>What is a drop box? First I've ever heard of it and I've been using FTM >for many, many years. It is a backup service, not directly associated with FTM.

Actually, some of us can have those really large trees, proven out as to connections because we work together with many other cousins, descendants of collateral lines, to make sure that our trees are as accurate as they can be. I work with 250 cousins from all over the world on our trees and we work together to find as much info as we can on all of our lines. So, while the initial tree that drew us together has over 7,000 known descendants, we all have much larger trees because we collaborate on all our connections, including the maternal lines of our direct lines, many of which interconnect with each other's direct lines down the road and all over the world -- 5 continents, 45 countries. Not a bit of it is "hoovered" up, but rather each person put into the trees is proven out from several different angles, several different pay services, several different countries and the purchased documentation of the living descendants of those people. Annie in Minnesota In a message dated 11/21/2011 8:52:27 A.M. Central Standard Time, ovington1@sky.com writes: Some record only those that they have researched themselves, others hoover up anyone elses research, hence the size of the large trees

I agree with Linda. Because I had researched all connections to my family tree and put them in my private online tree I was contacted by a person in England who informed me that both of the children of one of my couples were adopted and were actually members of his family tree. He also proved it by sending me clippings from our local papers telling of the deaths of the girls' parents, and that they were in the area visiting with my relatives, plus the English birth records of the girls. He also sent me photos of my people which also included the adopted girls and their adoptive parents (descendants of my ggrandfather's brother), photos that I had copies of but had been unable to id all the people in them. Between the two of us we were able to id all people in the photos, some of whom I had just recently found to be extended members of our family, descendants of my ggrandfather's brother, but who we had never seen pics of. If I had not spent years researching another family in the state of MN with the same surname name as my ggrandfather, who looked as though he could possibly be my ggrandfather's brother, I would have been without the knowledge and id'd pics that we now have. I had finally found the death record of that man just days before and found his listed parents to be my gggrandparents. Once I had all that proven out I added them to my online tree which brought them to the attention of the gentleman researching in England, and therefore the subsequent contact from him. Also, by finding the great uncle's burial place I found one of his sons from a first marriage in England buried with him, which confirmed another bit of info that I had been following, what looked like my great uncle in Canada in 1861, married to another woman, even though I had not found the death of his first wife yet. That confirmation enabled to me to connect with another unknown English cousin who had a letter from the great uncle to his father, from Canada in 1861, that was held by yet another brother of my ggrandfather. From that cousin I also obtained scanned copies of the first pages of the family bible of the father-in-law of the great uncle who died here, giving me a marriage date for his first marriage, the birth dates of his 4 kids by that wife, the marriage date and name of the husband of the only daughter, the names and birth dates of her children. As you can imagine, I was flying high for a month!!!! So, you are right, possibly someone with a closer connection can benefit from what you have, but you never know when you yourself will also reap the benefit of having those proven connections in your tree. Annie in Minnesota In a message dated 11/21/2011 2:15:54 P.M. Central Standard Time, lilacarlhg@amnet.co.cr writes: Some researchers believe in only researching the direct line, but to truly find everything on your ancestors it is better to research all family members and their connections. More than once I have connected to one of those distant relations who had photos and other items related to my family lines that have greatly helped my research. If I had not found those people I never would have had the good fortune to see what some of my ancestors looked like or what happened to one or another person in the family lines who seemed to just disappear. Follow your instincts - you are doing just what you should!

Please disregard. Found the way to get old search back. In a message dated 11/21/2011 5:49:08 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, Chasgustaf@aol.com writes: Just deleted cookies. Can't stand new search. Can't find old search. ********************************** List information page http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/other/Software/FTM-TECH.html Online Support for Family Tree Maker Version 16 and earlier http://pastftm.custhelp.com/ Version 2008 - 2011 http://ftm.custhelp.com/ ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to FTM-TECH-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Just deleted cookies. Can't stand new search. Can't find old search.

