I've been enjoying FTM 2008 for a couple weeks with enthusiasm, but it crashes very frequently.

It freezes often when merging data from a record found online. Usually just restarting and going through the merge process again will keep the process going.

But I'm having much trouble now adding Sources. For example, when adding a new source for a new document I've found, the program quits and sends a crash report to Microsoft.

Specifically, when on the People->person->facts page, I add a new fact (e.g., birth info), and then hit the new source button, I get the 'add new source' popup without trouble. (though often in the list of sources I don't see some sources I've added manually). Then I type in the "Source Title" and some "Citation Detail" and hit OK, the whole program quits instantly and offer to send crash info to Microsoft. This is a highly consistent crash.

I don't mind the crashes as much as the inability to document my sources!

I have applied at least one patch and comapacted my data.

Any ideas?

I agree the program has a problem with either memory utilities (added, removing, defining) or DB Stuff cause I agree you can not add more them 5 - 10 sources or any other function without it crashing. It is what I want call a leaking program and I am hoping that sp3 will address some of these problems. I am using it and it appears that other then being a pain the crashes are not messing with data or anyhting but it is not a good thing and a program that you pay for should not crash 1/10 the amount of times this one does. The have cell Internet also and it appears to have a lot of problem with losing internet connections as well.

Thanks,

Mike

P.S. Do not even make the comment to call tech support becuase first of all they would be clueless and second been there done that.

I, too, have been using '08 for a couple weeks now. I had problems with the new source dialogue originally when I tried to copy/paste a source title as I had done before in version 16. The program would shut down immediately.

I have started using Edit/Manage Sources first and either editing a previous source or creating a new one (whichever I happen to be doing at the time). Then when I go to use the source in the program, I click the new source button and type the first couple digits/letters of the source to see it pop up in the box (or close to it). Then I use the drag down arrow to get to the source itself.
So far it has worked perfectly this way.

Hope this helps.

Sorry to have to welcome you to the Crash Club.

My FTM 2008 crashes any time I try to add a Source. It initially let me add several Sources before crashing; then got progressively worse until I now can't add even 1 Source w/o the program crashing.

I've talked to tech support numerous times and even uploaded my data file to them for testing. They claim it doesn't crash for them, but I've got FTM 2008 installed on 2 different pcs here and it does the same on both.

I'm still using FTM v16 for now but am watching for postings on other potential programs. I did download a trial version of Roots Magic. It migrated my FTM v16 file but didn't bring over any details for the Sources; just the Source titles. So that won't work.

I hate to bail out on FTM as I've used them from the start, but I know I can't use v16 forever.

I am having the same problems. The programme constantly freezes and crashes. Support is only available limited hours. I have phoned for support on three occasions – had to hold 40 minutes for a support assistant only to be told it was a technical problem and they would transfer me – another 20 minutes and another support person – no solution. I have sent emails explaining the problem only to be told it must be my computer. Web searching through FTM is a great feature but I cannot merge data (eg census images) into FTM on my computer. I can however add the images to my family tree on Ancestry.com. This feature did work but suddenly stopped – I am a member of Ancestry.com but am locked out from merging images. I have tried turning the Virus protection off as suggestesd but it still does not work.

The charts on the new programme are also disappointing compared to other genealogy software – is there another programme that can be run with Family Tree Maker with better charts and reports?

It is exceptionally slow - it is a pity it does not come with a money back guarantee.

Well I guess I am in the club now. I have installed the software on both of mysystem only to have the same problem. II can not even get my system to open the file after I merge my FTM16 file. I keep getting an error with the send to MS.

It is a pain in the you know what. I am so affraid that my data is being distroyed. Has anyone come upwith a fix or do I need to also wait on Roots Magic to release their new version.

Someone else reported that he was able to cure that particular problem with an update to the .NET framework. Are you receiving automatic updates? If not, try running the Windows Update and see if there is a .NET update available for you.

SOMEONE !1!!!!.....
MY POST WAS REMOVED .... !!!!

SIGN ....SOMEONE


After locating numerous error under the Event Viewer

1. Right click on "My Computer"
2. Click on "Manage"
3. Make sure System Tools tree is open
4. Click "Event Viewer"
5. Double Click "Application" -- you should see some red "X"s for the crash
6. Double Click the event where the source is "Family Tree Maker." (It should be near the top of the list if you just recreated the issue)

and finding errors with .NET Runtime 2.0 Error Reporting, I located and downloaded and installed Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 Service Pack 1 (KB110806).

Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 Service Pack 1 (KB110806)

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=085...



This instantly resolved my FTW 2008 - SHUTTING DOWN issues ... and I am up and working now.

Hi Mike!

I searched for your old message to credit you but I couldn't find it.

(I don't think you're solicitation was allowed)

Yes, all 4 of your original messages were removed for violating the Community Guidelines (link at the bottom of this page).
Also read this:
http://boards.rootsweb.com/topics.software.famtreemaker/3698...

Brynne Holland
FTM board admin

Sigh. Yet another case of "I haven't updated Windows in a long time... it must be THIS PROGRAMS fault."

I see all this crash stuff posted here, but I update Windows regularly, and I don't get crashes, at all. Not once with FTM 08.

Features, sure it can use features, but if Windows is up to date, its stable (albeit slower than other GEDCOM related programs)

I'm happy that you update Windows regularly and have no problem with FTM 2008.

I, for one, strive to keep drivers and programs up to date but still can't use FTM2008 because it crashes. Of course it only crashes if I wish to add a Source. So I suppose I could keep working on entering data as long as I don't add a Source.

So it's undoubtably a false generalization if one states that all users of FTM2008 that have crashes also do not update Windows regularly.

Likewise it's probably untrue that all users of FTM2008 that don't have crashes always update Windows regularly.

So don't get too full of yourself because you have your updates done regularly; there's others out here that also do that. And some of those others have FTM2008 crash problems.

I wasn't intending to be "full of myself", my apologies for coming off that way. Albeit poorly, I was actually attempting to help, as updating the .net framework has worked for the majority of people in your situation.

If it doesn't help, a bit more information, and I might be able to come up with a workable solution. I'm not affiliated with ancestry.com or family tree maker, other than a customer, but my friends know me as the friendly and helpful computer geek.

Here's what you're going to need to do to get me some food to work with to come up with a solution.

1. Right-Click on My Computer and select Manage
2. Click the arrow next to Event Viewer
3. Click the arrow next to Windows Logs
4. Click on Application
5. Find the latest crash caused by FTM in the list, and select it (It'll probably be listed as Application Error under the heading Source)
6. Copy the contents of the box at the bottom, and reply with that. It should say what faulted in what exe or dll.

Here's an example of what the box might read...
"Faulting application LOnline.exe, version 1.0.0.3, time stamp 0x470483e5, faulting module kernel32.dll, version 6.0.6001.17128, time stamp 0x477b3d97, exception code 0xe06d7363, fault offset 0x000442eb, process id 0xad0, application start time 0x01c86dcbcd9835d6."

If the log is empty, or only has old entries, your System Event Notification Service was disabled. It should (in my opinion) be left enabled to help find the cause of problems when things crash. In this instance, at least enable it, make FTM crash again, get the event info, then you can disable it again (if you want to).

I haven't used FTM2008 in some time for obvious reasons. When trying to resolve the issue, I recall looking at the Error Logs and found, as I recall, two or perhaps 3 files relating to FTM2008 crashes.

That must not have been exactly where you are directing me as it listed the events and had files of information relating to the events.

Unfortunately they were file types that were not recognizable to me, nor was I able to open them. I recall one was over 50 or 100 mb and one was <20 mb. That smaller file I actually sent to FTM2008 tech support.

I don't recall getting any direct reply relating to that file so I presumed it either was of no help or perhaps they couldn't open it either.

I still have FTM2008 installed so I might again try using it and follow your steps when it crashes. Although to get to that point, I'd have to migrate a V16 copy or create a new file to test the theory. I shouldn't have been so neat as to delete the previous FTM2008 files.

The dump files themselves are of no help to anyone but those with debugging capabilities, which would be the makers only. (I'm pretty sure they don't want us decompiling their program.)

That little box I mentioned (as did another person) tells info that can be used by most any trouble-shooter worth their salt, and with it, those of us can at least try to help more.

The dump files (found in the same place) are just what's in memory at the time of crash, and its beyond me to know a legal way to use the dumps to assist with the crash.

The description of the problem (in the text box right by where you can get the dump info in the event viewer) usually says what blew up where, and from there, MS's DevNet helps with pinpointing from there.

Mike,
I have also been having routine crashes when working with sources. I had hoped your recommendation to install .Net Framework 2.0 patch would help. When I tried installing 2.0 I got the message that it was already installed on my computer. So I downloaded and installed the 3.0 and 3.5 patches which were on the same site. Then I opened FTM, went to Sources and tried to link a media file to a source -- CRASH!! No change. I guess I will have to keep waiting patiently (Hah!) for the FTM programmers to get their act together.

