.FBC File Extension
Family Tree Maker for DOS Backup File
| Developer | Ancestry.com |
| Popularity | |
| Category | Backup Files |
| Format | .FBC |
| Cross Platform | Update Soon |
What is an FBC file?
The .FBC file extension represents a backup file created by the Family Tree Maker software for DOS. This backup file contains a snapshot of the genealogy data saved by the software.
It serves as a safeguard to ensure that users do not lose their valuable family tree information due to system failures or accidental deletions.
More Information.
Family Tree Maker, launched initially in 1989, was a pioneering tool for genealogists. Its primary purpose was to help users build and manage their family trees digitally.
The introduction of the .FBC file format was a significant step in providing users with a reliable way to back up their data.
In the context of DOS (Disk Operating System), the backup functionality was crucial due to the limited data protection options available at the time.
Users would frequently create .FBC files to safeguard their genealogy research, as DOS did not have built-in, robust backup solutions.
Origin Of This File.
The .FBC file format originated with the Family Tree Maker software developed by Broderbund Software.
Family Tree Maker was one of the first widely used genealogy programs, and its DOS version was popular in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The .FBC file was introduced as a method for users to create backups of their genealogy projects, ensuring data security and integrity.
File Structure Technical Specification.
The .FBC file is a binary file format, specifically designed for use with the Family Tree Maker software for DOS. Its structure is proprietary and tailored to the data storage requirements of the genealogy software. The file includes:
- Header Information: Contains metadata about the backup, such as creation date and version of Family Tree Maker used.
- Data Blocks: Stores the actual genealogy data, including family trees, individual records, and relationships.
- Checksum: A mechanism to verify the integrity of the file and ensure that data has not been corrupted.
The file format is not widely documented, as it is specific to the Family Tree Maker DOS version. Due to this, the .FBC file is not easily readable or modifiable without specialized software.
How to Convert the File?
Converting .FBC files to a more modern format can be challenging due to their proprietary nature and the outdated software. There are some steps that users can take to attempt conversion:
- Using Legacy Software: The most straightforward method is to use the original Family Tree Maker for DOS software to open the .FBC file. Once opened, users can then export the data to a more modern format, such as GEDCOM (.GED), which is widely supported by contemporary genealogy software.
- Emulation: If the original software is not available, users can use DOS emulators, such as DOSBox, to run Family Tree Maker for DOS on modern computers. This allows users to open .FBC files and export their data.
- Third-Party Tools: Some third-party tools and converters claim to handle legacy file formats. However, these tools may not always be reliable or may require specific configurations to work with .FBC files.
Advantages And Disadvantages.
Advantages:
- Data Security: The primary advantage of the .FBC file is that it provides a backup for important genealogy data, protecting against data loss due to hardware failures or accidental deletions.
- Preservation: For users of the Family Tree Maker DOS version, .FBC files preserve historical research and family data in a format that was current during the software’s era.
- Easy Restoration: The backup can be easily restored using the same version of Family Tree Maker, allowing users to recover their genealogy projects quickly.
Disadvantages:
- Obsolescence: The Family Tree Maker for DOS is outdated, and .FBC files are not compatible with modern genealogy software. This can make it difficult to access and use the data without legacy systems.
- Limited Documentation: The proprietary nature of the .FBC format means there is limited documentation available, making it challenging for users to manually interpret or repair corrupted files.
- Software Dependence: To access .FBC files, users must rely on old software or emulators, which may not always be reliable or easy to use.
How to Open FBC?
Open In Windows
- Using DOSBox: Install DOSBox, a DOS emulator, and configure it to run Family Tree Maker for DOS. Open the .FBC file using the software within DOSBox.
- Legacy Software: If you have access to an old version of Family Tree Maker for DOS, you can run it in a Windows environment that supports legacy applications.
Open In Linux
- DOSBox: Linux users can also use DOSBox to emulate the DOS environment. Install DOSBox from the package manager and set it up to run Family Tree Maker for DOS.
- WINE: For running Windows applications, WINE can be used alongside DOSBox if you have a Windows version of Family Tree Maker.
Open In MAC
- DOSBox: Similar to Windows, macOS users can install DOSBox to emulate the DOS environment. After setting up DOSBox, install Family Tree Maker for DOS and open the .FBC file.
- Virtual Machines: Use a virtual machine running Windows with DOSBox to handle .FBC files.