BJ, Thank you very much for your advice. I wanted to split the tree so I could share selected branches with very distant relatives who would only have an interest in the branches which were common to both of us. Your method seems to have done this. And thanks to all of the other listers who were kind enough to take the time to provide me with their thoughts. In a message dated 11/21/2011 12:39:22 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, bhamilton3@cox.net writes: I see where you have received some advice on splitting trees so I won't go into those. Here is the one sure way I've found to split the trees and get everyone into their proper "island" or "branch". It is a bit messy but it will do the job. I haven't done this recently and I no longer have FTM 2010 loaded so please forgive me for any small differences in the process. Always work with a copy of your data base. That way you can recover to the original by simply deleting the copy and returning to your original data base. The easiest way to do this is to create a backup of your file. You can then File, Restore the backup to a separate data base. 1. Using your copy of the data base, go to your father's record in the People, Family work area. 2. Click the Person option in the Menu Bar; from the drop down list, select Attach/Detach, select Detach Selected Person 3. Select the Existing family for your father and mother. This will keep your father with his parents but he will no longer be attached to your mother or their children. 4. With your father as the Focal person, Click Publish, Charts, Extended Family Chart (EFC). 5. Generate the EFC for All Individuals. 6. Once the EFC is generated, you should see two separate branches or islands. Alternating branches will be distinguished by a shaded background. Your father's branch should be the one at the top. 7. Click on your father's box and click the right mouse button. 8. Select the option - Select Person and All Relations. This will select everyone in your father's branch. 9. Place the cursor over your father's box and click the right mouse button. Toward the bottom of the list, select Export and then select Export Selected Persons. 10. Follow the instructions and you will now have a file of your father's branch. 11. Go to Plan and Delete this copy of the tree. Restore the backup file again and repeat steps 1-11 for your mother. Restore the backup file again and repeat steps 1-11 for your spouse's father. Restore the backup file again and repeat steps 1-11 for your spouse's mother. I find this the easiest way to create separate files for each grandparent. While this may sound tedious and complicated, it really isn't and it is the only way that I know to get complete islands. Good luck. BJ On 11/20/2011 4:30 PM, PINEYRICK@aol.com wrote: > I would like to split my family tree into four branches. Each branch would > start with a grandparent. When I try to do this using : export / > selected individuals / and either ancestors or descendents, it does not seem to > "collect" every individual within that tree. Short of doing this > "individually," there are 6500 in the tree, has anyone had an successful experience > doing this an alternate way? > > I use FTM 2010. > ********************************** List information page http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/other/Software/FTM-TECH.html Online Support for Family Tree Maker Version 16 and earlier http://pastftm.custhelp.com/ Version 2008 - 2011 http://ftm.custhelp.com/ ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to FTM-TECH-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

You're welcome. Hope it helps. I wrote Dropbox as one word instead of two, and that may be why you couldn't find it in the archives. Judy in Ocala On Nov 21, 2011, at 10:33 AM, "Connie Shotts" <cshotts1@carolina.rr.com> wrote: > Hi Judy, > I thought I had seen this, and when I searched the Archives, I couldn't fine it. I used the search key "drop box" in the body, but this didn't come up. I thought it was out there, but decided it much have been in a different list. Thanks so much for resending it. This is the message I wanted to locate! > Conni > > -----Original Message----- > From: ftm-tech-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:ftm-tech-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Judy in Ocala > Sent: Monday, November 21, 2011 10:23 AM > To: ftm-tech@rootsweb.com > Subject: Re: [FTM-TECH] Drop Box > > Here's a copy of a post I made on this topic a couple of weeks ago. > > Judy in Ocala > > In previous posts to this list I have advocated the use of Dropbox to make it possible for you to access your FTM database on more than one computer. I have been using it for a while for this purpose, and put it to a good test on a recent research trip with my little netbook computer. I’ve learned some things you need to be aware of to make successful use of Dropbox. > > First, Dropbox does not use synching technology. Say, for example, you are synching your address book between your smart phone and your computer. The synching process is two-way and examines the content of both locations. Any edits made on the phone are transferred to the computer, and vice versa. If changes to the same record have been made in both places, the synching software will alert you to the conflict and allow you to choose the correct one. > > Dropbox does not sync, and it does not compare the contents of the files in its folders. It works by copying entire files. To use it you must first open a free account on their website. Then you download and install their software on the computers you plan to use. In my case I have it installed on my desktop PC at home (Computer A) and the netbook I use for traveling (Computer B). Both software installations are connected to my online account. Then I moved my FTM database file and the media folder to the Dropbox folder on Computer A. A copy of the contents of the Dropbox folder on A is copied to the corresponding folder in the online account. FTM is installed on Computer B. When I boot up B, the contents of the online account are copied to B’s Dropbox folder. I can open my FTM database from the Dropbox folder on B. All three locations now have the same data and I’m ready to start working. > > Let’s say I do some work in FTM on Computer A. Dropbox will not upload those changes until the file is closed. So if I leave A open and start