Genealogy Chat

I have recently installed FTM2006, and imported, via Gedcom, my genes family tree. Several members have kindly offered to send info re mutual rellies, via gedcom. How does this work? Would their tree overwrite mine? or do I get chance to view their tree, and select the info I wish to import? Any advice would be appreciated, as I'm rubbish on the computer! Thanks, Hilary

Hi You can open up a gedcom in FTM and select individuals from it or add the whole gedcom in one go. This new 'file' can be kept separate from your existing tree or combined with your existing tree. The process of combining a gedcom file into your existing file is called 'merging'. If there are any 'duplicated' names these can be merged. BEFORE you attempt to merge any files you should create a backup copy of your oribinal file first...........just in case things don't go to plan. By doing that you can easily revert back to your original file and start again. It is easiest to point you to the online help centre for the complete answer, you can search for answers to questions and print the replies (complete with screenshots). If i were to type it out it would look confusing and i couldn't add the screenshots to my answer. Click on 'help' From dropdown menu select 'online help centre' On the new sreen which opens scroll down to 'family tree maker knowledge base' and click the link. Then enter 'gedcom' in the search box, an answer (import from gedcom FTM 2006) gives you the complete story. Read through it a few times as it does look a bit daunting at first, if you can print the answer and then use it as you merge any files together. Above all backup BEFORE you try to merge ANY files. Glen

Thanks Glen, Thats very helpful, Regards, Hilary

Just to clarify the point about files in FTM. When you enter details for your tree they go into a file, FTM has the ability to keep different files, you can create a file for your tree and one for your spouse if you wanted. In my FTM ihave four files. #1 My birth family tree #2 My adoptive family tree #3 My good lady uses for her tree #4 An imported gedcom into one of my birth lines (i still have to verify some of this file and will only merge it to my birth family tree when i can confirm it is correct. I can add/delete/edit each or any of the files separately. The new gedcoms you recieve can be kept either as files in their own right or 'merged' into your main file via the method from the above answer. But again please make sure you back up your file BEFORE you merge any new gedcom into it. Glen