Backing Up Your Files

Glen in Tinsel Knickers Editing- Work in Progress

Many people devote lots of time and money researching family history but pay little regard to storing data safely. Protecting your data by creating backup files is vital.

If you do not have a backup file and suffer a major computer problem you could lose ALL your data. A proper system of backup files is an absolute must and takes less than five minutes a week to manage.

Backup FAQ

Why should i backup data?

If no backup files are made then ALL data can be lost if a computer problem occurs. A power surge whilst editing a file can cause damage for example, if a hard drive fails it can create serious problems.

When should i backup my files?

Ideally once a week if you add to the programme regularly and also before performing any of the following tasks;
Upgrading your program to another version
Before performing any work on your computer
Before merging family files or individuals
Before compacting your file
Before attempting to fix a relationship mistake
Before troubleshooting damage in your file or program

What media should i use?

This depends on your computer spec, your abiilities and the version of FTM being used.

• Floppy discs have limited storage and many discs may be needed.
  
• CD, memory stick and external hard drives have greater storage and discs/sticks are easy to carry around and store.
  
• Internet storage can be used, but requires FTM 2006 or later versions to be installed. A small charge is made for internet storage but is well worth the cost.
  
• If possible e-mail your file or post a disc to a friend,relative or neighbour for safe keeping.

Is there an easy way to control backup files?

There is no right or wrong way to manage backup files but the following tips may prove useful

• Get into a routine, make a routine backup every week or at least every fortnight
  
• Consider using at least two discs or sticks, call disc #1 "Father" and disc #2 "Son", use Father in weeks 1,3,5 etc and Son in weeks 2,4,6 etc., This way, even if the most current backup fails, you will have older copies of the backup that you can try with minimal data loss.
  
• Write the date on the backups, This will ensure you don't restore an out of date file by mistake
  
• Check that your backup file has been successfully saved. The only way to be positive that your backup has been successful is to try restoring from the backup file. When you restore from a backup file a new .FTW (or main) family file will be created. Name this new file something like "Tester.ftw" and save it to your desktop or "My Documents" folder so that you will not get it confused with your main family file. When you are happy that a backup "Tester.ftw" file works correctly delete it from your desktop or folder, this avoids having lots of files that create confusion.
  
• Can you store files away from your house just in case the worst happens?Extra copies of your file saved by friends, relatives or uploaded to the internet storage facility and genealogy websites are worthwhile considering.
  

Creating Backup Files

There are several ways to create a backup file, these are fully explained at the following links
Creating Backup Files
Backing up to CD

Troubleshooters for backup problems can also be found at the following links;

CD backup troubleshooter

Restoring a Backup File

Restoring a backup file varies slightly from one version of FTM to another. The following links to the FTM helpcentre deal with the methods for each version;

FTM 2005, Backup restore

FTM 2006-16 Backup restore

Back to Family Tree Maker