working on B, B will not have the changes I made in A. When both files are eventually closed, and both A and B are uploaded to Dropbox online, Dropbox will perceive that both files have changed (probably just by looking at the date/time they were saved), but because it doesn’t examine the data in the files, cannot offer you the option of choosing which edits to keep. Instead it will make duplicate copies of A and B, and you’ll have 3 files instead of 1. The duplicates are named as “Conflict” files, and it’s up to you to figure out what’s in each one. > > To avoid this problem, here are the steps you must take: > > 1. After working in A, close FTM. In the system tray (the small icons in the lower right corner of your screen, where the clock is), look at your Dropbox icon. Two rotating arrows will tell you that the files on A are being uploaded to Dropbox online. The icon is very small. You can hover your mouse pointer over it to see the progress. When it has finished uploading, you will see “All files up to date” when you hover your mouse, and the rotating arrows will be replaced with a checkmark. > > 2. Any time after Step 1 has been completed, you can work on B. The new copy of A will automatically be downloaded from Dropbox online to B if B is running, or when you turn it on. Watch the icon to know when the process is complete. Make your edits in B. When you have finished, close FTM so that the changes in B will be uploaded to Dropbox online. > > 3. The next time you want to work in A, be sure that Step 2 has been completed. > > 4. Do not have both versions A and B open at the same time. For this reason, I don’t recommend using Dropbox as a means of allowing another researcher to collaborate with you on the same file. > > 5. Check your Dropbox folders on A and B from time to time to be sure that you haven’t inadvertently created some “conflict” files. > > This sounds more complicated than it is. It’s just a matter of being patient and allowing each process to finish before you move on. > > FTM 2012 users: One additional point. If you have an Ancestry Member Tree (AMT) that you are synching with FTM 2012, you must assure that all uploads from Computer A have been completed, including media files, before you close FTM on that computer. You cannot link both A and B to the AMT. For edits made in B to be added to the AMT, you must first assure that A and B are in sync via Dropbox as outlined above. Then you can sync A to the AMT. For this reason, it is advisable to set your sync options to manual. Again, patience is the key word. > > On Nov 21, 2011, at 9:45 AM, "Connie Shotts" <cshotts1@carolina.rr.com> wrote: > >> Hi, >> I thought this topic had been discussed on this forum, but I couldn't find >> it in the Archives. Does anyone use, or know if, Drop Box can be used with >> FTM? I run two versions of FTM -- 2011 and 16 (16.0.350. I have both >> versions on both my desktop (Windows 7, 64 bit) and a laptop (Windows XP). >> It would be great to be able to "house" the data files for each of the >> versions on Drop Box so that additions, changes, etc. would be made on both >> computers, as well as to have the access from any other computer where the >> FTM programs are present. At least, I think it would work that way. Does >> anyone know? >> >> Connie >> >> >> >> ********************************** >> List information page >> http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/other/Software/FTM-TECH.html >> >> Online Support for Family Tree Maker >> Version 16 and earlier >> http://pastftm.custhelp.com/ >> >> Version 2008 - 2011 >> http://ftm.custhelp.com/ >> >> ------------------------------- >> To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to FTM-TECH-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message > > ********************************** > List information page > http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/other/Software/FTM-TECH.html > > Online Support for Family Tree Maker > Version 16 and earlier > http://pastftm.custhelp.com/ > > Version 2008 - 2011 > http://ftm.custhelp.com/ > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to FTM-TECH-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message > > > ********************************** > List information page > http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/other/Software/FTM-TECH.html > > Online Support for Family Tree Maker > Version 16 and earlier > http://pastftm.custhelp.com/ > > Version 2008 - 2011 > http://ftm.custhelp.com/ > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to FTM-TECH-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

The problem with using a FBC file in dropbox is it must be restored before it can be used. If you are using FTM 2012 and the file is synced, restoring a backup file breaks the link between the two trees. The thing to remember is the dropbox approach is actually like creating an off-site back up of your file. You need to remember that using that file with two or more computers, it is mandatory that you close the file and allow the update to dropbox BEFORE you open the file in the second computer. You want to make sure you are using the latest update of the file. Judy's steps are excellent for using the Dropbox process with FTM 2012 and its synced trees. BJ On 11/21/2011 11:04 AM, Sue A wrote: > Create and store an .fbc file on Dropbox. The compressed backup file takes > a deliberate effort to create and use, thus is not subject to accidental > overwrite or deletion by your Family Tree Maker program use. The compressed > version of your file takes up less space on Dropbox or wherever you store > it. > The program is set up to save the .fbc file in the Dropbox folder, so there > are no further steps to do after creating an .fbc backup. Sue A >

