your query on a surname specific board such as this Garrity one: http://boards.ancestry.com/surnames.garrity/mb.ashx or a location specific board.

Re: Windows 8 & FTM 2005

jamclo — 2013-05-17 20:49:39Z

John, there's almost no support for FTM 2012 either...

Regards,

Garrity, Ann and brother, Patrick

patsupplitt — 2013-05-17 20:37:06Z

Looking got info on Ann Garrity and brother, Patrick. She was born about 1812 and he about 1814 in Westport area, County Mayo. Came to Boston, Ma. U.S., in about 1833.

Re: Mahan, Patrick, brother Bernard and sister Margaret

BurgessDonnelly — 2013-05-17 20:36:28Z

This board is dedicated to the use of the FTM software.

You will be better served by posting on the appropriate surname or location boards.

Cunningham, Henry and sister, Bridget

patsupplitt — 2013-05-17 20:31:18Z

Looking for Irish info on Henry Cunningham and sister, Bridget who came from Westport, County Mayo. He was born 1806 and she about 1812. Came to Boston, Mass. U.S. on the ship, Boxer from St. Georges, New Brunswick, Canada in August 1833. Ireland/Canada passage unknown.

Mahan, Patrick, brother Bernard and sister Margaret

patsupplitt — 2013-05-17 20:07:29Z

Looking for info. on Patrick born in about 1830, brother Bernard born in about 1833 and sister Margaret born in about
1832. Bernard was born in Offaly (Kings) Cty. Parents were John and Catherine Conroy Mahan. Came to U.S. possibly thru Baltimore in early 1850s.

Re: Is there a way to check a FTM 2012 file for errors.

KATHYMARIEANN — 2013-05-17 19:49:43Z

Response to dmossfritch comment

I understand/recognize there are different types of errors. That is why I used the word “SOME” in my lead in sentence.

Also, I recognize that this thread has been discussing more than one type of error; For example, one type as addressed by johndd 189 and others [which I guess you would call a data entry error] and another type caused by the program [which you are calling “database structure errors”]

Regardless of the type of error I assume the user would want to fix it if and when they find it

Since no comment expressly identified a specific program to help find/fix data entry errors I thought I would mention one that is quite helpful ---GENMatcher [which as I pointed out has more capability than the error report used by FTM]

I offer no solution to fixing “database structure errors” in FTM, but I would point out there are other types of errors than the ones being discussed-----for example “program design errors” that introduce an “error” that is not in compliance with longstanding Genealogy documentation standards—and there are a few of these also in FTM

Re: Resolved Places Changing?

BurgessDonnelly — 2013-05-17 19:48:28Z

I had an issue a few months ago, where a location I had entered as Boston, Suffolk, County, Massachusetts, USA started showing up as "Louisiana."

It took a couple of compacts, but eventually it cleared up.

Don't know, obviously, if yours is the same/related issue.

Resolved Places Changing?

lbragg — 2013-05-17 19:45:10Z

Has anyone else noticed anything strange in Places - this would be new I think, within the last couple of days. I've been working on some Indiana family and when I went in today all the children had Thomas, Georgia as birthplace. Changed them and added 1870 census to each individual person from with FTM (I'm trying this as an alternative to using Acom to add census data)- then I went to Places to resolve some locations and found 7 resolved Indianas! Tried to re-resolve and compacted but still 7.

Re: Is there a way to check a FTM 2012 file for errors.

barbarajfn — 2013-05-17 17:31:33Z

Thank you.
My errors were all links [that I DID find using my method] so even a "check link" would be nice.

Re: Is there a way to check a FTM 2012 file for errors.

dmossfritch — 2013-05-17 15:04:04Z

I am familiar with and have used GEDMatch occasionally since v1.03 was released nearly a decade ago. However, the software is designed to compare two GEDCOM files, not repair errors to a database structure.

When you wrote " it seems to me that if you have two or three different individuals in your file who are really the same person then your file is in error' you were writing about data entry errors. A data entry error is when the user types '1980' instead of '1880', types the wrong spelling of a name, or enters the same person twice. FTM has a report that can be run where the user can select which data entry errors should be checked for and identified.

