Russ,

Yes I did re-register each time I reinstalled and upgraded. So that isn't the problem.
When using the Publish option I just received the "Not Responding" message until I restarted FTM.

I am determined to get to the bottom of this problem, so I am now in the process of rebuilding my PC and testing FTM at each stage. Current progress to date:

1) Installed new version of Vista from CDROM. No Microsoft patches applied and no anti-virus or any other software installed.

2) Installed FTM 2009 18.0.0.95, tested and everything works as expected. Media merges OK and I am able to use the Publish options.

3) Installed numerous Microsoft Vista patches using Microsoft Update and retested FTM 2009 18.0.0.95. Everything tested and still working as expected.

4) Installed Bullguard anti-virus/firewall software, retested FTM 2009 18.0.0.95. Everything tested and still working as expected.

5) Installed Internet Explorer 8 using Microsoft Update. Retested FTM 2009 18.0.0.95, bit slower merging media, I now get the "Not Responding" message but only for a few seconds before normal service is resumed. Same result with Publish, i.e. abit slow, get the message but then all works Ok.

6) Installed Vista SP1 - to be tested and I'll update you with the progress.

Paul

Paul,

Thank you for these details.

Might you agree, that the MSIE might be involved with the problem?

Your Step 5, What is the Product Version of MSIE that is installed with step 5? It sounds like the slowdown, that my result in the Not-Responding message, came with MSIE 8. I don't use MSIE due to performance issues on my Vista PC. I DO, however, have it as my Default Browser.

Russ

Russ,

...continues

7) As well as Vista SP1 and IE8 all MS patches are now applied. Retested FTM 2009 18.0.0.95. Everything tested OK, in fact response times were improved since step 5.

8) Took the bullet and upgraded FTM to 18.0.0.305 using the downloaded patch and then upgraded to 18.0.0.307 using the automatic updates. Tested FTM and now get the "Not Responding" issue everytime I try a merge with media - now back to square 1.

Interestigly, when I uninstalled FTM and reinstalled 18.0.0.95 from the CD, Windows kept closing the application stating there was a fault. Which leads me to think that the software was not completely removed - probably left some of the FTM patches in situ.

My initial conclusion is that there is something in the updates from FTM that is clashing with Vista and is causing this issue. I will be rebuilding my PC and doing some more tests just to confirm my conclusions.

I'll keep you posted.

Paul

Paul,

Thank you for the update.

Russ

I don't know if this will help, but I am using Vista on an Inspiron 1520. The other day windows did a swan dive into an empty swimming pool, so I bit the bullet and formatted and reinstalled everything. All windows updates were done prior to reinstalling FTM 2009. I reinstalled it just a bit ago, and it told me there was an update available, so I did it.

I to am also getting the freeze when trying to merge into my family tree.

As my system has not been running long enough to have other problems creep into it, I think it is safe to assume that it is the update causing the problem.

Don,

Did you Compact your Family File (Tools menu)

Which merge were you doing, an Individual (2 person) Merge?

Russ

For everyone experiencing this problem, I reported it as a problem to Ancestry. They confirmed that it is a bug and they are working on it - as of today, they don't have an estimated date for the fix. In the meantime, the only workaround is to open each image before merging to your family tree. Or, uninstalling and reinstalling FTM without the last Ancestry service pack. Or using FTM 8 if you have it installed (it doesn't have this problem). I'll post more information as I receive it.

I meant FTM 2008, not FTM 8. Haven't had my caffeine yet. :S

Sorry, I should have been a little more explicit. I was merging a record from Ancestry.com with my records. Merging the info and importing the image. What is strange is I can do it 1 time, and then the second time I try to do one, FTM locks up and quits responding.

Don,

Please be a little more detailed.

It sounds like you downloaded a GEDCOM file from Ancestry. You merged that GEDCOM file with your file, on your PC.

Then, do did another merge.

OR are you talking about using the Web Merge Feature of 2009. The first Web Merge you do, it works OK, but the next time, 2009 Freezes? Are you waiting long enough for that Web Merge to complete?

Which are you doing?

Russ