Hi Connie If you keep your FTM data file in dropbox you could access it from any PC that has FTM on it Although it can handle it to a point it is best to only access from one PC/point at a time, save and sync to dropbox before opening from another PC If you open a 2nd access while the first is in use it will create another copy (as the first is in use) so you have to decide which is the one to use, are they both the same etc You would need to make sure each PC file is sync'd with dropbox before opening that file (ie work on file from PC1, close file, wait to sync with dropbox, boot PC2 wait for that PC file to sync with dropbox before opening on PC2) Hence its better to use one access point at a time Why you would want two versions of FTM on the same PC is an entirely separate matter? You no doubt have your reasons Nivard Ovington in Cornwall (UK) > Hi, > I thought this topic had been discussed on this forum, but I couldn't find > it in the Archives. Does anyone use, or know if, Drop Box can be used with > FTM? I run two versions of FTM -- 2011 and 16 (16.0.350. I have both > versions on both my desktop (Windows 7, 64 bit) and a laptop (Windows XP). > It would be great to be able to "house" the data files for each of the > versions on Drop Box so that additions, changes, etc. would be made on both > computers, as well as to have the access from any other computer where the > FTM programs are present. At least, I think it would work that way. Does > anyone know? > > Connie

Hi Sue The only one who can decide is you, there are no rules as to who you should record in your tree You will find trees with hundreds of persons and other with hundreds of thousands in them Some record only those that they have researched themselves, others hoover up anyone elses research, hence the size of the large trees But ultimately the choice is yours as to how you go about it and how large you allow your tree to be Nivard Ovington in Cornwall (UK) >I apologize for my question but being new to genealogy, you are my main > resource for proper information and documentation. > > So many of you have such large numbers of surnames, etc. in your trees, tell > me, should there be a cut-off for adding people. I have people in my tree > but the family connection is so small; like 5th cousin of husband's aunt, 3x > removed, something ridiculous like that, but yet, that particular person has > a direct connection to someone in my tree. As long as the info is verified > and accurate, is it wrong to continually add people with such farfetched > family connections? My thinking is that if my information is correct and > verified, then maybe someone else with a closer tie could benefit from my > tree. > > Thanks for the advice. > Sue > > > > > > > ********************************** > List information page > http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/other/Software/FTM-TECH.html > > Online Support for Family Tree Maker > Version 16 and earlier > http://pastftm.custhelp.com/ > > Version 2008 - 2011 > http://ftm.custhelp.com/ > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to FTM-TECH-request@rootsweb.com with the word > 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Sue, Of course it is correct to add people to your tree who connect to your lines either through blood or marriage. The only rule of thumb to use is to have supporting documentation for anyone you add to your tree. Some researchers believe in only researching the direct line, but to truly find everything on your ancestors it is better to research all family members and their connections. More than once I have connected to one of those distant relations who had photos and other items related to my family lines that have greatly helped my research. If I had not found those people I never would have had the good fortune to see what some of my ancestors looked like or what happened to one or another person in the family lines who seemed to just disappear. Follow your instincts - you are doing just what you should! Linda in Costa Rica Monroe County, New York Genealogy http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~monroenys Monroe County, New York History http://freepages.history.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~monroenys -----Original Message----- From: Sue Pollock Sent: Monday, 21 November, 2011 8:01 AM To: ftm-tech@rootsweb.com Subject: [FTM-TECH] How big is big enough? I apologize for my question but being new to genealogy, you are my main resource for proper information and documentation. So many of you have such large numbers of surnames, etc. in your trees, tell me, should there be a cut-off for adding people. I have people in my tree but the family connection is so small; like 5th cousin of husband's aunt, 3x removed, something ridiculous like that, but yet, that particular person has a direct connection to someone in my tree. As long as the info is verified and accurate, is it wrong to continually add people with such farfetched family connections? My thinking is that if my information is correct and verified, then maybe someone else with a closer tie could benefit from my tree. Thanks for the advice. Sue ********************************** List information page http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/other/Software/FTM-TECH.html Online Support for Family Tree Maker Version 16 and earlier http://pastftm.custhelp.com/ Version 2008 - 2011 http://ftm.custhelp.com/ ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to FTM-TECH-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

My first question is why on earth do you want to do it? Splitting trees just adds complications with syncing various sections and also truncates ancestor reports and charts. Not recommended but if you really must do it. File>Export>Selected Individuals Use the filter to select the line that you wish to export a copy of. In your case pick the selected grandparent and then click on the descendent button This will produce a list of all the descendents from that particular grandparent (in your case) Decide whether you want to export as a an FTM 2010 file format (this will contain media) or GEDCOM Save the file and give it a name [say] Grandparent name file Repeat it for the next three grandparents You then end up with 5 files One with everyone in and four with the respective parsed lines John D -----Original Message----- From: ftm-tech-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:ftm-tech-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of PINEYRICK@aol.com Sent: Monday, 21 November 2011 11:30 AM To: ftm-tech@rootsweb.com Subject: [FTM-TECH] Splitting a tree I would like to split my family tree into four branches. Each branch would start with a grandparent. When I try to do this using : export / selected individuals / and either ancestors or descendents, it does not seem to "collect" every individual within that tree. Short of doing this "individually," there are 6500 in the tree, has anyone had an successful experience doing this an alternate way? I use FTM 2010.

