How to Transfer FTM files from a Windows PC to a Mac

Recently I upgraded from FTM2005 to FTM2011. Yes - it was a huge jump and a steep learning curve. In fact I’m still learning the ins and outs of 2011.

To add to my challenge, I also purchased a MacBookAir. I’ve never used a Mac, being a Windows PC user for many years. I do have an iPad and iPhone so am familiar with Apple products but a MacBook is quite different.

I found myself struggling with the new Mac operating system but needed to get my programs installed and files moved before my upcoming trip to Salt Lake City Utah. 

My next move was to install FTM for Mac on my new MacBookAir. That was easy. But how to move my Windows files for FTM over to my Mac? Could it be done? I needed to be able to work in identical programs on two vastly different machines - my main Windows computer and my MacBookAir.

Thanks to FTM’s File Migration Utility Guide (a one page how-to) it was super easy!

My first step was to put my FTM for Mac CD into my PC CD-ROM drive. There is a folder called FTM FILE MIGRATION UTILITY and there I found and clicked on FTMFileMigrationSetup.exe  This automatically installed the File Migration Utility for Windows on my PC.

Next I made sure my machines were connected via my network. I could have used a flash drive, DVD or even an FTP program to transfer files but I wanted to try it via the network connection.

I created my GEDCOM in 2005 and then exported it to 2011. Done.

Next step was to open FTM on my Mac and choose IMPORT, then my shared network (which is my main computer), select the FTM2011 file I had just created from the FTM2005 GEDCOM and import it.

Bingo! Done. My FTM files from my Windows PC were safely installed on my new MacBookAir and accessible in my FTM for Mac. Now to learn how to use FTM2011!