This message appears for one of two reasons:
- One or more generations of your ancestors are not in Family Tree. Add the missing generations to fix the tree.
- The parents and children are not correctly connected as parents and children. Fix the parent-child relationships to fix the tree.
- Other factors may also cause this error to appear.
To solve these problems, follow the step-by-step instructions below.
Add the missing generations
Step 1. At the top-right of the person's tile, click +.
- If you are working from the top of your tree to the bottom, select Add Children.
- If you are working from the bottom to the top, select Add Parents.
Step 2. Select the language template. It is above the name fields.
Then enter the name and other information, and select Next.
Step 3. Check the possible matches.
Family Tree checks to see if the person you are adding is already in its database. The left column displays the person you entered. The right column lists possible matches, if found.
- If a match is listed, select Add Match.
- If no match is found, select Create Person.
Step 4. Repeat until you have added all the missing generations.
Fix the parent-child relationships.
Step 1. Click the parent's identification number to copy it.
This unique identification number contains letters and numbers and is located on the person's tile.
Step 2. On the son's tile, click +, and select Add Parent.
Step 3. Select By ID Number, and paste parent's ID into the field.
Then select Next.
Other factors causing broken trees
Apart from the main reasons mentioned previously, the following factors can also cause broken trees.
The person of focus is not a direct descendant of the first ancestor
Even if you are a direct descendant of the person listed as the first ancestor, this message may appear if you're not in the first ancestor's direct line. To view other relationship types, use a different pedigree view like the landscape view.
Note: On occasion, the yellow clan path may include a woman if she has the same family name as the first ancestor.