To address FTM (Family Tree Maker) 2019 crashes, it’s important to first understand the common causes and troubleshooting steps that users typically follow. Over the years, Family Tree Maker 2019 has been a valuable tool for genealogists, but like any software, users occasionally experience crashes or performance issues. Fixing these crashes involves identifying whether the problem lies with the software itself, user data, or the system configuration.
One of the most common reasons for FTM 2019 crashes is related to corrupt data files. Family Tree Maker stores data in a database format, and if these files become corrupted, it can cause unexpected behavior, including crashes. A good first step to fix these crashes is to try creating a backup of your file, then restoring it from a previous stable version if available. You can also try rebuilding the tree by using the software’s built-in tools to repair or validate the file, which can help to fix issues that may cause frequent crashes.
Another cause of crashes may be related to system compatibility. FTM 2019 is designed to work with Windows 10 and macOS, but if your computer’s operating system is outdated or not fully compatible with the software, crashes may occur. Ensure that your operating system is up to date with the latest patches installed. For Windows, check for the latest version of DirectX, as graphics-related crashes can often be related to outdated drivers. Additionally, verify that your computer meets the recommended hardware specifications for running FTM 2019.
In some cases, third-party software or background processes can interfere with FTM 2019’s performance. Anti-virus software, in particular, is a known culprit in preventing Family Tree Maker from functioning correctly. Temporarily disabling antivirus programs or adding Family Tree Maker as an exception in the antivirus settings can help resolve this issue. Similarly, running FTM 2019 with administrative privileges can bypass certain security settings that might be causing the crash.
Sometimes, the issue could be caused by a particular feature within Family Tree Maker, such as syncing with an online tree or using certain add-ons. To fix crashes, try disabling or disconnecting any online syncing options temporarily to see if the crash persists. This can help isolate whether the problem lies within the integration of Family Tree Maker with external services, such as Ancestry.
Lastly, software updates can often fix bugs that lead to crashes. If you haven’t updated FTM 2019 recently, ensure you have the latest updates installed. The developers regularly release patches and bug fixes for Family Tree Maker, and installing them can often resolve known issues that might be causing crashes.
If the crashes continue after following these steps, it may be necessary to reinstall the software. A fresh installation of Family Tree Maker can help clear up any lingering issues that are not resolved through other troubleshooting methods. Be sure to back up all your genealogical data before reinstalling the software to avoid data loss.
By following these strategies to fix FTM 2019 crashes, users can often resolve the underlying issues and return to working on their family trees with minimal interruption.