Transferring FTM 2019 (Family Tree Maker 2019) to a new computer is a task that many genealogists encounter when upgrading hardware or switching devices. Family Tree Maker is a popular genealogy software that helps users create, organize, and share their family history. However, moving this software and its associated data from one computer to another requires careful steps to ensure that no information is lost and the program continues to function properly.
First, before starting the transfer process, it’s important to back up all the essential data on the old computer. This includes your Family Tree Maker files, which are stored in a specific format (usually .ftmb). To find these, open the program and go to the “File” menu, selecting “Backup” to create a comprehensive copy of your work. Make sure to store this backup in a location that is accessible from your new computer—this can be an external hard drive, cloud storage like Dropbox, or a USB flash drive. This step is crucial because it ensures that all your family history research, including media files, citations, and tree structures, is safely transferred with FTM 2019.
Next, to transfer FTM 2019 to a new computer, you’ll need to install the software on the new machine. If you no longer have the original installation file, you can download the latest version from the official Family Tree Maker website, provided that you have your license key or account information. If you purchased the software through MacKiev, the company that currently owns and maintains Family Tree Maker, you can log in to your account and access the download section. Once the download is complete, follow the prompts to install FTM 2019.
After installing the software, the next step is to restore your backed-up family tree data. Open FTM 2019 on the new computer and choose “Restore” from the “File” menu. This will allow you to import the backup you created earlier. Be sure to select the correct backup file that contains all of your tree data, including media files and notes. Once the restoration process is complete, your family tree should be fully functional and appear exactly as it did on the old machine.
One potential issue during the transfer of FTM 2019 to a new computer is ensuring compatibility with linked services such as Ancestry.com. If you had your tree linked to Ancestry or other online genealogy platforms, you may need to re-link your account after transferring the software and data. In some cases, you will also need to re-sync your tree, which allows the data in Family Tree Maker to stay up-to-date with any changes made online. Be sure to check that the sync function is working properly after the transfer to avoid losing any important updates.
Finally, after the successful transfer, it’s wise to keep a regular backup routine in place to safeguard your genealogy work. Family Tree Maker 2019 allows users to schedule automatic backups, which is especially useful when working with large trees or extensive media collections. By enabling automatic backups, you can ensure that your data is always protected, even if something happens to your new computer down the line.
In conclusion, transferring FTM 2019 to a new computer involves a few crucial steps: backing up your data, installing the software on the new device, restoring your family tree, and checking for compatibility with linked services. By carefully following these steps, you can ensure that all your genealogical research is preserved and continues seamlessly on your new machine.