Family Tree Maker 2010

[geniebug]

Merry, would anyone know what I am supposed to do when this msg comes up in FTM 2010 .......................Family Tree Maker gives an error message of "Family Tree maker 2010 was not properly closed the last time it was used. You may need to compact your last opened file to resolve any issues caused by an improper shutdown. To compact the file choose "Compact File " from the tools menu. .............. I cant see"Compact File" in tools menu??????

ATM I cannot get into my family trees as all :mad:;(;(;(

[kiterunner]

Have you got a backup file that you can use, Jood?

[kiterunner]

This screenshot is for FTM 2011 so I don't know whether it would be the same for 2010 but have a look:
tools menu (http://ftm.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/4380/kw/compact/session/L3RpbWUvMTM0NjU3OTE4OS9zaWQvbEZtLUhkNWw%3D)

[geniebug]

Thanks Kite - Im sure 2010 would be the sameas 2011, but the problem is - I can't get into FTM to compact it :( Even if I go to the last tree I had opened, I still can't open it - so backups don't help either.

I have deleted and reinstalled FTM to no avail.

[kiterunner]

When you get the error message, does it have an "OK" button to click, and if so, what happens when you click on it?

[geniebug]

Windows apparently tries to find a solution to the problem and never does.

When I click on that message I told you about earlier – I do click on ok. The FTM 2010 window appears on the screen trying to initialise, and then I get a message ‘FTM has stopped working, Windows is searching for a solution to the problem’.

'A problem caused the program to stop working correctly. Windows will close the program and notify you if a solution is available.'
'Close Program.'

[kiterunner]

Are you running FTM as Administrator? If you're not sure, right click on the icon on your desktop and select "Run as administrator".

[geniebug]

Kate, I did as you suggested, but same error message unfortunately.

[kiterunner]

Can you find a backup file on your computer (file extension .FBK or .FBC), right-click on it, select Open or Open With... Family Tree Maker 2010? Just to see whether it makes any difference.

[geniebug]

Had done that, but tried it again - same old story as before.

[kiterunner]

There seem to be quite a few mentions of this problem on the internet but I haven't managed to find instructions of how to fix it yet. You could try contacting FTM technical support:
http://www.familytreemaker.com/Support/Contact

If you want another way of viewing your family tree while you are trying to fix FTM, there are some other family tree programs which will import an FTM file, and some are free - for instance, Roots Magic Essentials:
http://www.rootsmagic.com/essentials/

I'm sure there are some others but just can't think of them at the moment!

[kiterunner]

Also if you are using Windows 7, there is some info here:
http://ftm.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5158/kw/properly

[geniebug]

I'm glad I am not the only one .. lol

I'll contact FTM tech support.

Am downloading Roots Magic as we speak.

Thanks once again Kate for your help :)

Oooooh just found out its 20 & 21 today and tomorrow - when I meet the girls it will be 16 :(