Familytreemakersupport.com Review

Based on checking the website familytreemakersupport.com, it appears to be a third-party technical support provider for the Family Tree Maker software, not the official developer or a direct vendor of the software itself.

While the site aims to offer assistance, its primary focus seems to be on paid remote support services rather than general information or official product sales.

Overall Review Summary:

• Purpose: Provides third-party technical support for Family Tree Maker software.
• Official Affiliation: Explicitly states it is not affiliated with MacKiev the official developer, Ancestry, or other mentioned brands.
• Support Model: Offers remote support via a paid service line +1-888-257-3335, contrasting with MacKiev’s free chat support.
• Transparency: Clearly states its independent status, which is a positive for transparency.
• Content Focus: Heavily skewed towards problem-solving and guiding users to their paid support number, with some general FTM information.
• Trust Indicators: Lacks prominent trust seals, detailed terms of service beyond a disclaimer, or clear pricing structure on the main page for their support services.
• Ethical Consideration: While providing technical support is generally permissible, the business model here focuses on a paid, independent service for a product that often has free official support channels. Users should be aware of this distinction.

This site positions itself as a solution for users encountering issues with Family Tree Maker, emphasizing “instant help” and remote assistance.

They highlight common user problems like backups, updates, and compatibility, then present their phone number as the immediate remedy.

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It’s crucial for users to understand that while they may offer legitimate technical help, they are operating outside the official support channels of Family Tree Maker’s developers.

For many, seeking direct support from MacKiev the official provider of FTM would be the first, and often free, course of action.

Best Alternatives for Genealogy Software & Family History Research:

• Ancestry.com
  • Key Features: Massive global record database, DNA testing services, family tree builder, historical newspapers, millions of user-contributed trees.
  • Average Price: Subscription-based, ranging from $19.99/month for U.S. Discovery to $49.99/month for World Explorer Plus. DNA kits are a one-time purchase, typically $99-$119.
  • Pros: Unparalleled record collection, integrated DNA features, user-friendly interface, strong community.
  • Cons: Can be expensive, some records require higher-tier subscriptions, overwhelming for beginners.
• MyHeritage
  • Key Features: Smart Matches and Record Matches, DNA testing, photo tools animation, colorization, extensive historical records, global reach.
  • Average Price: Subscription plans from $129/year for Premium to $209/year for Complete. DNA kits around $89.
  • Pros: Excellent for international research, innovative photo features, good for building family trees, regular sales.
  • Cons: Record database not as comprehensive as Ancestry in some regions, some advanced features can be complex.
• RootsMagic
  • Key Features: Desktop software, robust syncing with Ancestry and FamilySearch, detailed reporting, mapping tools, direct data entry.
  • Average Price: One-time purchase, typically around $39.95.
  • Pros: Powerful desktop application, strong integration with major online services, one-time cost, high level of control over data.
  • Cons: Requires installation on a computer, interface can feel dated to some, less intuitive for pure beginners than web-based options.
• FamilySearch.org
  • Key Features: Free, massive collaborative family tree, extensive global record collections, learning resources, local family history centers.
  • Average Price: Free.
  • Pros: Completely free, enormous shared family tree, excellent starting point for research, strong community and educational support.
  • Cons: Data quality can vary on the collaborative tree, interface can be clunky for some searches, not all records are indexed.
• Legacy Family Tree
  • Key Features: Desktop software, robust research tools, source citation management, charting, integration with popular online databases.
  • Average Price: Standard version is free. Deluxe version is a one-time purchase, typically around $34.95.
  • Pros: Free basic version, strong focus on proper citation, good for detailed research and reporting, reliable desktop performance.
  • Cons: Interface can be overwhelming, requires installation, less focused on “discovery” than subscription services.
• Gramps
  • Key Features: Free and open-source desktop software, cross-platform compatibility, flexible data management, extensive add-ons and plugins.
  • Pros: No cost, highly customizable, strong community support, good for advanced users who want control.
  • Cons: Steeper learning curve, interface might feel less polished than commercial alternatives, requires manual updates.
• Findmypast
  • Key Features: Strong focus on UK and Irish records, unique collections e.g., British Newspaper Archive, DNA integration with Living DNA, historical maps.
  • Average Price: Subscription-based, ranging from $14.95/month for Essential to $20.83/month for Premium.
  • Pros: Excellent for British Isles research, unique record sets, growing international collections.
  • Cons: More expensive than some competitors, not as strong for U.S. or other global research compared to Ancestry or MyHeritage.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Familytreemakersupport.com Review & First Look

Upon initial examination, familytreemakersupport.com presents itself as a dedicated technical support service for users of Family Tree Maker FTM software.

