How to Recover Family Tree Maker Trees After Windows 11 Upgrade
Question details
The user needs to recover missing Family Tree Maker trees and fix backup permission errors after updating their operating system.
- Product
- Family Tree Maker
- Device & OS
- Windows 11
- Scenario
- Accessing or backing up family trees in Family Tree Maker after a recent Windows 11 upgrade.
- Observed behavior
- Saved trees appear to be missing, and the application reports directory or permission errors when attempting to run a backup.
Ensure you are logged into Windows 11 with an administrator account to avoid basic permission issues. It is also recommended to locate your original Family Tree Maker installation media or license information in case a full reinstallation is required.
Verify Installation and Repair Family Tree Maker
Use the Windows Programs and Features tool to confirm the software is still installed correctly and run the built-in repair utility to fix broken paths.
Major operating system upgrades can sometimes corrupt application shortcuts, alter file directory paths, or reset permissions. Running the built-in repair tool can quickly re-register the software and restore access to your files.
Press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box. Type appwiz.cpl and press Enter to view the list of installed programs.
Scroll through the program list to confirm if Family Tree Maker (e.g., version 2017) is still installed on your system.
Search for FTM.exe from the Windows Start menu or locate its original installer. If the installation wizard offers a 'Repair' option, select it rather than 'Remove' to fix any corrupted installation files.
Restart your computer to apply the changes. Open Family Tree Maker and try browsing for your trees to see if they have been successfully restored.
Manage Your Family History Documents with WPS Office
While recovering your Family Tree Maker data, you might need a reliable suite to manage exported family history reports, charts, and text logs. WPS Office is a free, lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office that offers seamless compatibility with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package tailored for Windows 11.
- 2. Install the suite: Run the installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office on your computer.
- 3. Open your documents: Launch WPS Office to effortlessly open, edit, and organize any family history documents or spreadsheets exported from your genealogy software.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my Family Tree Maker trees disappear after the Windows 11 upgrade?
Major OS upgrades can sometimes alter default file directory paths, reset folder permissions, or cause software registry keys to become disconnected, preventing the application from automatically locating your previously saved trees.
Where are Family Tree Maker files usually saved on Windows?
By default, Family Tree Maker saves tree files (with extensions like .ftm or .ftmb) in your user 'Documents' folder under a specific 'Family Tree Maker' subfolder. You can use the Windows File Explorer search bar to look for these file extensions if they are misplaced.
How do I fix the directory and permission errors during backup?
Running the software as an administrator or repairing the installation usually resets the necessary read and write permissions. You can try right-clicking the FTM.exe shortcut and selecting 'Run as administrator' to see if the backup process completes successfully.
