Knowledge Base - Software MacKiev

Couple of articles about Software MacKiev

• How to Change your Cookie Settings (07 Jun 2018)
• Privacy Policy for Software MacKiev (25 May 2018)
• FTM 2017 CO-PILOT PROGRAM (23 July 2017)

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Copyright © 2018 by Cousin Russ

Family Tree Maker - Technical Support - Live Chat

Never thought to blog about this, sorry to take so long.

If you have a problem with Family Tree Maker, the first place to visit is the Live Chat that Software MacKiev provides.

The Live Chat Hours are currently open 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a week.

It is not a telephone number, but is probably better than a telephone call, because you can set up a Transcript of the Live Chat "conversation".

This is the Live Chat screen, and in the lower right is a conversation I am having now. And the End of my Chat, I will receive that transcript with the steps I may need to do, following our conversatoin.

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Copyright © 2017 by H R Worthington

What's YOUR Plan for FTM2017 ?

While we await the Software MacKiev team continue to test FTM2017, have you thought about Planning what are YOU might be doing to prepare for it's release ?

Used with permission from Software MacKiev

Actually, I thought I would share mine, based on what I have seen on the support.familytreemaker.com website.

• Make an inventory of ALL of my Family Tree Maker FILES on my computer
• Make an inventory of ALL of my Linked Ancestry Member Trees (AMT)
• I have a Desktop and a Laptop so, on that 2nd item, Identify WHICH computer is linked to which Ancestry Member Tree
• I have done this, but my inventory needs to be updated
• Within the FILES, I need to identify what Version of Family Tree Maker last opened that file
• For the older files, do I have THAT file in FTM2014.1 ?

So, getting the inventory of what I have to work with. EXCEL works for me. I have NOT done anything to these files at all, just gathering my inventory

When I open or close of my FILE, I do NOT just Exit or use the red X in the upper right to close the Program down. File Close, and File Exist.

• Review the Inventory and MARK which FILES can be ARCHIVED, meaning I already have a Back Up AND it's in FTM2014.1 already
• Inventory ALL of the BackUp files. Making a distinction between a manual BackUp and an Automatic BackUp. (the filename will include Auto Back Up, unless you removed that). The Automatic BackUp does not include Media Files
• Open Each of your "new" working list in FTM2014.1, one at a time
• Go to Tools, Compact AND BackUp that file, ALL check marks
• Mine will be to an External Drive

Now, ARCHIVE ALL of those files you marked to be inventoried BUT those files that you have in FTM2014.1, Hopefully, to an external drive, JUST IN CASE.

• In the Plan Workspace, use the Link to View the AMT from that Link
• Check the number of Profiles between the File and the Tree
• Check the number of Gallery Items in your Tree, and the number of Media Files in the Media Workspace

You can skip those steps if you do NOT have a Linked AMT. But you want to make sure that the File on your computer links to the Ancestry Member Tree.

Next, review, in the Plan Workspace, under "Start a new tree" and select Download a Tree from Ancestry. Check that list against your Inventory of Files (on your computer) and Trees (on Ancestry). See if you are missing any files. If you are missing a file, use the Export button, to download the Tree from Ancestry. MARK that file in your inventory. Suggest that you do something about that File LAST. I am guessing that you will have some clean up work to do.

You have your Working Files and it's Media Folders all in one place and you know what you have. You have a BackUp of EACH of them, on that external drive that can be restored if needed. You should be good to go.

Now, if you still have some time left, do a spot check of File, Restore from BackUp. This would be a file and folder that you can delete. When you are offered what the File Name should be when you restore, I add -Restored at the end

Master_2014-1_1510-2017-04-13-Restored

The Back file will have everything but -Restored so all you have to do is to add that. That makes it easier to Delete File and the Media Folder. For me, I will Archive that as well to my Archive External Drive.

Now you can prioritize the order in which you want to bring these files into FTM2017.