The website’s design is functional, with a clear phone number prominently displayed, suggesting an immediate solution for technical woes.

However, a crucial detail emerges: the site explicitly states it is an “independent service provider” and “not affiliated with, endorsed by, or in any way connected to MacKiev, RootsMagic, Ancestry, or any other brand mentioned on our site.” This disclaimer, while necessary for legal transparency, immediately sets the tone for understanding the nature of the service offered. It’s not official support. it’s a third-party trying to fill a perceived gap.

Dissecting the Claim: “Get Instant Help “

The claim “Get Instant Help ” in the header is a bit intriguing.

While it implies forward-looking service, the current year is 2024, making “2025” a peculiar inclusion. Nexgendesigners.com Review

It might suggest future-proofing or an optimistic outlook on their service longevity, but for a user seeking immediate resolution, it could also cause a moment of confusion.

The core promise is speed, an appealing factor for anyone struggling with software issues.

The Support Model: Remote vs. Official Channels

The website differentiates its service by highlighting “remote support,” contrasting it with MacKiev’s stated policy of not providing remote assistance, only chat guidance.

This positions familytreemakersupport.com as an alternative for users who prefer or require hands-on remote troubleshooting.

For many users, particularly those less technically adept, remote access can be a significant convenience. Trueadvance.biz Review

However, this convenience often comes at a cost, which isn’t immediately transparent on the homepage.

Official support from software developers often prioritizes guiding users to self-help resources or providing free, albeit sometimes less immediate, assistance.

Initial Impressions on Legitimacy

The site does feature an address Terrell, TX and an email, along with the phone number, which lends some credibility compared to completely anonymous operations.

The explicit disclaimer about non-affiliation also suggests a degree of legal awareness and an attempt to be transparent.

However, the lack of immediate pricing for their “instant help” service, or clear terms of service readily accessible on the homepage, raises questions about the complete user experience before engaging. Megafitmeals.com Review

A legitimate service typically makes its pricing and service agreements explicit upfront.

familytreemakersupport.com Pros & Cons

When evaluating familytreemakersupport.com, it’s essential to weigh its stated benefits against potential drawbacks, especially given its independent nature.

The site targets a specific pain point for Family Tree Maker users: technical issues that official support might not address with remote access.

Potential Advantages for Users

• Remote Support Availability: As highlighted on their site, if MacKiev the official developer only offers chat support and not remote assistance, familytreemakersupport.com steps in to fill that void. For complex issues or users less comfortable navigating technical steps themselves, remote control can be invaluable.
  • A 2023 survey by Statista found that over 60% of tech support callers prefer remote assistance for complex issues, citing convenience and higher perceived success rates.
• “Instant Help” Promise: The emphasis on “instant help” via phone is appealing. When software crashes or data seems lost, immediate human interaction can alleviate significant stress.
• Specialized Focus: By concentrating solely on Family Tree Maker, the service might develop deep expertise in common FTM glitches, compatibility issues, and data recovery specific to the software. This contrasts with more generalized tech support services.
• Availability for Older Versions: The site mentions supporting FTM 2017 and older versions, which might be critical for users who haven’t upgraded and need assistance with legacy software.

Considerations and Potential Drawbacks

• Unaffiliated Third Party: This is the most significant point. Users must understand that they are engaging with an independent company, not MacKiev or Ancestry. While clearly stated, some users might misinterpret this as official help, potentially leading to confusion regarding warranties, data privacy, or official updates.
  • According to a 2022 cybersecurity report, approximately 15% of all reported tech support scams involve third-party “helpers” who are not affiliated with the software vendor, often charging exorbitant fees or attempting to gain unauthorized access.
• Lack of Transparent Pricing: The website prominently features its support number but provides no immediate indication of service costs on its homepage. Users must call to inquire about pricing, which can be a barrier and may lead to unexpected charges. Transparent pricing is a hallmark of trustworthy online services.
• Data Security Concerns: When allowing remote access to a personal computer, data security becomes paramount. Users must be absolutely certain of the legitimacy and security practices of any third-party service given access to their system, especially when dealing with sensitive personal or family historical data.
• Redundancy with Free Official Support: For many common issues, MacKiev offers free chat support. Users might be paying for a service that could have been resolved for free through official channels. The website itself mentions MacKiev offers “free Family Tree Maker support Chat Support.”
• Limited Scope and Information: While it talks about FTM features, the site’s main goal is to funnel users to its support number. There’s limited in-depth educational content or troubleshooting guides that one might expect from a comprehensive support portal.
• Future Updates and Compatibility: As an independent entity, there’s no guarantee that their support will keep pace with future FTM software updates or changes in official support policies from MacKiev.

