Broken Media Links in Family Tree Maker 2019
Introduction: Broken Media Links In Family Tree Maker 2019 can disrupt your genealogical research by causing photos, documents, and other media files to become inaccessible. This issue occurs when the connections between your family tree and its associated media are broken due to changes in file locations, names, or deletions.
Causes:
- File Relocation: Moving media files to a new folder or drive without updating the file paths in Family Tree Maker 2019 can break the links. The software will no longer find the files in their original location.
- Renaming Files: Changing the names of media files outside of Family Tree Maker 2019 causes a mismatch between the new file names and the links stored in the program.
- File Deletion: If media files are deleted from your computer or storage device, Family Tree Maker 2019 will lose access to these files, resulting in broken links.
Implications: The primary impact of broken media links is the loss of access to important visual and documentary elements in your family tree. This can lead to incomplete records, hinder your ability to share your family history effectively, and diminish the overall value of your genealogical project.
Solutions:
- Using the “Find Missing Media” Tool: Family Tree Maker 2019 provides a built-in tool for identifying and repairing broken media links. Access this tool from the Media section of the program, where it will scan your project to find any missing files.
- Reattaching Media: Once the missing media is identified, you can manually locate the files in their new locations or correct any naming issues. Update the file paths or reattach the files to restore the connections.
- Regular Maintenance: To prevent future issues, routinely check for broken media links and ensure that all file changes are updated in Family Tree Maker. Keeping your media files organized and properly linked will help maintain the completeness of your family tree.
Conclusion: Addressing broken media links in Family Tree Maker 2019 is essential for preserving the integrity of your family history project. By understanding the causes, implications, and solutions for broken links, you can ensure that all media files remain accessible and your genealogical research remains thorough and accurate.