Scary!

Thanks Elegran

I think you can do GEDCOMS in Ancestry and I'll take a look at Rootsmagic.

Sorry, I am assuming you are talking about Ancestry. Which Family History site do you use?

I have Rootsmagic on my PC and I like it. It replaces Family Origins (the one that I could no longer use) and there is a bit in the FAQ about Family Tree Maker files -
"Importing Family Tree Maker files
You can import a Family Tree Maker file into RootsMagic by going to File > Import.
Unfortunately you won't be able to do a direct import of an FTM 2014.1 file. (MacKiev changed the encryption code and the file format so RootsMagic cannot recognise it as a Family Tree Maker file.)
To work around this you will need to export the FTM 2014.1 file to the FTM 2012 format:
- Go to File > Export
- Under Output format select "Family Tree Maker 2012" from the drop down list
- Choose any other options as required
- Click OK to complete the export
This export will create an Ancestry version FTM 2012 backup of your database. RootsMagic will now be able to see and import these files."

Or you could take a GEDCOM file from Ancestry/Family Tree and load that in. I assume that you can do GEDCOMS in Ancestry?

I have a new pc and my Family Tree programme can't be accessed on it. My trees are also elsewhere on a family history site but that costs quite a bit to subscribe to. I do keep meaning to download them and print everything off in book form and keep it on memory sticks.

What is the best programme for printing into a logical form and making everything understandable to other family members?

You can also do a GEDCOM file of your tree, which saves all the facts and details in a spreadsheet in a way which can be accepted by any Family Tree programme. You just load it in and it all slots neatly into the right places like magic. Very useful when you go back to your tree after neglecting it for ages a couple of years to find that your Family Tree programme no longer works on your updated system and in any case it is no longer supported by the makers. You can just load your GEDCOM into a new programme and carry on where you left off.

I do, and it’s also all on Ancestry so I needn’t have worried.

back up your pc regularly