Create and store an .fbc file on Dropbox. The compressed backup file takes a deliberate effort to create and use, thus is not subject to accidental overwrite or deletion by your Family Tree Maker program use. The compressed version of your file takes up less space on Dropbox or wherever you store it. The program is set up to save the .fbc file in the Dropbox folder, so there are no further steps to do after creating an .fbc backup. Sue A

Hi Jay, Thanks for the idea of the external hard drive. I do have one, but hadn't thought about using it in place of a thumbdrive. I also use Carbonite. Your point of sometimes forgetting to update from the thumbdrive is exactly what I am trying to get around. Thanks! Connie -----Original Message----- From: ftm-tech-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:ftm-tech-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Thompson Jay Sent: Monday, November 21, 2011 10:37 AM To: ftm-tech@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [FTM-TECH] Drop Box Hi, Connie, This might be another option. I solved the transport problem by purchasing an external hard drive. I keep all of my data files, photos, scans, etc. on it with backups to my desktop and, therefore, Carbonite. The external goes with me anytime I think I might want to reference it (normally the laptop, too). I had run into a problem a couple of times with a thumb drive of forgetting to upload from one machine before making changes on another. This has worked very well for me for a couple of years now. Jay Thompson just an old genealogy nut too tough to crack. ________________________________ From: Connie Shotts <cshotts1@carolina.rr.com> To: ftm-tech@rootsweb.com Sent: Mon, November 21, 2011 9:45:31 AM Subject: [FTM-TECH] Drop Box Hi, I thought this topic had been discussed on this forum, but I couldn't find it in the Archives. Does anyone use, or know if, Drop Box can be used with FTM? I run two versions of FTM -- 2011 and 16 (16.0.350. I have both versions on both my desktop (Windows 7, 64 bit) and a laptop (Windows XP). It would be great to be able to "house" the data files for each of the versions on Drop Box so that additions, changes, etc. would be made on both computers, as well as to have the access from any other computer where the FTM programs are present. At least, I think it would work that way. Does anyone know? Connie ********************************** List information page http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/other/Software/FTM-TECH.html Online Support for Family Tree Maker Version 16 and earlier http://pastftm.custhelp.com/ Version 2008 - 2011 http://ftm.custhelp.com/ ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to FTM-TECH-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message ********************************** List information page http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/other/Software/FTM-TECH.html Online Support for Family Tree Maker Version 16 and earlier http://pastftm.custhelp.com/ Version 2008 - 2011 http://ftm.custhelp.com/ ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to FTM-TECH-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Hi Nivard, Thanks for the reply. Judy also resent the post she had done (I KNEW there was one out there somewhere!) and that has answered my questions. As to why I run two programs, I am still learning 2011 and not yet quite ready to let go of 16 which still seems a bit "friendlier" to me--plus I need to keep my familiarity with 16 so that I can help my 93-year-old Dad with his (which he only looks at--no data entry). Not sure how good those reasons are, but for now that's what it is :) By the way, I love the Cornwall area, at least what I have seen of it--Tintagel, etc.--absolutely beautiful coastline. -----Original Message----- From: ftm-tech-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:ftm-tech-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Nivard Ovington Sent: Monday, November 21, 2011 10:03 AM To: ftm-tech@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [FTM-TECH] Drop Box Hi Connie If you keep your FTM data file in dropbox you could access it from any PC that has FTM on it Although it can handle it to a point it is best to only access from one PC/point at a time, save and sync to dropbox before opening from another PC If you open a 2nd access while the first is in use it will create another copy (as the first is in use) so you have to decide which is the one to use, are they both the same etc You would need to make sure each PC file is sync'd with dropbox before opening that file (ie work on file from PC1, close file, wait to sync with dropbox, boot PC2 wait for that PC file to sync with dropbox before opening on PC2) Hence its better to use one access point at a time Why you would want two versions of FTM on the same PC is an entirely separate matter? You no doubt have your reasons Nivard Ovington in Cornwall (UK) > Hi, > I thought this topic had been discussed on this forum, but I couldn't find > it in the Archives. Does anyone use, or know if, Drop Box can be used with > FTM? I run two versions of FTM -- 2011 and 16 (16.0.350. I have both > versions on both my desktop (Windows 7, 64 bit) and a laptop (Windows XP). > It would be great to be able to "house" the data files for each of the > versions on Drop Box so that additions, changes, etc. would be made on both > computers, as well as to have the access from any other computer where the > FTM programs are present. At least, I think it would work that way. Does > anyone know? > > Connie ********************************** List information page http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/other/Software/FTM-TECH.html Online Support for Family Tree Maker Version 16 and earlier http://pastftm.custhelp.com/ Version 2008 - 2011 http://ftm.custhelp.com/ ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to FTM-TECH-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

