Broken media links in Family Tree Maker 2019 (FTM) refer to links between the software and media files, such as images, videos, or audio files, that are no longer valid. This can occur when the media files are moved, renamed, or deleted from their original location, or when the links between the software and the media files become corrupted.
When a broken media link occurs, the media file will not be displayed in the software, and the software may display an error message indicating that the link is broken. This can make it difficult or impossible to view or use the media file in question.
Here are some common causes of broken media links in FTM:
Moving or renaming media files:
If a media file is moved or renamed, the link between the software and the media file will be broken, as the software will no longer be able to find the file in its original location.
Corrupted links:
Sometimes, the links between the software and media files can become corrupted, which can cause the links to break.
Syncing with online services:
When the family tree maker 2021 is synced with online services like Ancestry.com, if the media files are not uploaded to the online service, the links will be broken, as the software will not be able to find the files in their original location.
Hard drive failure:
If a hard drive fails, all the files on that drive will be lost, including media files. If the media files were linked to the FTM, the links will be broken.
File format change:
If a media file’s format is changed (e.g from jpeg to png), the link between the software and the media file will be broken as the software will not be able to recognize the new format.
How to fix Broken Media Links In Family Tree Maker ?
To fix broken media links in Family Tree Maker (FTM), you can try the following methods:
Locate the missing media files:
If the media files were moved or renamed, you can try to locate the files and move them back to their original location or re-link them to the software.
Use the “Find Missing Media” feature:
FTM has a built-in feature called “Find Missing Media” which allows you to search for missing media files on your computer and re-link them to the software. To use this feature, go to the “Edit” menu, select “Find Missing Media” and follow the prompts to search for the missing files.
Check for file format change:
If you changed the format of a media file, you can try to change it back to its original format, and then re-link it to the software.
Re-link the media files:
If you are unable to locate the missing media files, you can re-link the files by adding new copies of the media files to the software. To do this, you will need to import the new copies of the files into the software, and then link them to the appropriate individuals in your family tree.
Check for Hard drive failure:
If you suspect a hard drive failure, you will need to check the hard drive to make sure it’s working properly, if it’s not, you will need to replace it. If the media files were on that drive, you will need to add new copies of the media files to the software and re-link them to the appropriate individuals in your family tree.
Re-sync with online services: If the media files were not uploaded to the online service, you will need to upload them and re-sync the family tree with the online service
