Introduction
“I’m having a perplexing issue with Family Tree Maker and Dropbox,” begins a user, outlining a common challenge faced by many who utilize cloud services for genealogy software. This user, like many others managing their family history, sought to leverage Dropbox for seamless access to their Family Tree Maker files across multiple computers. However, their experience took a turn when media links within their Family Tree Maker project inexplicably broke. Let’s delve into the details of their situation and explore potential reasons and solutions for this frustrating problem, especially for those relying on “Tree Family Maker” software.
The User’s Setup and the Problem
The user detailed their setup involving two PCs (PC1 and PC2), each backing up to Dropbox (BU1, BU2). They then created a separate Dropbox folder, “DP-Doc,” to house a copy of their document files, including their primary Family Tree Maker file. Crucially, they renamed this Family Tree Maker file within “DP-Doc” to “FTM-DP.” The Family Tree Maker program was installed on both computers.
Their workflow was as follows: They worked with “FTM-DP” directly from Dropbox, alternating between PC1 and PC2, ensuring Dropbox sync completed between sessions. For approximately two months, this setup functioned smoothly. The “FTM-DP” file correctly linked to their extensive library of 25,000 media files.
Then, the issue arose. Upon opening “FTM-DP,” the user discovered that none of their media files were recognized. The files were still present in their folders, but Family Tree Maker could no longer locate them via the established paths. This issue was consistent across both PC1 and PC2.
Attempting to relink media files on PC1 only resulted in those links not being recognized on PC2, and vice versa. This back-and-forth relinking highlighted a deeper problem with how the file paths were being managed within the Dropbox environment.
Potential Causes for Broken Media Links
Several factors could contribute to this sudden disruption of media links:
- Dropbox Updates and File Path Changes: The user mentioned a PC update and a possible Dropbox update coinciding with the issue. Dropbox updates can sometimes alter how files are synced or referenced, potentially leading to changes in file paths as perceived by applications like Family Tree Maker. The “new Location” message observed by the user in their Dropbox backup files could indicate such a change.
- Syncing Conflicts and File Versioning: While the user stated they avoided using both computers simultaneously, subtle syncing conflicts could still occur. If Dropbox struggled to reconcile changes between the two PCs, it might have created conflicting versions or altered file metadata in a way that confused Family Tree Maker’s media linking system.
- File Path Sensitivity in Family Tree Maker: Family Tree Maker, like many applications, relies on specific file paths to locate linked media. If Dropbox’s update or syncing process altered these paths, even slightly, Family Tree Maker would lose track of the media files. This sensitivity to file path changes is a common challenge when using cloud storage with desktop applications.
- Directly Accessing the File from Dropbox: While convenient, directly working on the “FTM-DP” file within the Dropbox folder might introduce instability. It’s possible that Family Tree Maker expects files to be accessed from a local drive, and the constant syncing and potential temporary file states within Dropbox could disrupt the program’s file handling.
Recommendations and Future Use of Dropbox
For this user, relinking 25,000 media files is a daunting task. Before undertaking this, understanding the root cause is crucial. Here are some recommendations:
- Investigate Dropbox Update Details: Review Dropbox update logs or release notes to see if any changes related to file syncing or path handling were implemented around the time the issue began.
- Examine Dropbox Sync Activity: Check Dropbox’s sync activity logs for any errors, conflicts, or unusual behavior around the time the media links broke.
- Test with a Smaller Family Tree Maker File: Create a small test Family Tree Maker project with a few media files and replicate the Dropbox setup to see if the issue can be reproduced consistently. This can help isolate whether the problem is file-specific or related to the Dropbox environment.
- Consider Dropbox Smart Sync Settings: Explore Dropbox Smart Sync settings. If files are set to “online-only” to save local storage space, this could interfere with Family Tree Maker’s ability to access media files reliably. Ensure files are set to “local” availability when actively working with them.
- Alternative Workflow: Instead of directly opening the Family Tree Maker file from Dropbox, consider keeping the main file locally and using Dropbox primarily for backup and version control. Work on the local file and allow Dropbox to sync changes in the background.
Conclusion
The user’s experience highlights the complexities of using cloud storage with applications like Family Tree Maker that heavily rely on local file paths and media linking. While Dropbox can offer convenience for accessing files across devices, potential conflicts with file path management and syncing processes can lead to issues like broken media links. Further investigation into Dropbox updates and sync activity, along with testing and potentially adjusting the workflow, are necessary steps to resolve this problem and determine the best approach for using Dropbox with “tree family maker” software in the future. Seeking advice from Family Tree Maker support forums or Dropbox help communities could also provide valuable insights and solutions tailored to this specific scenario.
