It sounds like you’re encountering a frustrating issue with your Family Tree Maker (FTM) media files after trying to use Dropbox to sync between two computers. Many Family Tree Maker users explore cloud storage solutions like Dropbox for accessibility and backup, but it can sometimes lead to broken media links if not set up carefully. Let’s explore what might be happening and how to navigate using family tree maker with cloud services effectively.
It appears you were attempting to directly access your main family tree maker file from Dropbox, hoping to seamlessly switch between PC1 and PC2. While conceptually appealing, this method can introduce complexities, especially concerning how family tree maker handles media file paths.
Understanding the Problem: File Paths and Cloud Sync
The core issue likely revolves around file paths. When you link media files (photos, documents, etc.) to your family tree maker tree, the program records the location of these files. If you are working directly from a Dropbox folder that is synced across two computers, the file paths can become problematic for a few key reasons:
- Absolute vs. Relative Paths: Family Tree Maker, like many applications, uses either absolute or relative file paths to link to media. Absolute paths are fixed and specify the exact location on a specific computer’s drive (e.g.,
C:UsersYourNameDropboxFamilyHistoryPhotosimage.jpg). Relative paths are defined in relation to the location of your main family tree maker file. It’s more likely FTM uses absolute paths, or a combination, which can cause issues when moving between computers. - Dropbox Sync and Path Changes: When Dropbox syncs files between PC1 and PC2, the underlying file paths, as seen by each computer, might not be identical. Even though the Dropbox folder appears the same on both, the initial part of the file path (like the user directory or drive letter) could be different. If family tree maker is expecting a media file at
C:UsersPC1UserDropboxFTM-DPMediaphoto.jpgon PC1, PC2 might see the Dropbox folder mounted differently, perhaps asC:UsersPC2UserDropboxFTM-DPMediaphoto.jpgor even a different drive letter if Dropbox is configured unconventionally. - Directly Opening from Dropbox: Working directly from a Dropbox folder can also introduce latency and potential file locking issues if the sync process interferes with family tree maker‘s file access, especially with larger files or databases.
Why Re-linking on One PC Doesn’t Work on the Other
You observed that re-linking media files on PC1 didn’t translate to PC2, and vice versa. This further points to the file path discrepancy. When you re-link on PC1, family tree maker updates the file path within your tree file to reflect the location as seen by PC1. When PC2 syncs these changes, it receives the updated family tree maker file, but the file paths within it are still those valid for PC1, not PC2. Hence, PC2 still cannot find the media files in the locations specified in the updated links.
Is Dropbox Suitable for Family Tree Maker in the Future?
Dropbox can be used with family tree maker, but perhaps not in the direct access method you initially tried. Directly opening and working from the synced Dropbox folder across multiple computers for your main family tree maker file is generally not recommended due to the file path and potential sync conflicts.
However, Dropbox remains a valuable tool for family tree maker users for:
- Backup: Dropbox is excellent for backing up your family tree maker files. You can save a backup copy of your FTM file to Dropbox regularly. This protects your data in case of local computer issues.
- Transferring Files Between Computers (Less Frequently): If you need to work on your family tree maker tree on a different computer occasionally, you can manually copy your family tree maker file to Dropbox, sync it to the other computer, work on it locally, and then sync the updated file back. This is less seamless than direct access but avoids the file path issues.
Recommended Best Practices for Family Tree Maker and Cloud Storage
To use family tree maker reliably across multiple computers and with cloud storage, consider these best practices:
- Work Locally, Backup to Cloud: The most robust method is to keep your main family tree maker file and media files stored locally on each computer. Use Dropbox (or another cloud service) primarily for backup. Regularly create backup copies of your family tree maker file and save them to your Dropbox folder.
- Consolidate Media Files: Organize all your media files into a single, well-structured folder. This makes it easier to manage and potentially relocate if needed.
- Consider Relative Media Paths (If Possible): Check if family tree maker offers options for using relative media file paths. If so, this could mitigate some pathing issues, but absolute paths are often the default and more common.
- Manual Transfer for Multi-Computer Use: For working on your tree from multiple computers, manually copy the family tree maker file and associated media to a local folder on the computer you are using. After working, back up the updated file to Dropbox.
- Explore Family Tree Maker’s Sync Features: Some versions of family tree maker might have built-in cloud sync features or companion apps. Explore if your version offers a more integrated and supported method for syncing data between devices.
- Test Thoroughly: Before relying heavily on any cloud-based workflow, thoroughly test the setup with a small, non-critical family tree maker tree and media files to ensure links are maintained and syncing works as expected across your devices.
Re-linking Media: A Strategy for Recovery
Unfortunately, re-linking thousands of media files is indeed a daunting task. If you are facing broken links, a systematic approach can help:
- Work in Batches: Re-link media in smaller batches, focusing on specific folders or categories at a time.
- Utilize FTM’s Media Re-linking Tools: Family Tree Maker likely has tools to help with re-linking. Explore the “Media” workspace or menus for options like “Relink Missing Media” or similar functionalities. These tools might offer features to re-link folders or search for missing files automatically, which can save significant time.
While the direct Dropbox access didn’t work as intended in your case, understanding the nuances of file paths and adopting a more backup-focused approach will allow you to leverage cloud storage effectively with family tree maker in the future. Remember to prioritize data safety with regular backups and choose a workflow that aligns with how family tree maker manages media file links.
