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2015-Can't open saved files from a CD-last used in 2005

2015-Can't open saved files from a CD-last used in 2005

Posted: 25 Jul 2015 2:17PM GMT
Classification: Query
I have version 2 of FTW and it won't install on my computer Windows 8.1--therefore I can't open my backup disc. Any ideas? I would buy newer versions, but will they work to open the disc?

Re: 2015-Can't open saved files from a CD-last used in 2005

Posted: 25 Jul 2015 5:14PM GMT
Classification: Query
Hi Cherley,

FTW 2? ... seriously? :-) That's some pretty old software! According to the FTM version history on Wikipedia, 1994 release date. As far as I can tell I don't think there's any way to import those files into a newer version.

Your other post says you "entered all [your] information into the world FTW or Ged files, can I retrieve that info?" I'm guessing that's the old Rootsweb / FamilySearch / WorldConnect tree project. I would say your best (only?) option might be to download the GEDCOM from WorldConnect and import into a new version of FTM. You could buy FTM 2014, but since you've waited this long you might just as well wait until FTM 2016 is released, probably in the next few months.

Others might be able to advise re GEDCOM download from WorldConnect. Once you get everything sorted, probably best to upload to Ancestry for online access. Sharing with other family is very easy and I think the Rootsweb World Tree is pretty much a failed /abandoned project at this point.

PS: You might want to just reply to your original thread rather than creating new posts with each response. That way the messages stay together and it also keeps the Ancestry Forum / Message Board a little neater.

Best of luck!

Re: 2015-Can't open saved files from a CD-last used in 2005

Posted: 25 Jul 2015 6:42PM GMT
Classification: Query
If you're feeling adventurous you could install Iinux Ubuntu and using Wine software install FTM.

I've just tried it and FTM2006 installs and opens .FTW files so I presume whatever you have will be okay.

Ubuntu can be installed and run from a USB flash dive (use *Gb or better.) It'll be very slow but it will run...

Just download the 32 bit version of Ubuntu Mint, (about 1.5 Gb iso) and use Universal-USB-Installer-1.9.5.8.exe or similar to install to the Flash drive. Boot up the computer and run Ubuntu, get the Wifi connected, download Wine.

Download the trial copy of FTM2005 from Ancestry to your flash drive and run it. Wine should start and automatically download what it needs and then install FTM.


It should then start FTM and let you open the files and save in the later format.

Good luck if you try this - it sounds complicated but is actually fairly straightforward.

A.

Re: 2015-Can't open saved files from a CD-last used in 2005

Posted: 25 Jul 2015 7:11PM GMT
Classification: Query
I figured they were two different subjects. Thanks. I did update the files in 2005, but my computer won't download the older software now. I also have updated software, from the 1994 version, but I can't find it. Thanks again.

Re: 2015-Can't open saved files from a CD-last used in 2005

Posted: 25 Jul 2015 10:34PM GMT
Classification: Query
In order to use your data from FTM v2 in a current version of FTM you will first need to install FTM 2005 (a free trial version is available) and convert your file to that format. You can then import the converted file into FTM 2014 or other newer version.

Details on the process can be found in this Ancestry support article: http://help.ancestry.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3673/kw/Imp...

The only caveat is whether FTM 2005 will run on Windows 8.1.

Let me know if I can assist.

Re: 2015-Can't open saved files from a CD-last used in 2005

Posted: 25 Jul 2015 11:55PM GMT
Classification: Query
Edited: 25 Jul 2015 11:57PM GMT
With out much though, I got some old gedcom that would not open in FTM 2012. I downloaded FTM 2005 and ran it. Since you asked the question I realized it was on Windows 8.1. Since I was able to convert the gedcom to a newer version, and I did it in FTM 2005 on Window 8.1, the answer to you question is yes.

I suspect that if you were fully using FTM 2005 on Windows 8.1, ie internet access, local area networks, etc. you may have trouble, BUT you are only using the open and save functions, a minor part of FTM.

I second the motion to wait until FTM 2016 comes out probably in September or October.
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