Thanks for the suggestion anyway.
George

what version of VIRUS program are you using ???

I wonder if you might attempt to check if that might be the problem ?... I had the same problem ...I hope you are not GODly... but if I told you home many times I used some words with FTM2008. NOT SURE if I like the fact that everytime I open it up it goes ONLINE.

Look I feel for you ...

After doing somethings ... not sure all what I did ...but will have to try to recreate on another computer. I can now add new sources ... I have been working on my tree for 10 plus years and about 5000 plus names... and adding many sources....sometimes about 30 plus per name.

try to disable your VIRUS program. I believe the fact that the program has to go online might be an issue.

Mike

I too have fallen victim to the frightening problem of no longer being able to add sources to FTM 2008 without the program crashing. Frustration is a complete understatement as this software is useless without the capability to add, and/or merge, sources. Crashing is one thing, but not allowing the linking of new source citations is unacceptable.

I am computer literate and have been running FTM 2008 for nearly 2 months without incident, on both Windows XP and Vista machines. FTM SP2 was applied immediately following the initial installation, and my computers are 100% updated and patched. All things being equal, and then FTM began crashing on both machines. The Windows Application Event Viewer sources a .NET Runtime 2.0 Error so I went ahead and incrementally uninstalled, tested, and reinstalled revisions of the .NET framework. The crashing continues, I've ruled out any possible connection with Anti-Virus software, and I'm at my wit's end in disgust. I now fear for the integrity of the database which I've poured blood, sweat, tears, and thousands of hours into creating!

because this program ALWAYS goes ONLINE when you open it up ... I then wonder if it is at the programers end that is crashes the program !!!!!!!!!!!

This is what I have in my log.

The description for Event ID 1000 from source Application Error cannot be found. Either the component that raises this event is not installed on your local computer or the installation is corrupted. You can install or repair the component on the local computer.

If the event originated on another computer, the display information had to be saved with the event.

The following information was included with the event:

FTM.exe
17.0.0.559
47437fdf
KERNEL32.dll
6.0.6000.16386
4549be94
e053534f
00023843

The substitution string for insert index (%1) could not be found

Fault bucket 601324568, type 1
Event Name: APPCRASH
Response: None
Cab Id: 0

Problem signature:
P1: FTM.exe
P2: 17.0.0.559
P3: 47437fdf
P4: KERNEL32.dll
P5: 6.0.6000.16386
P6: 4549be94
P7: e053534f
P8: 00023843
P9:
P10:

I am using Trend Micro PC Cillin and I closed it and then installed the software.

Too bad our problems are not solved by simple tweaks to anti-virus or security software. I firmly believe the issue is unrelated, that it lies within the developer's side of the spectrum and NOT within the consumer's control. Unfortunately I don't have the unlimited luxury of waiting around for Ancestry to address this problem and issue a patch. And FTM 2008 doesn't make exporting very easy by offering only two options... GEDCOM and the FTM proprietary format. What a nightmare!

this is a force to
register Family Tree Maker

by doing so: ( to copy and use you data ) -- caution ~~~-

you grant The Generations Network, Inc., the corporate host of the Service, a license to the content to use, host, distribute that Content and allow hosting and distribution of that Content, to the extent and in that form or context we deem appropriate. Should you contribute content to the site, you understand that it will be seen and used by others under the license described herein.

I have been attempting to get out of this program and going to any other program ... what a nightmere !!!!

Everyone please read this and explain to me what this says ????

http://www.ancestry.com/legal/Terms.aspx

It clearly reads, You are responible for content; Ancestry is not. If you provide data; its ours to use as we see fit. Termination of use is your only true rememdy for dissatisfaction.

>>Termination of use<<<
Are we only speaking of one facet of Ancestry.com?
I have terminated my use of FTM 2008 and switched to another software. (Won't mention name lest AC.C terminates this message for improper endorsement of a rival.)

However, I don't want to relinquish my subscription to AC.C because I have "tons" of census images I want to look at and incorporate as sources.

Glenn

>>Termination<<
Forgot to ask:

If I were to completely terminate, would my "ancient" submissions also terminate?

Glenn

SPORT...(terry)

it " clearly " reads in 25 pages of ambiguous, equivocal terms, sorry when you say it clearly reads I am not a lawyer, i am a simple man, this is a typical agreement of ambiguous terms.??? I hope we don't get petty.

the operative word is "terminate". I question myself after I have purchased this program and using. As the program is online is Ancestry.com collecting all the information and is storing ??????