This works, but Dropbox is free and is always synched to all of your computers. Dennis In a message dated 11/21/2011 10:40:14 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, jaydarlene@sbcglobal.net writes: Hi, Connie, This might be another option. I solved the transport problem by purchasing an external hard drive. I keep all of my data files, photos, scans, etc. on it with backups to my desktop and, therefore, Carbonite. The external goes with me anytime I think I might want to reference it (normally the laptop, too). I had run into a problem a couple of times with a thumb drive of forgetting to upload from one machine before making changes on another. This has worked very well for me for a couple of years now. Jay Thompson just an old genealogy nut too tough to crack. ________________________________ From: Connie Shotts <cshotts1@carolina.rr.com> To: ftm-tech@rootsweb.com Sent: Mon, November 21, 2011 9:45:31 AM Subject: [FTM-TECH] Drop Box Hi, I thought this topic had been discussed on this forum, but I couldn't find it in the Archives. Does anyone use, or know if, Drop Box can be used with FTM? I run two versions of FTM -- 2011 and 16 (16.0.350. I have both versions on both my desktop (Windows 7, 64 bit) and a laptop (Windows XP). It would be great to be able to "house" the data files for each of the versions on Drop Box so that additions, changes, etc. would be made on both computers, as well as to have the access from any other computer where the FTM programs are present. At least, I think it would work that way. Does anyone know? Connie ********************************** List information page http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/other/Software/FTM-TECH.html Online Support for Family Tree Maker Version 16 and earlier http://pastftm.custhelp.com/ Version 2008 - 2011 http://ftm.custhelp.com/ ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to FTM-TECH-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message ********************************** List information page http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/other/Software/FTM-TECH.html Online Support for Family Tree Maker Version 16 and earlier http://pastftm.custhelp.com/ Version 2008 - 2011 http://ftm.custhelp.com/ ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to FTM-TECH-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Hi Judy, I thought I had seen this, and when I searched the Archives, I couldn't fine it. I used the search key "drop box" in the body, but this didn't come up. I thought it was out there, but decided it much have been in a different list. Thanks so much for resending it. This is the message I wanted to locate! Conni -----Original Message----- From: ftm-tech-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:ftm-tech-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Judy in Ocala Sent: Monday, November 21, 2011 10:23 AM To: ftm-tech@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [FTM-TECH] Drop Box Here's a copy of a post I made on this topic a couple of weeks ago. Judy in Ocala In previous posts to this list I have advocated the use of Dropbox to make it possible for you to access your FTM database on more than one computer. I have been using it for a while for this purpose, and put it to a good test on a recent research trip with my little netbook computer. I’ve learned some things you need to be aware of to make successful use of Dropbox. First, Dropbox does not use synching technology. Say, for example, you are synching your address book between your smart phone and your computer. The synching process is two-way and examines the content of both locations. Any edits made on the phone are transferred to the computer, and vice versa. If changes to the same record have been made in both places, the synching software will alert you to the conflict and allow you to choose the correct one. Dropbox does not sync, and it does not compare the contents of the files in its folders. It works by copying entire files. To use it you must first open a free account on their website. Then you download and install their software on the computers you plan to use. In my case I have it installed on my desktop PC at home (Computer A) and the netbook I use for traveling (Computer B). Both software installations are connected to my online account. Then I moved my FTM database file and the media folder to the Dropbox folder on Computer A. A copy of the contents of the Dropbox folder on A is copied to the corresponding folder in the online account. FTM is installed on Computer B. When I boot up B, the contents of the online account are copied to B’s Dropbox folder. I can open my FTM database from the Dropbox folder on B. All three locations now have the same data and I’m ready to start working. Let’s say I do some work in FTM on Computer A. Dropbox will not upload those changes until the file is closed. So if I leave A open and start working on B, B will not have the changes I made in A. When both files are eventually closed, and both A and B are uploaded to Dropbox online, Dropbox will perceive that both files have changed (probably just by looking at the date/time they were saved), but because it doesn’t examine the data in the files, cannot offer you the option of choosing which edits to keep. Instead it will make duplicate copies of A and B, and you’ll have 3 files instead of 1. The duplicates are named as “Conflict” files, and it’s up to you to figure out what’s in each one. To avoid this problem, here are the steps you must take: 1. After working in A, close FTM. In the system tray (the small icons in the lower right corner of your screen, where the clock is), look at your Dropbox icon. Two rotating arrows will tell you that the files on A are being uploaded to Dropbox online. The icon is very small. You can hover your mouse pointer over it to see the progress. When it has finished uploading, you will see “All files up to date” when you hover your mouse, and the rotating arrows will be replaced with a checkmark. 