AFT File Extension

What is AFT file?

AFT filename suffix is mostly used for Ancestry.com Family Tree Database files. Ancestry.com defined the Ancestry.com Family Tree Database format standard. Files with AFT extension may be used by programs distributed for Windows platform. Files with AFT extension are categorized as Data Files files. The Data Files subset comprises 1326 various file formats. The most popular software that supports AFT files is Family Tree Maker. Family Tree Maker software was developed by Ancestry.com Inc., and on its official website you may find more information about AFT files or the Family Tree Maker software program.

Programs which support AFT file extension

Below is a table that list programs that support AFT files. Files with AFT extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

How to open file with AFT extension?

Being unable to open files with AFT extension can be have various origins. What is important, all common issues related to files with AFT extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Install Family Tree Maker software

Problems with opening and working with AFT files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with AFT files being present on your machine. The solution is straightforward, just download and install Family Tree Maker. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. If you want to download Family Tree Maker installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Ancestry.com Inc. website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Family Tree Maker

If the problems with opening AFT files still occur even after installing Family Tree Maker, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Family Tree Maker is available. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. The reason that Family Tree Maker cannot handle files with AFT may be that the software is outdated. The most recent version of Family Tree Maker is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate Ancestry.com Family Tree Database files with Family Tree Maker

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate AFT files with latest version of Family Tree Maker you have installed on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Change the default application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the AFT file
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where Family Tree Maker is installed, check the Always use this app to open AFT files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Change the default application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected AFT file open the file menu and choose Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select Family Tree Maker and click Change for all...
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with AFT extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Ensure that the AFT file is complete and free of errors

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the AFT file in question. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. The AFT may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the AFT file hinders attempts to open it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the scanner detected that the AFT file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

Did you receive the AFT file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. When downloading the file with AFT extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Family Tree Maker

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support AFT files. Close all running programs and try opening the AFT file.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Ancestry.com Family Tree Database files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It may be the case that the AFT files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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