I hope you can and will respond to my questions?


The facts is this Post is about a program that clearly does NOT work and No one has add advice to correct the problem. Numerous people are returning the program (This is a Fact) and going to other software.

I have a brand new Dell laptop with Vista and NO Anti-Virus or Anti-Spyware installed (only VISTA's firewall) and I am having the same crashing problems with Sources. I also have made several calls to tech support (they seem to be in the dark about this problem or won't say). Reinstalled, tried the .NET thing (VISTA already has it) and many other things. One thing that did seem to help for a little while is:
1) Open FTM
2) Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to open the task manager
3) Select the process tab and select FTM.exe then press the [End Process] button at the lower right.
4) Restart Windows
5) Open FTM (it will take longer then usual)

After that I am able to add sources again (for a while). Then when the problem starts happening again, repeat the step above.

This May or May NOT help everyone, but it has helped me.

Remember **** ALWAYS BACKUP YOUR DATA ****

I have a **LOT** of work to do with my sources. I have always tried to enter a source for every fact. But I have always done it incorrectly. I never created a source title or master source. I just entered the pertinent info in the source citation or footnote field. The source info always came up when I looked at the fact but I have realized this system(?) makes it impossible to manage the sources.

When I switched to FTM 2008 so I could run it on Vista I started working on cleaning up my sources. I soon ran into more crashes than a demolition derby. Nothing seemed to help for long.

I recently got FTM v16 and downloaded the patch so I could run it on Vista. It works with no problem. I exported the FTM 2008 file to GEDCOM then imported it to v16 with only some very minor problems. Since then I have done extensive work on my sources with no problems.

After a few weeks (months?) when I have everything squared away I may go back to FTM 2008. The v16 user interface is okay and very useable, but I really prefer the 2008 interface (when it doesn't disappear because it didn't like some keystroke).

Good Luck Everyone
George

I called support they told me maybe I had a bat cd so they sent me another cd and guess what it still crashed. So, I uninstalled FTM 2008 and imported my database again. It worked, but as soon as I tried to merge information information from Ancestry.com the system crashed again.

Support is of no help what so ever. How can you take a program that was great and turn it into trash.

If you notice they don't even respond here.

>> It worked, but as soon as I tried to merge information information from Ancestry.com the system crashed again.<<

Have you copied the crash data and included it with a formal bug report?

I don't have a problem (yet!) with sources, but the darn program crashes everytime I try to merge two specific people. I had this problem some time ago, then it seemed to go away, and now here it is back. Here are the details from the Event Viewer - can anyone figure this out?



Event Type: Information
Event Source: .NET Runtime 2.0 Error Reporting
Event Category: None
Event ID: 5001
Date: 2/29/2008
Time: 7:24:12 PM
User: N/A
Computer: HOMEOFFICE
Description:
Bucket 124830212, bucket table 5, EventType clr20r3, P1 ftm.exe, P2 17.0.0.559, P3 47437fdf, P4 mscorlib, P5 2.0.0.0, P6 4333ab80, P7 edf, P8 7, P9 n3ctrye2kn3c34sgl4zqyrbfte4m13nb, P10 NIL.

For more information, see Help and Support Center at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/events.asp.
Data:
0000: 42 00 75 00 63 00 6b 00 Buckc.k.
0008: 65 00 74 00 3a 00 20 00 e.t.:. .
0010: 31 00 32 00 34 00 38 00 1.2.4.8.
0018: 33 00 30 00 32 00 31 00 3.0.2.1.
0020: 32 00 0d 00 0a 00 42 00 2.....B.
0028: 75 00 63 00 6b 00 65 00 u.c.k.e.
0030: 74 00 54 00 61 00 62 00 t.T.a.b.
0038: 6c 00 65 00 20 00 35 00 l.e. .5.
0040: 0d 00 0a 00 ....

How much RAM do you have?

What Windows operating version do you use?

How many people in your file?

As a guide, for anything over a few hundred names for XP
you need a minimum of 1 GB of RAM.

For Vista you need a minimum of 2 GB.

Anything less in FTM 2008 and you can expect performance and instability issues

Yes, I know that the box suggests much lower RAM numbers but if you want to avoid you problems and get the program to operate reliably, then I strongl;y suggest these RAM numbers.