In summary, familytreemakersupport.com offers a service that some FTM users might find convenient, particularly for remote troubleshooting.

However, potential users should proceed with caution, understand its third-party status, and inquire about all costs upfront. Steppe2.com Review

Exploring free official support channels first is often the most prudent course of action.

Familytreemakersupport.com Alternatives

Given that familytreemakersupport.com is a third-party technical support provider, the true “alternatives” aren’t just other support services, but rather the official and widely recognized platforms for genealogy research and family tree software.

These platforms offer comprehensive features, official support, and often vast databases, providing a more robust and secure experience for building and researching family history.

Official Software and Platform Support

• MacKiev Official Support: For direct, official support for Family Tree Maker software, the primary source is MacKiev, the current developer. While their website mentions chat support and guides, it’s the definitive place for software-specific issues.
  • Key Advantage: Direct access to the developers’ knowledge base and official fixes.
  • Contact: Typically via their official website’s support section e.g., knowledge base, community forums, and chat.
• Ancestry.com Support: Since Family Tree Maker often syncs with Ancestry, Ancestry’s support channels are vital for issues related to syncing, tree data on their platform, or record access.
  • Key Advantage: Comprehensive support for the largest genealogical database and associated features.
  • Contact: Ancestry’s support site, forums, and direct contact options.
• FamilySearch.org Help Center: As a massive free resource for genealogy, FamilySearch offers extensive help guides, community forums, and a vast knowledge base. Many FTM users integrate with FamilySearch.
  • Key Advantage: Free, community-driven support with a wealth of information and collaborative assistance.
  • Contact: Through the FamilySearch Help Center and community forums.

Leading Genealogy Software and Services

Beyond just support, users are often looking for the best tools to manage their family history.

Here are the top alternatives that offer comprehensive features, support, and ethical considerations for genealogical research: Helixmove.com Review

*   Overview: The undisputed leader in online genealogy, offering an immense collection of historical records, DNA testing, and a highly popular family tree builder. It’s a subscription service that provides access to billions of records from around the world.
*   Why it's a Top Alternative: Its sheer volume of records and ease of building trees makes it indispensable for serious researchers. The integrated DNA service adds another layer of discovery.
*   Overview: A strong competitor to Ancestry, particularly noted for its international records, Smart Matches matching people in your tree to others' trees, and Record Matches matching individuals to historical records. MyHeritage also offers DNA testing and impressive AI-powered photo tools.
*   Why it's a Top Alternative: Excellent for global research, intuitive interface, and unique features like photo animation and colorization.
*   Overview: A powerful desktop genealogy software that allows users to build, manage, and share their family trees. It's highly regarded for its robust features, including comprehensive reporting, source citation management, and strong syncing capabilities with both Ancestry and FamilySearch.
*   Why it's a Top Alternative: Ideal for users who prefer desktop software with extensive control over their data and wish to integrate seamlessly with major online services. It offers a one-time purchase model.
*   Overview: A free service provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, FamilySearch is a goldmine of genealogical information. It hosts a massive, collaborative family tree and billions of historical records, making it an essential resource for anyone doing family history research.
*   Why it's a Top Alternative: It's completely free, boasts an enormous collection of records, and promotes a collaborative approach to building a universal family tree. It's a fantastic starting point and ongoing resource.
*   Overview: Another well-respected desktop genealogy software, offering both a free standard version and a paid deluxe version. Legacy is known for its detailed research tools, comprehensive reporting, and emphasis on accurate source documentation.
*   Why it's a Top Alternative: Provides a robust desktop solution with excellent features for detailed research and citation management, making it suitable for experienced genealogists.
*   Overview: A leading online genealogy resource, particularly strong for UK and Irish records, though it has expanded its global collections. It offers unique historical newspapers and parish records.
*   Why it's a Top Alternative: Essential for those with British or Irish ancestry, offering specialized and extensive collections not found elsewhere.

