Family Tree Software Installation
Installing family tree software is an important first step toward organizing your family history, genealogy records, photographs, documents, sources, and research. Whether you are installing a genealogy application for the first time or moving an existing family tree to another computer, preparing your system before installation can help prevent unnecessary problems.
This guide explains the general installation and setup process used by many family tree and genealogy applications. The exact screens, options, account requirements, and features can vary depending on the software and version you are using.
Before You Install Family Tree Software
A few minutes of preparation can make the installation process much easier. Before downloading an installer, identify which software and version you want to use and make sure your computer is ready.
Check System Requirements
Check the publisher's current requirements for your operating system, processor, memory, storage, and other required components.
Check Available Storage
Make sure you have sufficient free space for the software, family tree database, photographs, documents, backups, and other media.
Back Up Your Family Tree
If you already have genealogy data, create a backup before installing, upgrading, uninstalling, or transferring software.
Use a Trusted Installer
Download installation files from the software publisher or another source you trust. Avoid unknown download websites.
Family Tree Software You May Be Installing
FamilyTreeSupport provides general technical guidance for different family tree and genealogy applications. Installation steps can vary according to the software, operating system, and version.
Family Tree Maker
Installation and setup guidance for Family Tree Maker, including general setup, updates, data management, and troubleshooting.
RootsMagic
General guidance for installing genealogy software, opening existing databases, importing data, and configuring your family history workspace.
Legacy Family Tree
Learn the general steps involved in installing genealogy software and preparing your family tree database.
Gramps
Guidance for preparing your computer, installing the application, creating a family tree, and managing genealogy information.
Reunion
General installation and setup information for compatible systems, including preparing existing family history data.
Other Genealogy Programs
If you use another family tree application, contact us with the software name and version for more specific guidance.
How to Install Family Tree Software
Although each application has its own installation process, most desktop family tree programs follow a similar sequence.
Download the Installer
Download the appropriate installation file for your operating system. Use the official software publisher or another trusted source.
Open the Installer
Locate the downloaded installation file and open it. Your operating system may ask for permission before allowing the installer to make changes.
Accept the Required Options
Review the license information and follow the installation wizard. Some programs allow you to choose an installation location or additional components.
Complete Account or Activation
Some applications may require an account, license key, activation code, subscription, or other setup information.
Finish Installation
Allow the installation to finish before closing the installer or shutting down your computer.
Open the Application
Start the software and confirm that it opens normally before importing or restoring your family tree.
Setting Up Your Family Tree Software
After installation, the next step is configuring the application for your family history research. Depending on the software, you may be able to create a new tree or open an existing family tree database.
Create a New Family Tree
If you are starting a new genealogy project, use the software's option for creating a new family tree. Enter your initial information carefully and save the project in a location that you can easily identify and back up.
Open an Existing Family Tree
If you already have a family tree, locate the original database or supported file and use the software's Open, Restore, or Import option as appropriate.
Configure Important Settings
- Choose an appropriate data or project location.
- Review backup options.
- Check media and document storage settings.
- Review synchronization settings if supported.
- Check for available software updates.
- Review account and activation information.
Importing a Family Tree Using GEDCOM
GEDCOM is a commonly used format for exchanging genealogical information between compatible genealogy programs. If your existing family tree is stored in GEDCOM format, many genealogy applications provide an Import option for bringing that information into a new project.
General GEDCOM Import Process
- Create a backup of your original genealogy data.
- Locate the GEDCOM file.
- Open your new family tree software.
- Select the Import or Import GEDCOM option.
- Select the appropriate file.
- Allow the import process to finish.
- Review the imported family tree carefully.
Check Your Family Tree After Installation
Installation should not be considered complete until you have confirmed that your software and family history data are working correctly.
Check People and Profiles
Open several individual records and verify names, dates, locations, notes, and other important information.
Check Family Relationships
Review parents, children, spouses, and other relationships to make sure the family structure appears correctly.
Check Photos and Documents
Open several photographs, scanned records, and other media files to confirm that they are accessible.
Check Sources and Notes
Review important sources, citations, notes, research information, and other details that are important to your genealogy project.
Check Family Tree Charts
Generate a pedigree, descendant, or other available family tree chart to verify that relationships are displaying as expected.
Installing Family Tree Software on a New Computer
Moving to a new computer generally involves two separate tasks: installing the software and transferring your genealogy information. Installing the application alone does not necessarily transfer your existing family tree.
1. Install the Software
Download and install the appropriate software version on your new computer.
2. Transfer Your Family Tree
Depending on your software, you may need to transfer a native family tree database, GEDCOM file, media folder, backup file, or other associated files.
3. Restore and Verify
Open or restore your family tree and verify people, relationships, photographs, documents, sources, and other important information before continuing your research.
Common Family Tree Software Installation Problems
Installation problems can have different causes depending on the software, operating system, installer, permissions, or existing data. The following are some common situations.
Installation Does Not Start
Check that the installer downloaded completely and that your computer meets the publisher's requirements. If necessary, obtain a fresh installer from the appropriate trusted source.
Not Enough Disk Space
Check your available storage. Remember that family tree projects can include large collections of photographs, scanned documents, videos, audio files, and backups.
Software Will Not Open
Restart the computer and try launching the application again. If the issue continues, check the publisher's troubleshooting information for your specific software version and operating system.
Existing Family Tree Will Not Open
Keep the original database and backup files safe. Avoid deleting or overwriting the original data while troubleshooting the problem.
GEDCOM Import Is Missing Information
Different genealogy applications may interpret or support genealogical information differently. Compare the imported tree with your original data and investigate any missing or changed information.
Back Up Your Family Tree After Installation
Once your software is installed and your family tree has been checked, create a fresh backup. Regular backups can help protect years of genealogy research from accidental deletion, file corruption, computer problems, or unexpected software issues.
Consider maintaining copies in more than one location. Depending on your workflow, this may include an external drive, cloud storage, another computer, or a supported genealogy backup format.
Family Tree Software Installation Checklist
Use this checklist before considering your installation complete.
Need Help Installing Family Tree Software?
If you're having trouble installing, setting up, importing, updating, or transferring your family tree software, tell us what happened, which software and version you're using, and what error message you see. We'll help you identify possible next steps.
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