On the other hand, an error to the database structure is not user error. For example, after compress failed I discovered a person born in the 1800s was connected as a child to a person born in the 1960s. Checking the original file from which the data had been transferred to FTM I found that link did not exist. I also checked the original GEDCOM used for that transfer (use GENViewer for that) and found the linkage was not in the GEDCOM. I also found other database linkage errors created by FTM when compress failed. Unfortunately, there is no was in FTM to check for errors in the database structure and correct those errors.

Typically database software has options within the software to check for database structure errors, typically with those errors being fixed. Looking at another software on this computer, it has Refresh Data (checks and updates date ranges), Check Field Codes, Check Links, Repair Database Structure, and Compact Database. Those options were designed to check for problems with the database structure and fix problems found. The software contains a separate report that checks for user data entry errors similar to the report found in FTM.

Re: Is there a way to check a FTM 2012 file for errors.

KATHYMARIEANN — 2013-05-17 13:41:14Z

There is a program called GENMatcher that might be helpful in SOME of the areas being discussed in this thread.
It is published by Mud Creek and is very inexpensive
It can be used to compare two different files
It can also be used to find duplicate individuals in one file [somewhat along the lines of the error report in FTM]
It requires that the user create a GEDCOM file

Without getting into the definition of what is an error – it seems to me that if you have two or three different individuals in your file who are really the same person then your file is in error

I use it all the time in addition to using the FTM errors report

A good feature of it [and is a feature that FTM does not have] is that it has a set/table of options that can be individually chosen by the user. As one simple example the user can set birth date options to have the system search and report on people whose birth dates are within X days of one another. That is you can tell it to search on all persons whose names are “the same” [exactly the same of length X or Soundex the same of Length X] and have birth dates that are within say 100 days of each other

You still have to enter your corrections in FTM on by one

I have three Monitors so I can have GenMatcher on one screen, FTM on another screen and then use the third screen to perform searches on the person in question. Works quite well

Re: Is there a way to check a FTM 2012 file for errors.

garnetquigley — 2013-05-17 10:17:06Z

Barbara, while I can not make a ringing endorsement of the methods suggested by Customer Support, their intention is to clear up database corruption, without the user changing the data directly. Not by uploading to other software but by uploading the exported ged/tree back into FTM.

It does appear to work using the ged method. I exported a ged (formatted for FTM2012) from FTM of my 44,000 people tree. Then I reimported the ged back into FTM. The resulting tree as then able to uploaded and linked as a new 44.000 person tree in Ancestry, with no modifications. This is something I have been totally unable to do with the original tree since my database problem began.

However of course my 30,000 pieces of media were not part of the process, so I have no cause to really celebrate. But I do have a 44,000 person data only tree on Ancestry now. Before the export/import I was only able to create 0 person trees on Ancestry from the corrupted FTM2012 database.

But in the end we would all wish for a tool that identifies the point of error/corruption in the database. The methods suggested may fix the corruption, but leave no idea where the corruption was or what it was. And no idea what piece of data may have been lost during the shakeout using these methods.

Re: Suggestions for FTM 2014

LJCzarnik — 2013-05-17 06:16:09Z

Hey, sounds like a neat idea. In some way can do that with tasks / to do, but your idea sounds much 'nicer".

I'd be happy with a Sync that worked ALL THE TIME.

Just added 1 picture and 1 name and changed 2 other names and added sources [Yippee!].

Sync "processed" but NONE of it is in the AMT!

Can't count the number of times we have "rebuilt" the AMT from our FTM at the recommendation of the support people.

FLAME OFF.

Seriously - more detail, control and recoverability in the sync process.

Larry
2013MY16 16:15
Sydney Australia

Suggestions for FTM 2014

cottrellte — 2013-05-17 04:50:37Z

A friend and I were discussing how helpful it would be to have a way to enter information temporarily into FTM. This item would be highlighted in a different color, e.g., green or red, so that it would stand out from other data. When we were able to verify this information, we could click a button that would make the information "permanent" in our file. The different coloring would also "remind" us that we need to do some work on that item.

