How to Backup Family Tree Maker in XP

You've been using Family Tree Maker to chart out your family tree. You have created several family trees for your family. With the program's help, you have even discovered a long-lost uncle from Europe. Family Tree Maker is a genealogy software package by Ancestry.com available for the Windows XP and Vista operating systems. The program comes with an easy-to-use backup program to creating a copy of your ancestry data files.

Things You'll Need

• CD-R or CD-RW disc
• Writable CD drive
• CD sleeve
• Permanent marker

Instructions

1. Insert a blank CD-R or CD-RW disc into the writable CD drive of your computer.

2. Click "Start," "All Programs," "Family Tree Maker" to open the Family Tree program or click on the "Family Tree Maker" icon on your Windows desktop.

3. Click "File" from the main menu at the top of the Family Tree Maker screen.

4. Click "Backup."

   If you have Family Tree Maker Version 11, click on "Backup Family File."

5. Click on the option for "writable CD drive."

6. Right click on the Family Tree Maker data file showing on the screen. If more than one file is showing, press and hold the "CTRL" key as you right click with your mouse.

7. Click "Send to" from the pop-up menu.

8. Select "CD-RW Drive" from the sub-menu that is on the screen by "Send to."

9. Click on the "balloon bubble" message above your Windows XP Taskbar - "You have files waiting to be written to the CD. To see the files now, click this balloon."

   If you don't see this message, click on "My Computer" from your Windows desktop or click on "Start" and then "My Computer." Click on your "CD Drive" icon to open the CD Drive window.

10. Click on "Write to CD" located in the left pane under "CD Writing Tasks."

11. Enter a name for the CD-R or CD-RW disc in the box that is highlighted.

12. Click "Next."
    The "CD Writing Wizard" will begin burning the Family Tree Maker files to the CD-R or CD-RW disc. The wizard will prompt you once your disc is finalized.

13. Remove the CD disc from the drive and place it in a CD sleeve. Write on the top of the sleeve with a permanent marker "Family Tree Maker Backup CD" or similar wording.

14. Place the backup CD in a safe place.

Tips & Warnings

• Backup your Family Tree Maker data files at least monthly and store the discs in a safe place such as a home safe or other area where your keep other computer backup discs.

References

• I have a CD-R or CD-RW drive. How can I back up my Family Tree Maker file onto a CD?

Resources

• Family Tree Maker 2010