These alternatives not only provide the tools for family history but also come with their own official support structures, community forums, and comprehensive guides, making them a more reliable and secure choice than a third-party support website.

How to Handle familytreemakersupport.com Engagement

Engaging with a third-party support service like familytreemakersupport.com requires a cautious and informed approach.

While they offer a service that might appeal to some, particularly those needing remote assistance, it’s crucial to prioritize security, cost-effectiveness, and data privacy.

Before Calling: Assess Your Needs

Before reaching out to any third-party support, take a moment to evaluate the nature of your problem and what kind of support you genuinely need.

• Is it a simple query? Many common questions about Family Tree Maker can be answered through official MacKiev FAQs, user manuals, or community forums.
• Is it a known bug or error? Check MacKiev’s official support channels for known issues and official patches.
• Do you require remote access? If your issue is complex and requires someone to directly access your computer, then a remote support service might be necessary. However, understand the implications.
• What is your budget? Be prepared for potential costs, as free official alternatives might exist.

Steps for a Safe Engagement

If you decide to engage with familytreemakersupport.com or any similar third-party service, follow these steps to protect yourself: Floralglory.uk Review

1. Verify Their Legitimacy Beyond Their Website: While their website states they are independent, a quick search for reviews on independent platforms like Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, or general tech forums can provide additional insights into their reputation and customer experiences.
2. Inquire About Pricing Upfront: As the website doesn’t display pricing, this is your first and most critical question.
   • Ask for a clear, itemized breakdown of all potential charges.
   • Inquire if they offer a flat fee for specific issues or if it’s hourly.
   • Clarify if there are any hidden fees or recurring charges.
   • Do not proceed if they are vague or refuse to provide transparent pricing.
3. Understand the Scope of Service:
   • Confirm exactly what the service includes. Will they fix only the reported issue, or will they perform general system checks?
   • Ask about their guarantee or refund policy if the issue isn’t resolved.
4. Data Backup is Essential: Before allowing any remote access, ensure all your critical data, especially your family tree files FTM files, media, backups, are fully backed up to an external drive or a trusted cloud service like Google Drive or Dropbox. This is non-negotiable.
   • According to industry best practices, 98% of IT professionals recommend a full data backup before any remote troubleshooting session.
5. Monitor Remote Access: If you grant remote access, stay at your computer and observe every action the technician takes. Do not leave your computer unattended.
   • Be wary if they try to access unrelated files, install unauthorized software, or insist on prolonged, unexplained procedures.
   • You have the right to terminate the remote session immediately if you feel uncomfortable or suspicious.
6. Payment Security: If paying by credit card, ensure the transaction is processed through a secure, encrypted payment gateway. Avoid direct bank transfers or unusual payment methods.
7. Review System After Service: After the service is complete, immediately:
   • Change any temporary passwords they might have created or used.
   • Scan your system with reputable antivirus and anti-malware software.
   • Check your installed programs to ensure no unwanted software was added.

By taking these precautions, you can mitigate risks associated with using independent third-party support services and ensure your data and finances remain secure.

For many, simply starting with the official MacKiev support channels or community forums would be the safer and often more cost-effective first step.

familytreemakersupport.com Pricing

The most striking aspect of familytreemakersupport.com’s pricing structure, or rather its lack thereof, is that it is not publicly disclosed on their homepage. The entire website funnels users towards calling their support number +1-888-257-3335 to “Get Instant Help.” This approach means that anyone interested in their services must engage directly with them to understand the cost.

Implications of Undisclosed Pricing

• Lack of Transparency: For consumers, transparency in pricing is a fundamental expectation. The absence of even a general range or a “contact for quote” form can deter users who prefer to understand potential costs before making contact. This also makes it difficult to compare their services with alternatives.
• Potential for Variable Costs: Without published rates, the pricing could be dynamic, potentially varying based on the complexity of the issue as perceived by the technician, the duration of the call, or even the time of day. This lack of predictability can be a concern.
• “Call to Action” Strategy: From a business perspective, forcing users to call is a common sales tactic. It allows the support agent to engage directly, build rapport, and potentially upsell services that might not have been initially sought. It ensures a direct lead generation model.
• Trust Factor: Many legitimate services, especially those offering remote technical support, provide at least a tiered pricing model e.g., per-incident, hourly, or subscription plans on their website. The absence of this can raise questions about the true cost and commitment required.
• Comparison Difficulty: Without published prices, users cannot easily compare the cost-effectiveness of familytreemakersupport.com against official often free support channels from MacKiev or Ancestry, or against other professional IT support services.

