Genealogy Chat

I've just loaded my FTM disc, & it seems to have reverted to an earlier version of the tree, with all my recent additions gone! I always back it up into my documents every time I unload it, so I thought perhaps it was reading an earlier saved version. I tried sending all the back-up versions to the recycle bin, & then found there was nothing on my FTM disc at all!!! I restored them, but still only have the earlier version of the tree! What is going on? Shall I slit my wrists now? ps I am hopeless with computers, so if anyone thinks they can help, please give me idiotproof instructions! UPDATE: Thank you so much to everyone who helped - my tree is now restored!!!! I am so happy! Can anyone now tell me a foolproof way to back it up to make sure I never go through this traumatic experience again?

Use Windows explorer and look at the dates on the FTM files. The latest will be the earlier version you have just loaded probably - the date and time will tell you. Uhm You do know where you keep your backup files don't you? I do not have FTM myself but it probably has a 'restore Back-up' option on the FILE list. You could try using that as a first step. you can pm me but it might take time for me to reply as I may not notice the message has arrived. CB

karen, In my documents, on the top column, where it should say name (of the file) if you right click there, a list will come up with all possible columns you can show. I normally have date modified on there, but if you also choose date created, it might give you some more clues as to which is which. (I hope!!! Im no good with computers either!!!)

Clive, the back-ups are all in 'My documents' but I can't see any dates by them. I assumed the one with the most MB would be the latest one? ( Told you I'm hopeless.)

Fox, most of them say they were created 8th June. Is that becos I sent them to the recycle bin & then ressurected them? One says 7th June, but when I saved & then opened that one, it has no sources on it at all!

OH god!!! Please don't ask me, that was the only bit of computer stuff I know!!! My partner thinks it might be because you deleted them. If you then restored them, they would have the 're-created date', i.e today. I recon that you should go with the KB size, as the biggest one will have the most info, therefore, your most recent. Sorry I couldn't help more, I feel really bad for you. I really hope you get it back!!!!

Hi Karen I use FTM so will try and help - when you load FTM go to file at the top and click on 'restore from local backup' it should find the latest version of your tree on its own. Hope this helps

If you have Windows XP you can use system restore - help and support centre - then go back to a former time - say a week ago -and restore your programmes. (Bit like a time warp)!!

Panic cancelled - for now!!