Things to think about:

• Make another BackUp and use  a SMALL file to test out the FamilySync™ feature
• Look at the information in EACH of the Workspaces
• Plan
• People - Tree View
• People - Person View
• Places
• Media
• Media - by Category
• Source
• Citations
• Publish
• Publish - Saved Reports if you have them
• Publish - Books, if you have created any
• Look in the Help Menu for any NEW items in the Help Menu

Notice, I didn't say anything about New Features. What you are looking for is any problems in your File that you might have found during the new FamilySync™ feature. Remember, you have a BackUp..

• Make ONE, small change, in that "test" file, maybe the real file and do a SyncNow
• Review as you did before.

Think of this as a test file and don't panic. Remember, if you follow my suggestions, you have at least Two (2) Back Ups.

IF there is an issue, don't ask me, don't go to FaceBook, go IMMEDIATELY to

support.familytreemaker.com

and let them know, EXACTLY what you did, what you saw, Verify in the Help, About Family Tree Maker and the Version number, include the last four numbers that you will see (FTM2014.1 .... 1510)

You could report a Bug on that website, you could have a Chat with them, but let Software MacKiev know that you have a problem. Posting those problem here or on Facebook is not the right place to get help.

This may look like a lot of work, and it is, but for me to plan this out, ahead of time will help me in the long run.

Because I teach creating and using Files and Trees, I have a lot on my list. Probably 25 or 30. At the End of this project, I will clean all of that up. Then I can get back to my research

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Copyright © 2017 by H R Worthington

RELEASE OF FTM 2017

I invite you to get the current status of FTM2017 on the Software MacKiev / familytreemaker.com  website:

https://support.mackiev.com/498640-RELEASE-OF-FTM-2017

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Copyright © 2017 by H R Worthington

Family Tree Maker 2017 FAQ

Here is a link to the FTM2017 Frequently Asked Questions at Software MacKiev

https://support.mackiev.com/856847-Family-Tree-Maker-2017-FAQ
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Copyright © 2017 by H R Worthington

FamilySync to replace TreeSync in FTM 2017

The retirement of Ancestry's TreeSync® and its replacement with Software MacKiev's FamilySync™ was announced concurrently by both companies.

If you want to read most about this topic, please visit the Sofware MacKiev's Website

https://support.mackiev.com/244426-FamilySync-to-replace-TreeSync-in-FTM-2017

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Copyright © 2017 by H R Worthington

Software MacKiev introduces FamilySync™

Software MacKiev introduces FamilySync™

The blog will be posted on Wednesday, March 15^th or Monday March 20^th. TreeSync retirement is Wednesday, March 29, 2017.

Last year, we announced the purchase of Family Tree Maker desktop software by Software MacKiev and because we wanted to make the transition to a new owner as smooth as possible, we committed at least a year of customer and product support.  The goal has always been to maintain the capability to share your family tree data between files on your computer with your personal Ancestry online trees. We’ve been hard at work co-developing a new Ancestry gateway with Software MacKiev to use in their Family Tree Maker 2017, which will be available soon.  We believe Software MacKiev continues to deliver the best value to users of Family Tree Maker with their focus and expertise in software solutions.   

What you should know:

·         TreeSync will be replaced by Software MacKiev’s FamilySync™.  In the new FamilySync, Ancestry’s search, merge, and Ancestry hints will all work as they do now for users who sync with their Ancestry trees and you can also look forward to more exciting new improvements.

·         FamilySync will be available only in Software MacKiev’s Family Tree Maker 2017 edition, which will be released on March 31, 2017.

The upgrade is free for all users who purchased a copy of a MacKiev Family Tree Maker edition since March 1, 2016. Those with previous Ancestry editions, or who got a free copy of Family Tree Maker 2014.1 or Mac 3.1, are eligible for discounted upgrades. The pre-order upgrade is $29.95 for those who sign up for Software MacKiev’s mailing list before March 29 and the upgrade will continue to be a discounted price ($39.95) for a limited time after March 29.

·         Between Wednesday, March 29 and Friday, March 31, there will be a short period where syncing functionality may be interrupted as Software MacKiev rolls out their new syncing technology.  