Often, I find myself writing things down in a notebook that I want to double-check or verify before adding it to my tree in FTM. As genealogist, we all know how easy it is to get sidetracked when researching and forgetting to go back and further check someone. With my suggestion, there would be a reminder that we need to verify something on an item.

Re: Source template for census - digital image

jhodge13 — 2013-05-17 00:55:08Z

Good idea, thanks Curt

Re: Windows 8 & FTM 2005

ginglish1 — 2013-05-16 23:22:27Z

By No Support, I was referring to this note from the Update Link:
http://ftm.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2777/kw/wind...

Note: These versions of Family Tree Maker are not designed to work on Vista or Windows 7 64-bit. Although you may find success using Family Tree Maker on a 64-bit operating system, we cannot offer any support for problems you may encounter in this environment.

Re: Uploaded Ancestry Tree Disappeared.

DavidHassell40 — 2013-05-16 23:06:55Z

Thank you. That may help explain the problem.

It appears that people trying to access my old trees (deleted a few weeks ago) are still receiving the message advising that they are private (and not deleted). I would have thought that it would not take long for Ancestry to take down the old trees?

Re: Entering sources in FTM 2011

bscheickfwc — 2013-05-16 20:54:05Z

Craig, your question might be answered, but what I do is use a recognizable title for the Source Title (your ex. 1901 Canada Census), by editing the source I provide all of the info needed to find it again. I do this so I can have one source for 1901 census, not 50 when used for several places or people (easier to find again).

For Citation Detail, I add how to find the person from the source. For the census example, I use Last name, First name, place, district, roll, etc. so "Stacy, Samuel, Province of Ontario, District, township, page, house, family, line". If it's a book, I put "pp. 480-490" or "Chapter 1, pp 44-60", but if a family is mentioned in a specific section, I'll put "Stacy, pp 44-60" .

For Citation Text I put all of the data, for census I list everybody in the household, their ages, occupation, owned or rented, language, etc. Even if I find a census record by searching for a child, where merging records within FTM will make the citation detail the child's name, I edit it to be the name of the head of household, even if the person is a border. If it's a book, I transcribe the whole section that discusses the family. In some books on family history, this is too long, so I break it up. I didn't used to have the transcriptions, especially if they were long, but found I'd have to go back later so eventually would copy it.

In another example using vital records, where the data is one line, the source will be "Town, State vital records", detail would be 'births', the citation text would be "last name, first, child, date" etc. with names in alphabetical order by last name.

One confusion I still have is how FTM lists the source. Ancestry likes their census records citations to start with "Ancetry.com" but then in the short left pane of source tabs, they all look like Ancestry.com and I can't tell them apart unless I drill down. So, I edit the review of the citation (what FTM shows on screen) so it shows as Census, but leave the source intact for printing.

Informal citations like emails or letters (I have not read the Evidence Explained book but have seen the suggestion), I have a source titled "Email", a citation detail of name, email address, and date received, and a citation text of the email body.

As has been stated, I also like to use many facts, so I'll cite the same citation for event facts for a person's name, birth, residence, occupation, etc. but drilling into the citation text will have all of that data in once place.

Re: Windows 8 & FTM 2005

johnmoore3 — 2013-05-16 20:17:09Z

Thanks for the link but it is strange - I have been using Windows 7 64 bit with out any issues for years

Re: Windows 8 & FTM 2005

ginglish1 — 2013-05-16 20:09:39Z

This support article may help. I understand Windows 8 can be made to work like Window 7. No support for 64 bit windows though.

http://ftm.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/4516/kw/wind...

Re: Is there a way to check a FTM 2012 file for errors.

barbarajfn — 2013-05-16 19:47:12Z

Thanks. That is useful; but I keep having this nagging feeling there was also something else..
Will have to try the mac one; I did have it on my mac long ago but am pretty much windows now; but I do have a mac and will try it.

Re: Is there a way to check a FTM 2012 file for errors.

kj_norway — 2013-05-16 19:29:29Z

Not sure if other have pointed you here:

http://www.tamurajones.net/GEDCOMValidation.xhtml

GEDitCOM for Mac is also a suggestion.