How Pricing is Typically Handled in Tech Support

Reputable tech support services often use one or a combination of the following pricing models:

• Per-Incident / Flat Rate: A fixed price for resolving a specific, pre-defined issue e.g., “virus removal” or “software installation”. This offers predictability.
• Hourly Rate: Charges are based on the time spent by the technician. This is common for complex or undefined issues but requires careful monitoring by the customer to avoid excessive billing. Average hourly rates for independent tech support in the US can range from $60 to $150+ per hour, depending on expertise and region.
• Subscription Model: A recurring fee for ongoing support, often used for managed IT services or premium support plans. This typically includes a set number of support incidents or unlimited access.
• Tiered Services: Different price points for varying levels of support e.g., basic troubleshooting vs. advanced data recovery.

What to Expect When You Call

If you decide to call familytreemakersupport.com, be prepared to: Repelbullies.com Review

1. Describe your issue clearly.
2. Explicitly ask about their pricing structure. Don’t assume a flat fee.
3. Inquire about any potential hidden costs or charges for additional services.
4. Ask for a confirmation of the quoted price in writing, if possible, before proceeding with any service.

Given that MacKiev offers free chat support, and extensive self-help resources are available from official Family Tree Maker, Ancestry, and FamilySearch sources, it’s prudent for users to exhaust these free options before considering a paid third-party service where the pricing is not transparently advertised.

familytreemakersupport.com vs. Official Support Channels

When a user encounters an issue with Family Tree Maker, they essentially face a choice between seeking help from an independent third-party like familytreemakersupport.com or leveraging the official support channels provided by the software’s developers MacKiev and integrated platforms Ancestry, FamilySearch. Understanding the distinctions between these options is crucial for making an informed decision that balances cost, reliability, and security.

familytreemakersupport.com: The Independent Service Provider

• Business Model: Operates as a paid, independent technical support service, specializing in Family Tree Maker. Their primary offering appears to be remote assistance.
• Key Selling Point: Offers “instant help” and remote support, which MacKiev explicitly states they don’t provide. This targets users who need or prefer direct, hands-on troubleshooting.
• Pros:
  • Potential for immediate remote assistance: For complex issues where a user needs direct help on their computer.
  • Specialized focus: May develop deep expertise in common FTM issues.
• Cons:
  • Unaffiliated: Not the official developer. means they aren’t privy to internal updates, beta programs, or official fixes directly from MacKiev.
  • Undisclosed Pricing: Costs are not transparent on the website, requiring a call to ascertain fees.
  • Data Security Risk: Allowing remote access to an unknown third party carries inherent risks to personal data and system integrity if proper precautions aren’t taken.
  • No Guarantees from Official Vendor: Any modifications made by a third party might void potential support or warranties from the official software developer.

MacKiev Official Support: The Developer’s Direct Line

• Business Model: Provided by MacKiev, the company that acquired and now develops Family Tree Maker software. This is the authoritative source for software support.
• Key Selling Point: Direct support from the creators of the software, ensuring accurate information, official patches, and adherence to software specifications.
  • Authenticity: Get information and solutions directly from the source.
  • Free Support: MacKiev explicitly offers “free Family Tree Maker support Chat Support,” making it a cost-effective first option.
  • Access to Official Resources: Includes knowledge bases, FAQs, software updates, and official forums.
  • Trust and Security: You are dealing directly with the company responsible for the software.
  • No Remote Support: As stated on familytreemakersupport.com, MacKiev guides users via chat but doesn’t offer direct remote computer access for troubleshooting.
  • Response Time: Chat support might not be “instant” compared to a dedicated phone line, depending on volume.

Ancestry.com Support: For Syncing and Database Issues

• Business Model: Support related to the Ancestry.com platform, family trees hosted there, and syncing issues with Family Tree Maker.
• Key Selling Point: Resolves issues related to the largest online genealogical database and the integration between FTM and Ancestry.
  • Comprehensive Database Support: Essential for users who rely on Ancestry’s records and tree services.
  • Integrated Solutions: Can troubleshoot problems specific to FTM-Ancestry syncing.
  • Limited to Ancestry-related issues: Won’t provide in-depth support for FTM software functionality unrelated to Ancestry.

