How to Install Family Tree Maker 2017 on Windows – Easy Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Family Tree Maker 2017 is a well-known genealogy program that helps researchers create, organize, and preserve family history in one convenient place. Whether you are building your first family tree or managing years of genealogy research, the software provides practical tools for recording relatives, adding sources, attaching photographs, and organizing important historical information.


If you have recently purchased the software or already have an installation copy, completing the Family Tree Maker 2017 download and installation correctly is an important first step. This guide explains the general Windows installation process in simple language and also covers common problems that may occur during setup.

What Is Family Tree Maker 2017?

Family Tree Maker 2017 is genealogy software designed for creating and maintaining detailed family trees. It allows users to enter information about parents, children, spouses, dates, places, sources, and other family-history details.

Some useful capabilities include:

  • Creating and editing family trees

  • Adding photographs and documents

  • Recording sources and historical information

  • Creating charts and reports

  • Organizing genealogy research

  • Maintaining backups of family tree data

Its straightforward interface makes it useful for both new genealogy enthusiasts and experienced family-history researchers.

Before You Install Family Tree Maker 2017

Before beginning the installation, prepare your Windows computer. Make sure you have sufficient free storage and that your system is working normally.

It is also a good idea to close unnecessary programs before starting the setup. If you already have an older version installed, consider creating a backup of your existing family tree files before making changes.

Most importantly, obtain the installer from a legitimate and trusted source. Avoid downloading executable files from unknown websites because modified or incomplete installers can create unnecessary security and compatibility problems.

How to Start the Family Tree Maker 2017 Download

The first part of the process is obtaining the correct installation file.

Step 1: Open Your Browser

Launch a trusted browser such as Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox. Make sure your internet connection is stable if you need to download the installer.

Step 2: Locate the Official or Authorized Download

Navigate to the appropriate official or authorized source for your copy of the software. Confirm that you are downloading the Windows version rather than a Mac installer.

Save the installer somewhere easy to locate, such as your Downloads folder.

Step 3: Check the Downloaded File

After the download finishes, locate the setup file and verify that it completed successfully. If the download appears incomplete or Windows reports that the file is damaged, download a fresh copy from a trusted source rather than repeatedly attempting to use the damaged installer.

Family Tree Maker 2017 Installation Process

Once the installer is ready, you can begin setting up the program.

Step 1: Open the Installer

Go to your Downloads folder and double-click the Family Tree Maker 2017 setup file.

If Windows displays a security or permission prompt, review the information and select the appropriate option to continue if you obtained the installer from a trusted source.

Step 2: Follow the Setup Wizard

The installation wizard will guide you through the required steps. Select Next when prompted and review the displayed information.

You may be asked to accept the software license agreement before continuing.

Step 3: Choose the Installation Location

If the installer provides an option for the destination folder, you can normally keep the default location unless you have a specific reason to change it.

Keeping the default location can make future troubleshooting and maintenance easier.

Step 4: Start the Installation

Click Install to begin copying the required program files to your computer.

Allow the installation to finish without shutting down the computer or interrupting the setup process.

Step 5: Complete the Setup

When Windows reports that the installation has finished, select Finish. You can then open Family Tree Maker 2017 from the Start menu or desktop shortcut, depending on the options selected during setup.

What to Do After Installation

After successfully completing the Family Tree Maker 2017 download and installation, take a few minutes to check that the program opens correctly.

If you already have genealogy data, make sure you have a current backup before opening or modifying important files. You can then begin creating a new tree or opening an existing family tree.

Keeping regular backups is especially important when your genealogy database contains years of research, photographs, documents, and source information.

Common Installation Problems

Although installation is usually straightforward, some Windows users may encounter difficulties.

Installer Will Not Open

If the setup file does not launch, restart Windows and try again. Also confirm that the downloaded file is complete and came from a trusted source.

Installation Stops Unexpectedly

Insufficient disk space, conflicting software, or Windows permissions can sometimes interfere with installation. Close unnecessary applications and make sure adequate storage is available.

Permission Problems

If Windows prevents the installer from making changes, right-click the setup file and look for the Run as administrator option. Only use this with an installer from a source you trust.

Existing Version Conflicts

If another version of Family Tree Maker is already installed, avoid deleting or replacing program files without first protecting your family tree data. Back up important genealogy files before changing your installation.

Tips for a Successful Setup

A few simple precautions can make the installation process smoother:

  • Use a trusted installation source.

  • Maintain a stable internet connection during download.

  • Keep sufficient free disk space.

  • Close unnecessary applications.

  • Back up existing genealogy files.

  • Do not interrupt the installation once it begins.

  • Keep your Windows system updated.

Start Building Your Family History

Once Family Tree Maker 2017 is installed, you can start organizing your genealogy research in a structured family tree. Add relatives, dates, locations, photographs, documents, and sources as you continue your research.

For the best results, develop a regular backup routine and keep copies of important genealogy files in a safe location. This helps protect valuable family-history research from accidental deletion or computer problems.

Final Thoughts

Installing genealogy software does not have to be complicated. By obtaining a legitimate installer, preparing your Windows computer, and following the setup wizard carefully, you can complete the Family Tree Maker 2017 download and installation process with fewer problems.

After installation, take time to organize your family tree and protect your research with regular backups. With your software properly set up, you can focus on what matters most—discovering, documenting, and preserving your family's story.

Source: family tree maker 2017 download 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How do I install Family Tree Maker 2017 on Windows?
Download a legitimate Windows installer, open the setup file, follow the installation wizard, accept the required terms, and allow the program to finish installing.

Q2. Should I back up my family tree before installation?
Yes. If you already have genealogy data, creating a backup before changing or installing software is a sensible precaution.

Q3. What should I do if the installer does not start?
Check that the download completed correctly, restart Windows, and try launching the installer again. If necessary, obtain a fresh installer from a trusted source.

Q4. Can I open my existing genealogy files after installation?
Generally, you can open compatible Family Tree Maker files after the program has been installed. Always keep an original backup before making changes.

Q5. Why is a trusted download source important?
A legitimate source reduces the risk of receiving corrupted, modified, or potentially unsafe installation files.

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