* Change FTMB file to GEDcom file

[Daulton]

This my first post. I expect to receive my program tomorrow and it may take me a while to get it loaded.
Someone took my HD and wiped my program and all my files. I had the files backed up but I am unclear how to create a GEDcom file if I no longer have my 2014 version of FTM. Most of the suggestions I have found say use the Family Tree program to change to GEDcom.
This topic may be on the forum somewhere but I'm not sure how to find it. I'm sorry if I seem to be looking for a simple and fast solution but, yup, that's what I am doing. I would consider myself a novice even though I've been doing this since about 1998. Thank you for your time and trouble.

[tatewise]

Welcome to the FHUG and we hope you enjoy using FH.

The advice you have found is correct. The only rational way to convert your FTM database into a GEDCOM file is to use the FTM program to export in GEDCOM format. That is explained in how_to:import_from_family_tree_maker|> Import from Family Tree Maker (FTM).

So you must focus on re-installing your FTM 2014 program.
What installation media do you have? Was it an installation CD or a download file?
If it was a CD then you should still have that somewhere.
If it was a download then that should be in your file backups.
You should also have an installation product registration key.
If you have no such media, who did you purchase FTM 2014 from?
Try contacting them with your purchase order details and they may supply a copy.
(BTW: Calico Pie offer that service for their FH downloads, but NOT boxed sets bought elsewhere.)

If those options are totally impossible, then another FH user who also has FTM may offer to convert your database for you.
You may have to send them not just the FTM database but also all attached Media image files.
Those details will need to be discussed between you.

[Daulton]

Thank you very much for your reply, your welcome, and suggestions.
The 2014 FTP was a free download that I used for several years. I looked last night and see that those types of programs are still available but they are listed as malware. In this new age I find that very scary even though testimonials say they are safe.
I still have my original 1998 program but I don't know if that would work just to convert my 252,626 K file. It looks like I have lots of back up files and I don't know which are duplicates of each other.
Other strange things I see are that some of my files are converted to Adobe (??) and now I see a Ged file. I don't know where that came from. I also see a media file which is heartening. I made a DVD disk last night that is not Adobe but I am really confused about the whole mess now.

[tatewise]

You must have purchased an upgrade to FTM 2014 from your original FTM 1998 version.
The free download was an update to your licensed purchased copy of FTM 2014.
If you do not have those original media &/or downloads then I am not sure what to suggest.

One option is to purchase the latest FTM 2017 for about £90.

Otherwise you will have to throw your mercy on to another FTM user to perform the GEDCOM export for you.

Is there a Family History Society or Computer Club nearby that could help you?

Regarding backups, the ones with the latest dates will be the most recent.

Let this be a lesson to you and to others about keeping full and organised backups, not just of your data files, but also your purchased program installation media files and licence keys.

[Daulton]

The things you are saying do make sense. Come to think of it I did attempt to download the program to an external hard drive that I loaned to my cousin so he could get some media files off, which he did. He told me that he was unable to download or try the program but I'll look and see if the program is on that hard drive.
I've spent the day working on this. My grand kids have brought over an old Dell tower that has windows 7. The Family tree version offered is not compatible with Windows 10. I was going to download a free program onto that computer then see if I could use it to convert my files to Ged format.
At this moment I am having trouble with the DVD drive which is old and funky. It isn't working and so my attempt to put my old 98 version on it didn't happen. Also I would't be able to transfer created ged files if I do download the program. Back to the think bench.
Sorry for thinking on the computer. Thank you for your help and suggestions. It's annoying to have the happy hope I could easily get my files back only to find out I may have to find a computer or a computer person who knows that they are doing. I'll look at Craigslist and see if I can find a DVD drive that will work. Sorry I threw away tons of old computer stuff a couple of years ago.

[Daulton]

I just this minute received my Family Historian program in the mail. I also, thank you, Mr Mike Tatewise, for reminding me that I had copied the program FTM to my old HD. Sure enough, my data was there and I did convert it to Gedcom format. Let's see if I can find those files on my computer now. I was unable to figure out how to put that FTM 2014 program back on my computer, but maybe that's better because I can just run it from the HD if I need it.
I expect to be bald again pulling my hair out, struggling with getting the FH program on my laptop and getting the information transferred but that's what makes life fun, huh? Thank you all and I expect to be back on here soon.