·         As of March 29, 2017, Ancestry will no longer be supporting TreeSync, given the introduction of Software MacKiev’s FamilySync™.  Software MacKiev will continue to handle all related customer questions for Family Tree Maker.  Visit Software MacKiev’s Family Tree Maker Support Center at support.familytreemaker.com if you have questions.

For additional information, news and discounted upgrade offers for Family Tree Maker, visit www.familytreemaker.com.

Family Tree Maker 2017

COMING MARCH 2017 

Family Tree Maker 2017 for Mac and Windows. 

NEW FEATURES 

Introducing Family Tree Maker 2017 

After six years developing Family Tree Maker for Mac, we took over as publisher a year ago, right before RootsTech 2016 and now a year later, we are happy to present Family Tree Maker 2017, shipping this March. Here's some of what you can expect: 

Family Search - Searching, matching & merging. 
FamilySearch is integrated into FTM 2017 so you can get match suggestions automatically, search billions of 
free online records and merge them into your tree. 

FamilySync - An upgrade from TreeSync.
FamilySync is our version of the new technology replacing TreeSync. Families will love the new ability 
to sync multiple copies of FTM to one Ancestry tree. 

Colour Coding - Tracing your past. 
Get organised and gain insights into your family history using our new colour coding and filter tools 
with up to four colours at a time on a single person. 

Photo Darkroom - Elegantly simple editing tools. 
Powerful but easy to use tools that in just a few clicks can take an Old photo faded beyond recognition and 
restore it to look like it did the day it was printed. 

MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Macintosh: macOS 10.9 or later including 10.12 Sierra, any Intel-based iMac,

5OO MB hard disk space. 2 GB of RAM. 
Windows 7 and later, including Windows 10. 675 MB hard disk 
space, 2 GB of RAM. 1024 x 768 resolution.

FAMILY TREE MAKER® - How to get a Copy

From the MacKiev Family Tree Maker Newsletter:

HOW TO GET A COPY OF FTM

As you probably know, we have published updated versions of Ancestry's latest editions which we call FTM 2014.1 and Mac 3.1. You can find out how to get a copy below. Where you go depends on what Family Tree Maker edition you currently have:

• Users of FTM 2014 and Mac 3
Free updates are coming very soon. If your copy is working well, just hang in there, and we'll notify you as soon as the updates are available. If however, you are experiencing problems with your copy of FTM, you can get the latest build right now for free. See “Getting a Replacement Copy”. Go to support.familytreemaker.com.

• Users of older FTM editions
No matter how old your copy of FTM is, or whether it's running on Windows or Mac, you can download an upgrade for $29.95 (vs. $69.95 regular price) until the end of 2016. Sign up for the Family Tree Maker mailing list at www.familytreemaker.com to take advantage of this limited-time upgrade offer which ends December 31st.

• New users
If you have never owned a copy of Family Tree Maker before, you can download a full edition from our online store for $69.95 by going to www.familytreemaker.com and clicking the Store button. You can purchase a download with or without a hard copy on CD or on a USB drive. And on startup, you'll get an offer for a 14-Day free trial you can use to search all US records on Ancestry.com.

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Family Tree Maker - GETTING TECHNICAL SUPPORT

From the MacKiev Family Tree Maker Newsletter:

GETTING TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Software MacKiev is now supporting all versions of Family Tree Maker for both Mac and Windows, though Ancestry will continue to assist us behind the scenes through the end of 2016 and beyond.

Where to Get Technical Support

Companion Guide. 
The first stop for learning how to use features of Family Tree Maker is the Companion Guide which contains step by step instructions for everything you might want to do. You can open the guide from the Help menu while running Family Tree Maker.

Knowledge Base.
We have hundreds of helpful articles posted on our support site on a variety of topics that will be of interest to all users, and can help solve problems. To get to the knowledge base, just go to support.familytreemaker.com.

Support Requests. 
If you don't find what you need in the Knowledge Base articles (at support.familytreemaker.com) just click the link for “additional support” at the bottom of the page and you will see the Technical Support request form. Typically we'll be getting back to you by email in 2 days or less.

