Family Tree Maker help please

[Mogsmum]

Knowing I wanted a new program, two days ago my lovely husband surprised me with a copy of Family Tree Maker Deluxe (the one that comes with the BBC's WDYTYA artwork on the front).

So far it seems almost identical with the FTM 2005 I had been using but the software for which I'd long since lost and a new computer meant new software was urgently needed.   I've imported my existing GEDCOM with no problem and am getting used to the revised layout, but ....

The only thing I can't seem to find - although I'm sure it must be there somewhere - is how to include siblings (of primary or all individuals) when I produce a chart?   So far all I've managed to find on the 'Help' is a rather unhelpful aside which says not all features are available in all charts, but I can't seem to find any chart which does, nor indeed anywhere to make the selection even if it were 'greyed-out' on the chart I'd chosen.

Is it me?  (of course it is)   But I really need some assistance please.

[downside]

It is a great puzzle to me why people that are using old versions of FTM import a GEDCOM file rather than their FTW file into newer versions of FTM.

Your old .FTW file contains more information than a GEDCOM file.  You only need to create a GEDCOM file when you are transferring between different different genealogical software.

FTM-2005 was the last classic version and since then people have complained about the loss of certain types of report and charts.

I'm not sure which version you have (2008 or 2009) but there is a list of things not working here:-

http://familytreemaker.chesebro.info/

[Mogsmum]

Not being as computer literate as you obviously are downside, I'd saved my info in a GEDCOM as I wasn't sure which program I'd be importing the info into.     Having received this gift and discovered that it was possible to import my existing FTW file into this newer version of FTM, it is something I'd already done.   BTW its version 2008.

[luckydog]

I am currently using Family Tree Maker 2005 but am thinking about upgrading to the new 2009 version but have read some reviews which indicate that is not that easy to merge info from older versions . With a mind to the opening post anybody got any feedback on upgrading to 2009 version . Have looked at the link given above and not being that much of an expert found it a bit overwhelming .
Mike

[mongoose2]

Mogsmum

I have no problem with most Genealogical software however the older versions of FTW have a small footprint on your harddrive and consume few resources. the newer versions of FTW 2008 & 2009 take up a large footprint £400 meg or more without any data and consume large amounts of resources. If you have  a fast processor and larger HD ie a computer bought recently then no problems

On my partners 2 year old laptop it was a nightmare and have been dumped in favour of an older version of FTW. So we have done what you did and fortunately we kept the old FTW file so we could revert.

Barry

[Dancing Master]

It would be easier to tell us what actually did work.  I too dumped two of the later models and reverted back to a very old version which is quite acceptable.

I was told by the provider that that "Book" facility would not work for me because I had too many names.   Now what the use is that for me.

Newer is not always better.  Just a money making scheme.

[mongoose2]

It loaded extremely slowly!
each page rendered slowly (I've seen paint dry quicker)

so it is difficult to actually say what parts of the program were better or worse. maybe one day I will have a faster laptop to try it on.

Barry

[Dancing Master]

I didn't mean you Mpngoose but the stupid programme. I got so frustrated with it I jumped on it and put it in the bin.

A lot of these programmes are changed for change sake, and when they realise we are not spending as much money with them.

[Mogsmum]

As a rookie family historian, I started with FTM 2005 and loved it.   It was easy to use - being a woman any 'help' file is always a last, rather than first, resort! - and I never needed to use it.    I never did quite work out how to publish a 'Book', but since it wasn't something I wanted or needed to do, it suited me fine.   I thought the charts were a bit limited, but again being a rookie I was content enough.

Had I not lost the installation disk over the years I'd still be using it on my new computer.   However, if anyone asks my advice on upgrading I'd have to say keep well away from FTM 2008 - in fact I have a boxed copy, installed once and un-installed within 24 hours - which anyone can have for the cost of the postage.