2. Any time after Step 1 has been completed, you can work on B. The new copy of A will automatically be downloaded from Dropbox online to B if B is running, or when you turn it on. Watch the icon to know when the process is complete. Make your edits in B. When you have finished, close FTM so that the changes in B will be uploaded to Dropbox online. 3. The next time you want to work in A, be sure that Step 2 has been completed. 4. Do not have both versions A and B open at the same time. For this reason, I don’t recommend using Dropbox as a means of allowing another researcher to collaborate with you on the same file. 5. Check your Dropbox folders on A and B from time to time to be sure that you haven’t inadvertently created some “conflict” files. This sounds more complicated than it is. It’s just a matter of being patient and allowing each process to finish before you move on. FTM 2012 users: One additional point. If you have an Ancestry Member Tree (AMT) that you are synching with FTM 2012, you must assure that all uploads from Computer A have been completed, including media files, before you close FTM on that computer. You cannot link both A and B to the AMT. For edits made in B to be added to the AMT, you must first assure that A and B are in sync via Dropbox as outlined above. Then you can sync A to the AMT. For this reason, it is advisable to set your sync options to manual. Again, patience is the key word. On Nov 21, 2011, at 9:45 AM, "Connie Shotts" <cshotts1@carolina.rr.com> wrote: > Hi, > I thought this topic had been discussed on this forum, but I couldn't find > it in the Archives. Does anyone use, or know if, Drop Box can be used with > FTM? I run two versions of FTM -- 2011 and 16 (16.0.350. I have both > versions on both my desktop (Windows 7, 64 bit) and a laptop (Windows XP). > It would be great to be able to "house" the data files for each of the > versions on Drop Box so that additions, changes, etc. would be made on both > computers, as well as to have the access from any other computer where the > FTM programs are present. At least, I think it would work that way. Does > anyone know? > > Connie > > > > ********************************** > List information page > http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/other/Software/FTM-TECH.html > > Online Support for Family Tree Maker > Version 16 and earlier > http://pastftm.custhelp.com/ > > Version 2008 - 2011 > http://ftm.custhelp.com/ > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to FTM-TECH-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message ********************************** List information page http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/other/Software/FTM-TECH.html Online Support for Family Tree Maker Version 16 and earlier http://pastftm.custhelp.com/ Version 2008 - 2011 http://ftm.custhelp.com/ ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to FTM-TECH-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Thanks, John. Your points are well made. I do maintain the files only for myself as the user, although I usually update a copy of the file to my father's computer when I visit him a few times each year. He doesn't do data entry, but he does like to be able to view the information. I don't try to maintain identical databases, and I do use flash drives to move between computers. The problem is that although most of the time I work on the desktop, sometimes I work on the laptop--for convenience, travel, etc. Remembering which one is the "current" file is sometimes an issue, especially when I don't have time in between trips, etc. to update. At this point I run both 2011 and version 16 because I am still learning 2011 and it is still more comfortable to actually work in version 16; and Daddy has only version 16. (I need to keep familiarity with it so that I can help him navigate, etc.--at 93 and an infrequent user, he needs a review every now and then). So, I need to keep both at least for now. I'm looking for a way to minimize the errors of data entry on one computer that never make it to the other. I don't maintain much in the way of media as I have always held those files separately even before 2011. My data base isn't extremely large--about 15,000 people--so a thumb drive works well for portability. Memory (mine) is the biggest issue :) -----Original Message----- From: ftm-tech-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:ftm-tech-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of John Okerson Sent: Monday, November 21, 2011 10:07 AM To: ftm-tech@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [FTM-TECH] Drop Box > I thought this topic had been discussed on this forum, but I couldn't find it in the Archives. Does anyone use, or know if, Drop Box can be used with FTM? I run two versions of FTM -- 2011 and 16 (16.0.350. I have both versions on both my desktop (Windows 7, 64 bit) and a laptop (Windows XP). It would be great to be able to "house" the data files for each of the versions on Drop Box so that