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Is your Family Tree Maker 2017 for Mac unable to connect to the internet? Are you experiencing Ancestry sync problems, online feature errors, or connection issues while using FTM 2017? Connectivity problems can prevent you from accessing important web-based features and syncing your family tree data.

In this guide, we explain the most common causes of connectivity issues in Family Tree Maker 2017 for Mac and provide step-by-step solutions to help restore your connection quickly.

Quick Fix Summary

Before diving into detailed troubleshooting, try these common fixes:

• Enable “Go Online” mode in Family Tree Maker
• Verify your Mac’s date, time, and time zone settings
• Update macOS to the latest available version
• Disable proxy server settings
• Turn off web accelerator software
• Check firewall and security software settings

Why Connectivity Issues Occur in FTM 2017 For Mac

Several factors can cause internet connection problems in Family Tree Maker 2017 for Mac, including:

• Incorrect online settings within FTM
• Wrong date and time configuration
• Outdated macOS versions
• Proxy server interference
• Web accelerator software conflicts
• Firewall or security software restrictions
• Ancestry server authentication issues

Follow the troubleshooting steps below to resolve these problems.

Step 1: Set Up Family Tree Maker to Go Online

If Family Tree Maker is not configured to access the internet, web-based services and online features will not function properly.

To Enable Online Mode:

1. Open Family Tree Maker 2017.
2. Click the File menu.
3. Look at the bottom option in the menu.

And then the bottom option will display one of the two things as shown in the image below.

Option 1: Go Online

If you see Go Online, it means Family Tree Maker is currently offline.

• Click Go Online.
• Allow the software to establish an internet connection.

Option 2: Go Offline

If you see Go Offline, Family Tree Maker is already connected to the internet.

Proceed to the next troubleshooting step.

Step 2: Check Date, Time, and Time Zone Settings

In case the date, time and time zone are not set up correctly on your PC, then FTM will face some authenticating issues with the servers.

So you would need first to adjust the date and time preferences;

Incorrect date and time settings can cause authentication failures between Family Tree Maker and online servers.

To Verify Date and Time Settings:

1. Click the date and time displayed in the upper-right corner of your Mac screen.
2. Select Date & Time Preferences.
3. Confirm that the displayed date and time are accurate.
4. Enable the option:

Set date and time automatically

5. Click the Time Zone tab.
6. Verify that the correct time zone is selected.

After making changes:

• Close Date & Time Preferences.
• Restart Family Tree Maker.
• Check whether the connectivity issue has been resolved.

Tip: Also verify that your router’s date and time settings are correct. Refer to your router manufacturer if necessary.

Step 3: Update macOS

Running an outdated version of macOS can lead to compatibility and connectivity issues with Family Tree Maker and Ancestry services.

To Check for Updates:

1. Click the Apple Menu.
2. Select Software Update or App Store (depending on your macOS version).
3. Install all available updates.
4. Restart your Mac after the update process is complete.

Once updated, reopen Family Tree Maker and test the connection again.

Step 4: Disable Proxy Servers

Proxy servers can interfere with communication between Family Tree Maker and online genealogy services.

To Disable Proxy Settings:

1. Close Family Tree Maker.
2. Click the Apple Menu.
3. Select System Preferences.
4. Click Network.
5. Select your active internet connection (Ethernet or Wi-Fi).
6. Click Advanced.
7. Open the Proxies tab.
8. Uncheck:

• Web Proxy (HTTP)
• Secure Web Proxy (HTTPS)
• SOCKS Proxy

9. Click OK.
10. Click Apply.

Restart Family Tree Maker and check if the problem is fixed.

Step 5: Disable Website Accelerator Software

Website accelerator software is often used with slower internet connections. However, it can interfere with Family Tree Maker’s ability to communicate with online services.

These applications may:

• Cache outdated data
• Compress web content improperly
• Interrupt secure server communication

If you are using web accelerator software, contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for assistance in disabling it.

Step 6: Review Security Software and Firewall Settings

Certain security applications can block Family Tree Maker from making necessary connections to online servers.

To Test This:

1. Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall software.
2. Launch Family Tree Maker.
3. Check whether connectivity has been restored.

If disabling the security software resolves the issue, consult your software vendor for instructions on creating exceptions for Family Tree Maker.

Important: Re-enable your security software after testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Why is Family Tree Maker 2017 not connecting to Ancestry?

Answer: The most common causes include incorrect date and time settings, proxy server configurations, firewall restrictions, or outdated macOS software.

Question: Does Family Tree Maker 2017 still work on Mac?

Answer: Yes. Family Tree Maker 2017 continues to work on compatible Mac systems, although proper internet and system configurations are required for online features.

Question: How do I enable online mode in FTM 2017?

Answer: Open Family Tree Maker, click File, and select Go Online if the option is available.

Question: Can firewall settings block Family Tree Maker?

Answer: Yes. Some antivirus and firewall programs may prevent Family Tree Maker from accessing online services.

Need Help With Family Tree Maker 2017 Connectivity Issues?

If you have followed all the troubleshooting steps above and are still experiencing Family Tree Maker connectivity problems, professional assistance may be required.

At Innovate Concept LLC, our Family Tree Maker specialists help users resolve:

• FTM 2017 internet connection errors
• Ancestry sync problems
• Family Tree Maker installation issues
• Software update failures
• Mac compatibility concerns

Don’t let technical issues interrupt your family history research.

📞 Call Family Tree Maker Support: +1-888-257-3335

💬 Live Chat with a Family Tree Maker Expert

Get personalized assistance and return to building your family tree with confidence.

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