Transfer Your FTM Source Tree with a Flash Drive

Transfer Your FTM Source Tree with a Flash Drive is a practical and efficient way to back up or migrate your genealogy data. Whether you’re moving your work between computers, sharing it with others, or simply ensuring you have an external copy for safekeeping, using a flash drive makes the process straightforward. To begin, you'll need to locate your Family Tree Maker source tree, which typically consists of the project’s main file (.ftm), associated media files, and any backup or synced folders. A flash drive provides a portable solution to store and transfer these important files.

Step 1: Prepare Your Flash Drive
Before you start the process, ensure that your flash drive has enough storage space to accommodate the entire FTM source tree. Depending on the size of your family tree project, a flash drive with at least 8GB of space is usually sufficient. Insert the flash drive into your computer and check for any existing files that may need to be cleared. It’s always a good idea to back up any current data on the drive before proceeding.

Step 2: Locate Your FTM Source Tree
Once your flash drive is ready, open your Family Tree Maker program and locate your family tree source file. The source tree generally includes not just the .ftm file but also any associated media, such as images, documents, and other files related to your genealogy research. The source tree folder can typically be found in your default family tree location on your computer. Ensure that you are selecting the entire directory, as all files and subfolders related to your tree must be included to ensure a smooth transfer.

Step 3: Copy Files to the Flash Drive
Now that your FTM source tree is ready, copy the entire folder (or the selected files) onto the flash drive. You can do this by dragging and dropping the folder into the drive’s window, or you can use the “Copy” and “Paste” functions in your file explorer. Be sure to confirm that all files are copied properly before ejecting the flash drive.

Step 4: Safely Eject the Flash Drive
Once the transfer is complete, it’s important to safely eject the flash drive from your computer. This ensures that all files are properly saved and that there is no risk of corruption or loss of data during removal. Most operating systems have an option to eject a drive safely, which you should use to prevent issues.

Step 5: Transfer to Another Computer (Optional)
To transfer your FTM source tree to another computer, simply insert the flash drive into the new machine and copy the files over to your preferred location. Once the files are transferred, you can open Family Tree Maker on the new system and continue working on your family tree. Be sure that Family Tree Maker is installed and configured correctly on the new computer before opening the files.

Advantages of Using a Flash Drive
Using a flash drive to transfer your FTM source tree comes with several advantages. Flash drives are small, lightweight, and portable, making them easy to carry from one location to another. They also provide a reliable and fast method for transferring large amounts of data without requiring internet access or cloud storage. Additionally, a flash drive serves as an excellent backup solution, allowing you to safeguard your family history research against potential computer failures or other data loss scenarios.

Considerations When Transferring FTM Source Tree
While transferring your FTM source tree with a flash drive is a great way to keep your data safe, it’s important to consider the potential for file corruption. Always ensure that the transfer process is done correctly and verify that the files are intact on the flash drive before moving on. Also, when sharing your family tree files with others, make sure they have the appropriate software or means to access the data, as Family Tree Maker files are not universally compatible with all genealogy programs.

In conclusion, transferring your FTM source tree with a flash drive is a straightforward process that offers peace of mind for anyone working with genealogy data. By following the steps outlined, you can ensure that your family tree research is safely backed up or moved between computers with ease, making it simple to continue your genealogy journey from any device.