Genealogy Chat

Hi I have 3 problems - please see below in a mo.....

Problem 1 Opened FTM yesterday and prompted 'cannot find file - please check the directories and drives fields to ensure you're using the correct path. Found 4 different versions of my tree, clicked on the largest kb - showed 12212 records, 1032 individuals and 260 marriages. Couldn't remember the last time I saved it so exported my tree from here to compare - GR tree - 5646 records, 947 individuals and 270 marriages. How can everything be showing less on GR tree but marriages showing more? Even if it's due to privaitising the file I can't understand it? I never update my tree on here manually so it would seem I have lost 10 marriages. Problem 2 - When I could get into the file the other day and I clicked on the Internet search it responded I wasn't online. What was I doing wrong there? Problem 3 - The images in my e mail just show a red x - tried live help on AOL but none of the remedies they suggested have worked. Can someone please help before I throw this thing through the window? Thanks in advance Debby

Can help with 2 - I had that message the other day - it seemed to be a blip with ancestry and was ok later on. Did you back all your FTM up to a cd?

Eek Heather - yes but (I know, I know) my disc is less again - 10722 records, 911 individuals and 234 marriages. I'm happy to use the largest file I've found and looks like I've lost a little but I can't understand how there are more marriages showing on the GR one. Ah well, I must get in the habit of saving to disc more often. Thanks for problem 2 - I don't often use that facility anyway but it's handy to have. Debby

You say you have four files on your computer. Are they in folders or just on drive C? Have you got four (or more) different files stored to FTM. In FTM click on 'file' and look at the bottom of the dropdown. It will list the last four files you opened with FTM. If you have added details to one file then opened another file and added to that you could have several 'partial' trees spread over four files. A bit like spreading research notes over four notepads, you could have everything recorded but it is in different places instead of all in one. Glen

Sorry Glen - not ignoring you - just trying to find them again! I'll be back! Debby

Glen Right - they're all in my documents showing as gedcom files or ftm back up files. Unfotunately when I look in histroy on FTM, it's the four files I opened yesterday to see which had the most info, Is there any way I can merge these files, or should I just use the largest file and accept I've lost some of my file? Thanks again Debby

Right, i had a look at the FTM helpcentre. Just out of interest it says that by opening the backup files you will create multiple files so the files you opened yesterday are adding to the confusion. Anyway, yes you can merge the files together. It isn't difficult but you will have several names that appear in each file, these duplicated names will need to be looked at carefully to avoid problems. Instead of merging all the files at once i would suggest you merge them in stages. File #1 merged with File #2 File#3 merged with file #4 Then merge the two 'new' files together to give you one entirely new file.You might have to break the merging down to small chunks to make it more manageable. To be honest it is easier to direct you to the FTM helpcentre as there are some screenshots and tips about making the whole thing easier. You can print them out so they are handy when you need them.(A text answer will read as clear as mud on here). I have to nip off for an hour but if you pm your e-mail addy i can send you the links and the thread titles that are most relevant. Glen Glen

Thanks Glen - really appreciate it! Debby