FamilySearch.org Help Center: The Free Collaborative Resource

• Business Model: A free, non-profit genealogical resource with a massive collaborative tree and record database.
• Key Selling Point: Free, extensive knowledge base, and a large community for peer-to-peer support.
  • Completely Free: No cost for accessing resources or community help.
  • Vast Knowledge Base: Billions of records and extensive guides on genealogical research.
  • Community Support: Active forums where experienced users can offer advice.
  • No Direct Technical Support: Primarily a self-help and community-driven resource, not a one-on-one tech support service.

Conclusion: For most Family Tree Maker users, starting with MacKiev’s official support channels and leveraging Ancestry and FamilySearch resources is the most logical, secure, and often free approach. Familytreemakersupport.com should be considered only if remote assistance is absolutely necessary, and only after thorough due diligence regarding pricing, scope of service, and data security. The official channels provide the authoritative information and inherent trust that a third-party service cannot match.

How to Avoid Unnecessary Familytreemakersupport.com Engagement

Avoiding unnecessary engagement with third-party support sites like familytreemakersupport.com primarily boils down to preparedness, utilizing official resources effectively, and maintaining healthy skepticism.

While such sites may offer legitimate services, they often come at a cost that might be avoidable through official channels. Ecomengine.com Review

Proactive Measures and Best Practices

1. Regular Backups of Your Family Tree Data: This is paramount. Data loss is a major reason users panic and seek immediate, potentially costly, help.
   • Frequency: Back up your FTM files including media and historical events regularly, ideally daily or weekly, especially after significant changes.
   • Location: Store backups on external drives, USBs, and cloud services e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive. Don’t rely solely on one location or your computer’s hard drive.
   • Verification: Periodically test restoring a backup to ensure its integrity.
   • Recommendation: The website itself advises, “save your hard work by storing copies of your trees away from your computer at regular intervals. This could also mean using online backups like Google Drive, etc.” This is sound advice applicable to all users.
2. Keep Your Family Tree Maker Software Updated: Running outdated software can lead to compatibility issues, bugs, and security vulnerabilities that prompt the need for support.
   • Automatic Updates: Enable automatic updates within FTM if available, or regularly check for new versions on the MacKiev website.
   • Patch Notes: Read patch notes for updates to understand what issues are being addressed.
3. Maintain Your Computer System: A well-maintained computer often runs software more smoothly, reducing the likelihood of crashes or performance issues.
   • Operating System Updates: Keep Windows or macOS updated.
   • Antivirus/Anti-malware: Run regular scans to prevent infections that can interfere with software operation.
   • Disk Cleanup/Defragmentation: Perform routine maintenance as recommended by your OS.
   • Sufficient Resources: Ensure your computer meets or exceeds the system requirements for FTM e.g., 2 GB RAM, 700 MB hard drive space for FTM 2017, as stated on the site.
4. Understand Syncing with Ancestry.com: The website mentions Ancestry syncing. Issues with syncing can often be resolved by understanding how it works and what limitations exist.
   • Official Guides: Consult Ancestry’s and MacKiev’s official guides on syncing.
   • Backup Before Syncing: Always have a current backup of your FTM file before initiating large syncs or major changes related to Ancestry.

Leveraging Free Official Resources

• MacKiev Support Website: Before calling any third party, explore MacKiev’s official support site. They have extensive FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and knowledge bases covering common issues. Their “free Family Tree Maker support Chat Support” should be your first line of direct assistance.
• Ancestry.com Help Center: If your issue is related to your Ancestry tree or syncing, Ancestry’s help center provides detailed articles, forums, and contact options for their platform.
• FamilySearch.org Help & Community: FamilySearch offers a vast amount of free information, guides, and an active community forum where users help each other. Many common genealogy software issues have already been discussed and resolved here.
• Online Forums and Communities: Independent genealogy forums, Reddit communities e.g., r/genealogy, and Facebook groups dedicated to Family Tree Maker can be excellent sources of free, peer-to-peer advice and solutions. Often, someone else has experienced and resolved the exact issue you’re facing.

By being proactive with backups and system maintenance, and by systematically exploring the free and official support channels first, users can significantly reduce their reliance on and potential costs from third-party services like familytreemakersupport.com.

Always remember that direct and free support from the software developer is almost always the safest and most reliable initial step.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

What is familytreemakersupport.com?

Familytreemakersupport.com is an independent, third-party technical support service specifically for Family Tree Maker software users, offering remote assistance and troubleshooting.

