Hello howstreet,
First, check with the Windows 7 Compatibility Center to see if the program is compatible.
Family Tree Maker recommends to upgrade if your version is prior to FTM 2008.
If you have an older application for Windows XP or Vista that doesn't run in Windows 7, you may be able to get it working properly by running the program in compatibility mode.
1. To begin, find the application or shortcut that is causing the problem, then right click on it and select Properties.
2. Then, select Compatibility from the tabbed menu at the top of the properties page:
3. Now, check the 'Run this program in compatibility mode for...' box and select the OS you wish to emulate. For most applications, it will be Windows XP SP2. Once you are done, click OK.
4. When you next launch the application it should run under compatibility mode using the OS you selected. If it still fails to run correctly, try another OS selection in step 3 and try again.
Software: Suite 16 By Rick Crume Premium. Now all grown up, Family Tree Maker matures only slightly in its latest edition. To access this content. Family Tree Maker recommends to upgrade if your version is prior to FTM 2008. If you have an older application for Windows XP or Vista that doesn't run in Windows 7, you may be able to get it working properly by running the program in compatibility mode.
Run the installation program in compatibility mode:
1. Right-click the installation file's icon.
2. Click Properties > Compatibility .
3. Select the compatibility mode for Windows XP.
4. Click OK .
5. Run the installation program.
After it's installed, run the program in Windows XP compatibility mode by doing the same with the installed program.
If that doesn't help, if you are running Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate, you can try the program in XP Mode and Virtual PC. If you are running Windows 7 Home Premium version, you can't use XP Mode but can search on the internet for 3rd party virtualization programs. You can find some free programs that are quite good.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
MarilynMicrosoft Answers Support Engineer