additions, changes, etc. would be made on both computers, as well as to have the access from any other computer where the FTM programs are present. At least, I think it would work that way. Does anyone know? Dropbox had serious security issues some time ago. I dropped it completely! Be very careful that you understand that you can create serious problems for yourself IF you open the same file at the same time on different machines and then make an edit on just one. FTM is a single user database-type program. It is NOT intended to be used in a record locking type of system. If YOU are the only person using the file, I suggest that you pick which program and which computer you wish to use. Make ALL of your changes there. Copy the saved file and take it with you to any machine you choose, opening it there. As you already know no doubt, you cannot go from 2011 to 16 very easily. My approach was to use 16 all the time on my desktop - much faster, etc. Then, about every other week, import the file into the new series. Had I wished to place the new series of FTM on multiple machines, I could have transported said file easily. I do hope you do not try to maintain a pair of identical datasets. Not knowing the size of your database in 16, it is difficult to give specific suggestions, but 64 GB thumb drives are available, even with USB 3.0 - I have one! I have moved to 2012 now, and thus my database is smaller (you would recall that media is now kept separately) but even so is over 240 MB. Suit your own tastes in this regard. A CD ROM may work for you, but find your own method would be my suggestion. John ********************************** List information page http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/other/Software/FTM-TECH.html Online Support for Family Tree Maker Version 16 and earlier http://pastftm.custhelp.com/ Version 2008 - 2011 http://ftm.custhelp.com/ ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to FTM-TECH-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Thanks John. My thinking is along the same lines as yours as I think I would consider mine an Island tree as well. It works great, the software responds beautifully, and I am thoroughly enjoying my newfound hobby. Hugs and prayers, Sue My blog: Stitching Tidbits of My Life My on-line stitching journal: Strictly Stitching -----Original Message----- From: ftm-tech-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:ftm-tech-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of John Okerson Sent: Monday, November 21, 2011 9:26 AM To: ftm-tech@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [FTM-TECH] How big is big enough? While each person's taste in tree size and complexity may be different, there are essentially 2 kinds of trees. The simplest one is a direct ancestral tree. It contains NO ONE except those people from whom you are descended. Because that tight definition excludes siblings and such, most folks add more than just direct ancestors still claiming themselves to have such a tree. The second kind used to be called a tree with collateral lines, but is now known as an Island tree. In an Island tree, connections of blood or marriage are valid for entry. These trees can be huge. There is the accumulation method too - people placed within the tree without regard to connection. Single name or single place studies are common examples. Personally, I use a variant of the Island tree - I call it interested & interesting. If folks are interested enough to share their data with me or I find them interesting and are a part of my island, then I include them. I have 8 very minor islands within my online tree with hopes of eventually connecting them to my primary Island. My online tree has 135,XXX folks of whom about 900 are in the last 8 islands. My tree goes back to Adam & Eve and I have a multitude of convoluted connections - 22nd cousins and worse. When YOU feel the slowdown in the software, then it is time to trim your tree IMHO. John Okerson Memphis, TN ********************************** List information page http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/other/Software/FTM-TECH.html Online Support for Family Tree Maker Version 16 and earlier http://pastftm.custhelp.com/ Version 2008 - 2011 http://ftm.custhelp.com/ ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to FTM-TECH-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Yes. I keep my data files in Dropbox for easy access to my other computers. No problem (until you buck up against the size limit). Dennis In a message dated 11/21/2011 9:47:11 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, cshotts1@carolina.rr.com writes: Hi, I thought this topic had been discussed on this forum, but I couldn't find it in the Archives. Does anyone use, or know if, Drop Box can be used with FTM? I run two versions of FTM -- 2011 and 16 (16.0.350. I have both versions on both my desktop (Windows 7, 64 bit) and a laptop (Windows XP). It would be great to be able to "house" the data files for each of the versions on Drop Box so that additions, changes, etc. would be made on both computers, as well as to have the access from any other computer where the FTM programs are present. At least, I think it would work that way. Does anyone know? Connie ********************************** List information page http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/other/Software/FTM-TECH.html Online Support for Family Tree Maker Version 16 and earlier http://pastftm.custhelp.com/ Version 2008 - 2011 http://ftm.custhelp.com/ ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to FTM-TECH-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message