Repairing a Tree File in FTM 2024 & 2019: Complete Guide

If you are working on a damaged tree, it can easily interfere with your genealogy research. This will make it difficult to use the tree. There are a number of reasons that can cause issues, including sudden computer shutdowns, interrupted syncing, malware, and more. To resolve this, you can look for the repair methods provided in this guide before assuming permanent tree damage. It will let you fix common issues and preserve your precious family history data. Keep reading to learn about the various methods of Repairing a tree file in FTM. 

Repairing A Tree File In FTM: Rely On Effective Methods

Here are some of the ways mentioned below through which you can easily repair a tree file in FTM 2019 & 2024. Go through all of them at once:

Compact Your Family Tree File 

With the compaction of the Family Tree Maker file, you can quickly and easily fix minor database errors and improve the performance. Close the file first for better results.​

1. Close your tree first by selecting File>Close.

2. Head to Tools>Compact File.

3. Navigate to your tree file, select it, and click Open.

4. Enable Perform Extended Analysis, then press Compact.

5. Let the process finish. A confirmation message will pop up on your screen showing the percentage by which the file has been reduced.

6. Tap on ok and repeat the compact process till it comes to 0.00%

7. Reopen your tree and check whether the issue is resolved or not.

Download A Fresh Copy From The Ancestry

1. Download from the plan workspace.
2. Open the plan workspace and select the new tree tab.
3. Click Download a tree from Ancestry.
4. Select the tree you want to download, then select Download Tree.
5. When the sync weather report appears, mention a unique name for the new tree, review the sync settings, and click Download.
6. Let the download finish. When it gets complete, a confirmation message will appear, and the new tree will be ready to use.

Using Tree Browser

1. Select View>Tree Browser, or click Select Tree right from the drop-down menu and select Tree Browser.
2. In the left pane, click on Ancestry to see your online trees.
3. Choose the tree you want and click Download Tree.
4. The download will start at the moment. After it finishes, the tree will open automatically in the people’s workspace.

Download Using The Ancestry Sync Icon

1. Click on the Ancestry sync icon from the main toolbar and select Download from Ancestry.
2. Within the Download from Ancestry window, select the tree that you want and click Download Tree.
3. Let the download process complete. Once it is finished, the tree will automatically open in the people’s workspace.

Export And Re-import As A GEDCOM

If you are facing various issues with the tree, exporting it as a GEDCOM and importing it into a new file will help repair the damaged data.

1. Go to File>Export.
2. If a password protection message is showing up on the screen, click Continue.
3. Select the entire file as an export option.
4. Choose GEDCOM as the output format and check all options that are in the included section.
5. Select Other and click ok within the export to GEDCOM dialog box.
6. Head to the folder where you want to save the file, enter a file name, and click save.
7. Import the exported GEDCOM into Family Tree Maker in order to generate a clean tree file.

Conclusion! 

Once you learn the right method for repairing a tree file in FTM 2019 and 2024, things will look seamless and easy to carry forward. By compacting the file, exporting it as GEDCOM, re-importing it, and downloading a fresh copy from Ancestry, you can resolve common database errors and restore your tree. To minimize the risk of future file corruption, compact your tree regularly, create regular backups, and update your software regularly. All this together supports your family history, and you can continue your research with confidence.

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