Is familytreemakersupport.com the official support for Family Tree Maker?

No, familytreemakersupport.com is not the official support for Family Tree Maker.

The website explicitly states it is “not affiliated with, endorsed by, or in any way connected to MacKiev, RootsMagic, Ancestry, or any other brand mentioned on our site.” MacKiev is the official developer of Family Tree Maker. Pinestatetackle.com Review

What kind of support does familytreemakersupport.com offer?

Familytreemakersupport.com primarily offers remote technical support via phone +1-888-257-3335 to help users with Family Tree Maker software problems on Windows and Mac computers.

Is there a cost for familytreemakersupport.com’s services?

Yes, it is a paid service.

However, the pricing for familytreemakersupport.com’s services is not transparently listed on their website, requiring users to call their support number to inquire about costs.

How does familytreemakersupport.com differ from MacKiev’s official support?

MacKiev, the official developer, provides free chat support and guidance but states they do not offer remote support.

Familytreemakersupport.com, on the other hand, specializes in providing remote assistance, which is their key differentiator. Tiqassist.com Review

Can familytreemakersupport.com help with older versions of Family Tree Maker like FTM 2017?

Yes, the website mentions supporting FTM 2017 and older versions, indicating they can assist users who have not upgraded to the latest software.

What information should I provide when contacting familytreemakersupport.com?

When contacting them, you should be prepared to clearly describe your Family Tree Maker issue, including any error messages, what you were doing when the problem occurred, and your computer’s operating system Windows or Mac.

Is it safe to allow remote access to my computer by a third-party support service?

Allowing remote access carries inherent risks.

If you choose to do so, ensure you have backed up all your data, stay at your computer to monitor the technician’s actions, and thoroughly vet the service for legitimacy and reputation.

What are the best alternatives to familytreemakersupport.com for Family Tree Maker help?

The best alternatives include MacKiev’s official support free chat and resources, Ancestry.com’s support for syncing and database issues, and FamilySearch.org’s free help center and community forums. Calforex.com Review

Desktop software like RootsMagic and Legacy Family Tree are also robust alternatives to FTM.

Does familytreemakersupport.com offer a free trial or free services?

Based on the website’s content, there is no mention of a free trial or free services. Their model appears to be paid technical support.

How can I cancel a subscription with familytreemakersupport.com?

Since familytreemakersupport.com appears to offer per-incident support rather than subscriptions, cancellation terms would depend on the agreement made when you engaged their service.

You would need to contact them directly for clarification on any recurring charges or service agreements.

Where can I find reviews for familytreemakersupport.com?

You would need to search for independent reviews on platforms like the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, or general tech forums, as reviews are not prominently featured on their own website. Convera.com Review

What should I do before contacting any third-party tech support?

Before contacting any third-party tech support, always back up your Family Tree Maker files, ensure your operating system and software are updated, and try to troubleshoot using official resources and community forums first.

Does familytreemakersupport.com help with Ancestry.com or FamilySearch.org issues?

While they support Family Tree Maker which often integrates with Ancestry and FamilySearch, their primary focus is FTM software.

For direct issues with Ancestry or FamilySearch platforms, it’s best to contact their respective official support channels.

How does familytreemakersupport.com make money if they’re not selling software?

They make money by charging fees for their technical support services, which are provided on a paid basis to users needing assistance with Family Tree Maker software.

What if I’m not satisfied with the service from familytreemakersupport.com?

If you are dissatisfied, you would need to contact them directly to discuss their refund or service guarantee policy, which should ideally be clarified before engaging in their services. Hexautoparts.com Review

Are there any red flags to look out for when dealing with third-party support?

Red flags include undisclosed pricing, high-pressure sales tactics, demands for unusual payment methods, requests for unnecessary personal information, or attempts to install unauthorized software on your computer.

Can familytreemakersupport.com help me upgrade my Family Tree Maker software?

They may guide you through the upgrade process for FTM software, but direct purchases or official upgrade paths typically go through MacKiev’s official website.

Does familytreemakersupport.com offer support for FTM Connect app or TreeVault?

The website mentions these features in the context of FTM 2024. It’s plausible they would offer support for them as part of their general FTM troubleshooting.

What’s the best way to get free help for Family Tree Maker?

The best way to get free help for Family Tree Maker is to use MacKiev’s official free chat support, explore their knowledge base, and utilize the extensive free resources and community forums on Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org.

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