Old Family Tree Maker files

Richard53

I did a lot of work on my family history in the 1990s, using a 'borrowed' version of Family Tree Maker. The computer it was installed on is long gone, but I have the data files stored. (.FTW and .FBK) I understand that there is a modern version of FTM retailing for £60. I am happy to pay to get a program that will work, but it seems that my old .FTW files are not compatible with the newest version of the software. Mackiev provide a solution by converting the files through an intermediate version of FTM, but I was wondering if there were a simpler way. If I can convert the files to GEDCOM format, can I use them in any genealogy software (i.e. free versions)? If so, any ideas how it is done? Or should I just stick with FTM?

Thanks for any observations or suggestions.

ftmuser

Sign up to Family Tree forum website and someone there may be able to help you .

ftmuser

If you sign up to the Family Tree Forum website they may be able to help you.
Worth a try.

Richard53

Thank you. I'm fairly sure I can do the conversions if necessary. My question was really if it is worthwhile to stick with FTM (which I really liked as a program) or better to convert the files to GEDCOM and use any available (paid and free) software. Stick with what you know (at a price) or convert to a universal format and see what's out there? I suppose nobody can answer that for me, but any observations on the available software or how to convert .FTW files to GEDCOM would be great.

Many thanks for replying.

Farway

I do not use FTM, but from what I have read Ancestry are pulling the plug in 2017

FTM will convert to gedcom, but a quick search shows some other programmes can import direct FTW data, I think Legacy is one & Rootmagic may be others

I have older FTM prog, if you trust me PM me & I will attempt to convert your FTM into gedcom for you, this will of course mean I will be able to see all your FH

Perhaps search web for "free" FTM old version?

Richard53

I'm not sure about the status of FTM. It looks as though a firm called Mackiev are taking it over from Ancestry, and the program is still for sale, although the pages about it are undated and I am a bit wary of sending £60 for something that may be no longer supported.

I think converting the files to GEDCOM and using a different program might be the best long-term answer. I will send you a PM shortly. I appreciate your very kind offer.

Richard53

Farway, could you please send me a PM? I have been trying to send one to you but nothing appears in my sent items folder and I don't think they have been sent. Thanks.

(Edit: see below.)

DoaM

I'm not sure, but don't PMs stay in your Outbox until the recipients have read them?

Richard53

DoaM wrote: »

I'm not sure, but don't PMs stay in your Outbox until the recipients have read them?

Ah, that would make sense. I don't use the PM a lot. (The only options I can see are Inbox and Sent Items.) Poor old Farway has a couple of things to read, then!

Thank you for the help.

Farway

I have seen the PMs now, I only use desktop PC in the afternoon, not a smart phone or suchlike for web

Farway

Richard, gedcoms on the way back to you

for info of others, Rootsmagic, free, does the job

http://files.rootsmagic.com/RM7Setup.exe

Richard, I suggest you find another FH programme, have a look at http://www.cyndislist.com/ and browse through for a possible replacement

I use Brothers Keeper, shareware, but many more are around