Live Chat. 
When you file a Support Request between the hours of 6am and 6pm EST (7 days a week), you will have an option to have a live chat with an experienced support agent. This can be very helpful for urgent issues or those that would be easier as a discussion than an email exchange.

Facebook Group. 
There are excellent unofficial but very active Facebook groups which you might want to consider joining. They have many very experienced users who are generous in sharing their time and wisdom to help other users solve problems and learn new tricks.

Replacement Copies.
We have set up an online Replacement Center which is always open. The Center provides free replacements for those with FTM 2014 or Mac 3 and later, and discounted upgrade replacements for older editions. If you are a registered user and find yourself needing a fresh copy, then have a look at “Getting a Replacement Copy” Go to support.familytreemaker.com.

FAMILY TREE MAKER - HOME PAGE LINKS

From the MacKiev Family Tree Maker Newsletter:

FAMILY TREE MAKER - HOME PAGE LINKS
Almost everything you will need to know can be found on our Family Tree Maker home page.

Home Page: www.familytreemaker.com.

Links on the home page include:

• FAQ – Find answers to the most frequently
asked questions.

• Feedback – Let us know what we're doing
right and what to improve.

• Report a Bug – Tell us what you think needs
to be fixed.

• Suggest a Feature – What you would like to
see in our next edition?

• Beta Tester Signup – Volunteer to help us
test upcoming editions

• Gift Collection – Perfect gifts for the family
historian.

Any Questions?
If you have questions for us, please first read our FAQ as we've tried to answer the most common ones there. If you don't find the answer you are looking for, please send your question through our Feedback Form which you'll find on our FTM Home Page (see above). 

Family Tree Maker - GETTING A REPLACEMENT COPY

From the MacKiev Family Tree Maker Newsletter:

GETTING A REPLACEMENT COPY
For any users needing a replacement for FTM 2014 or Mac 3, we have set up a completely automated online Replacement Center. Whether you've had a hard drive crash, are moving to a new computer, or just need to reinstall FTM but your activation code doesn't work anymore, you can use the Replacement Center 24 hours a day to get a fresh copy. Here's how:

Getting a Replacement Download
1. Go to support.familytreemaker.com.
2. Click "for additional assistance" at the bottom of the page.
3. Click the Replacement Center tile.

The Replacement Center checks that you have a copy of FTM 2014 or Mac 3 registered with Ancestry and then provides you with a free fresh link by email. You will also be given an option to purchase a backup disc for $10 or our new natural wood USB backup drive for $14. Note that what you get will be a full free-standing installer, so it won't be looking for your old copy, a disc, or anything else.

You will also notice that the replacement copy installer doesn't ask you for an activation code. That's because we don't use them. Why? Well, we don't like them ourselves, so we decided a long time ago we weren't going to torment our customers with them. Instead, we use this old-fashioned thing called the honor system. It's been working pretty well for us for more than two decades now, so don't expect us to be changing that any time soon.

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FAMILY TREE MAKER - HOLIDAY NEWS

From MacKiev Software

FAMILY TREE MAKER - HOLIDAY NEWS

The newsletter below went out yesterday to users of older editions of Family Tree Maker (FTM 2012 and Mac 2 and older) who had signed up for the FTM mailing list. If you are on the mailing list and have version FTM 2014 or Mac 3 or later, you will get your newsletter next week with news especially for you, so please be patient. If you are not on the mailing list, please join at www.familytreemaker.com. Thanks and Happy Holidays everyone!

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FAMILY TREE MAKER News - Holiday Edition
As you settle in for some holiday cheer, here's our last news for 2016.

NEED AN EXCUSE TO UPGRADE?

If you've been trying hard to resist upgrading to the new MacKiev edition, well quick, cover your eyes, close this email or just jump to the next article, because we are about to share three potentially irresistible reasons to make your move:

• You will be able to continue syncing into 2017 and beyond

• You will get a copy of a new edition coming in 2017 — for FREE

So if you haven't upgraded yet from your older Ancestry edition of Family Tree Maker (FTM 2012 or Mac 2 and older), and you've read this far, no more excuses. See “How to Get a Copy of FTM” below to learn more.