John Donaldson

Thanks for the response -- here's the info I forgot to include:

1. just over 1 GB (1280 MB)
2. XP Pro
3. just over 5000

Even if I disconnect from the net and shut down all other programs, the program still crashes when trying to merge specific individuals. It might be a RAM issue (since I don't have much more than 1G), but I don't think that would explain why the program was fine for a while but has now decided it doesn't like to merge people. My RAM has been the same all along (most of the time I had even been connected to the net with ZoneAlarm running, and the program was fine), and my FTM file has been roughly the same size as well.

Ok it is not a RAM issue

What version of FTM 2008 are you using.

It should be version 17.0.0.559?

John Donaldson

exactly that - 17.0.0.559

Add another user to the list of people who can't add sources. If I try to add a source, even a SINGLE source, FTM crashes. Plus if I try to add a SINGLE media file, FTM crashes, too.

I just installed 2008 on an old Windows XP computer and had the same problem.

Garbage software. Period.

I am having the same problem except the last time I used it it crashed and now the program will not open at all. It just sits on the screen that says application initializing..
and does nothing. After a few minutes it shuts my computer down.

Well, add me to the list of former users who - despite having been a loyal FTM user for years, and despite really liking the potential I see in FTM 2008 -- have switched to another software program. I just couldn't take the constant crashing anymore, and it doesn't seem as if anyone at FTM is listening or planning to do anything about the problems with this program. Am still transitioning, but am much happier, even if the wallet is a bit lighter.

Which program did you select to switch to? I am up and sort of working again -- I exported to GEDCOM (yes, lost a lot of stuff) and re-imported. I am cleaning and scrubbing from scratch everything that WILL export properly to GEDCOM. Now I only crash every 10 or 15 minutes.

Then, if the next update doesn't resolve at least the crashing issues, I am gone for good. I will never trust FTM with media files again, I don't think, so at the least I need to develop a separate database to organize my media from all those research trips.

I tried running FTM 2008 on an old Windows XP computer, but had the exact same problems, so it isn't Vista, nor a hardware issue. It's just buggy programing.

I understand my reply will be erased if I name their competitor (I saw that happened to another post). So I guess I can't tell you. What I can tell you is that there are free trials offered, which I took advantage of before picking one to switch to. (I created a tiny GEDCOM that I used as a trial tree.)

Post a message on your new software's message board.

Yes, of course, that makes sense they wouldn't want any other names batted around.

There was probably another reason the post was deleted, such as a direct link to the site selling that software. As the admin, I don't delete posts simply because they name a competitive program...in fact, I've MADE posts about other programs.

An Advanced Search of this board only reveals the following softwares are mentioned X times:
Legacy = 163
RootsMagic = 228
TMG = 95
PAF = 88

Brynne

I've been as disillusioned and frustrated with FTM 2008 as anyone, fearing for the integrity of my database trapped within an essentially useless piece of software. Yet I bring positive news to our desperate landscape!!

It appears the upcoming Service Patch 3, among a plethora of improvements, is going to solve the crashing issues we’ve all experienced when attempting to add and/or import media and sources. I have NO affiliation whatsoever with the Generations Network, other than being included among their volunteer test group. This weekend I received the beta patch for SP3 and so far the program is running stable and crashing issues have vanished! The verdict remains out however, as I've just begun thorough testing. But so far so good, that I couldn't resist adding a hopeful post to this thread of despair.

SP3 (along with company communication and response) is going to be the real litmus test as to whether I make a permanent switch in genealogical software, the do-all, end-all of my decision point. We'll see, but be aware that FTM's developers are fully aware of the instability issues and are actively working on fixes and improvements. They're on the right track so hold onto your patience and good luck to us all!

Thanks for your update. I hope you are correct and that this release will be stable. Since I have already lost the integrity of my database, FTM's patch is seriously going to have to blow my socks off!

Hello all,

So...I have also been running the SP3 Beta for 2 days now...and must have over 20 hours into it already.

I must say, I am smiling a BIG GRIN! I have yet to be dissappointed with the patch beta.

If you have noticed my posts the past week or so, you can hear of the problems I was having...lots of them! Since I installed the patch beta, crasshes are going away. I will leave the details to the experts when they are ready to make their release, but take it from me...I have been working through, and in the process repairing, all of the data corruption I have come up against in the past.

I am now ZIPPING from here to there. The media area is very responsive as well. Corrupt indexes are repaired.

Like I said...I am smiling! So...be patient, the final work is near, and so far it seems worth it to me!

And all with NOT having to lose any of my work done to date!

A happy camper!

Jerry