YES, YOU CAN TAKE IT WITH YOU

Here's the situation. You're upgrading to our new edition of Family Tree Maker and you have your tree still linked to your old edition. Well there's one thing you should NOT do — and that's to break that link and re‐download your tree. Because now you can take your link with you. When you open your tree in our edition, the link will move (somewhat magically if you ask me) right along with the tree. No need to break links or re‐download. It just works.

WILL SYNC STILL WORK ON NEW YEARS DAY?

Relax. TreeSync® won't stop working at the stroke of midnight on New Years Eve. It will still be retired at some point in the not too distant future, but before that happens, new syncing technology will be available to replace it. And that means syncing as we know it for FTM is going to live on into 2017 and beyond. So stop worrying about what happens at the end of the year. As long as you've purchased a MacKiev edition, syncing, search, and Ancestry's shaky leaf hints are all here to stay.

THE DOCTOR IS IN, MORE OFTEN

If you're an early bird in the US, you'll be pleased to know that we've added three more morning hours to our live chat support service, now open from 6am‐6pm, 7 days a week. We still offer email support and you'll find hundreds of useful articles in our Support Center. But when your research can't wait, there's nothing like a live agent to walk you through the steps. See “Getting Technical Support”, below.

Here's hoping you have a great holiday time with family and friends, and I can hardly wait to share what's coming in the new year. But that will just have to wait for the next edition of Family Tree Maker News.

Stay tuned!

JACK

Jack Minsky
President
Software MacKiev

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Where to get help at MacKiev.com

I thought I would type a blog post on where to get help on the Family Tree Maker website. Please note that if you go to familytreemaker.com you will be re-directed to http://www.mackiev.com/ftm/ which is a very good thing. Your old bookmarks for Family Tree Maker will get you to where you need to be. Here

I have hi-lighted a couple of links on the page to be sure you check. The Family Tree Maker link on the Left, the Support Link, upper right, and the LINKS just above Discover your family story.

I may post more about the FAQ page, but you WANT to be on their Mailing List. I have tried to cross post the Newsletter but I am unable to. So, sign up.

FeedBack and Report a Bug are the next two links followed by Suggest a Feature.

They also have a link, if you are interested it being a Beta Tester for the program. This is an important opportunity to help Software MacKiev give is a great program once the "next" update or version is made available.

Finally, the System Requirements page. Most computers today meet those requirements, but it's worth a minute to make sure you computer meets those requirements.


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Copyright © 2016 by H R Worthington

Getting a replacement copy (post on Facebook)

I don't normally do this, but if you are a Family Tree Maker user and are not on Facebook, this might be of interest to you;

A post on Facebook

GETTING A REPLACEMENT COPY

For any users needing a replacement for FTM 2014 or Mac 3, we have set up a completely automated online Replacement Center. Whether you've had a hard drive crash, are moving to a new computer, or just need to reinstall FTM but your activation code doesn't work anymore, you can use the Replacement Center 24 hours a day to get a fresh copy. Here's how:

Getting a Replacement Download
1. Go to support.familytreemaker.com
2. Click "for additional assistance" at the bottom of the page.
3. Click the Replacement Center tile.

The Replacement Center checks that you have a copy of FTM 2014 or Mac 3 registered with Ancestry and then provides you with a free fresh link by email. You will also be given an option to purchase a backup disc for $10 or a USB backup drive for $14. Note that what you get will be a full free-standing installer, so it won't be looking for your old copy, a disc, or anything else.

You will also notice that the replacement copy installer doesn't ask you for an activation code. That's because we don't use them. Why? Well, we don't like them ourselves, so we decided a long time ago we weren't going to torment our customers with them. Instead, we use this old-fashioned thing called the honor system. It's been working pretty well for us for more than two decades now, so don't expect us to be changing that any time soon