Genealogy Chat

PAF or Personal Ancestral File is a free program from the Latter Day Saints (as someone just mentioned, download it from www.familysearch.org). I have used PAF, and find it pretty easy to use, but printing out trees does seem to have its limitations. I can't comment on the other programmes, but from what I have read, the 'paid-for' programs seem to be a bit more flexible. However, if you are happy keeping your tree on Genes, they why worry about transfering it somewhere else? You can export it on a regular basis as a kind of back-up if you really wanted to, although I'm sure Genes have our data fairly secure.

Thank you Lesley and Heather for all your help!!! happy hunting regards Val:~)

Hi Val I think the overwriting bit is when you import a tree to GR. The old tree is lost and the new one takes over. Nothing for you to worry about if you are exporting frm GR. Heather

what did you transfer yours to then Lesley? I need all the help i can get, is this paf an ideal choice?? And reading that section from genes what does it mean 'once you have loaded you cannot restore tree' and something about 'overwriting tree??' I trully am sorry but im terrified of losing any of my work and do find using Genes pretty easy!! Val:~)

GR will email you a Gedcom that is a copy of what's on here. It WILL NOT disappear from GR. If you go to http://www.familysearch.org click on order/download products, then software downloads free, you can download FREE family tree software. You need to download PAF 5.2 Once downloaded you can use the 'import' option and upload the Gedcom file sent by GR. After you get used to the PAF program you will find it easier to add names on there and then every so often send a new Gedcom file to GR to update your tree on here.

Yup still there - exporting will just produce a copy of what's on Genes.

This from Genes site to be going on with.... Exporting your Gedcom file It is possible to export your Genes Reunited tree as a Gedcom file. You can then use this in conjunction with a family tree software package to view and edit your tree offline. Some packages may also allow you to print your tree. Your exported tree is compatible with Personal Ancestral File, Family Tree Maker, Family Historian 2.1, Roots Magic, Family Tree 4 and Legacy5. It should work with most software, but we are currently unable to guarantee this. To export your tree click on the ‘Export Gedcom’ button once. The page will change and status will shown as 'Awaiting Export'. As soon as the file has been exported it will be sent to your registered email address. This is shown in 'export' box towards the bottom of the page. If the address is incorrect you can change it by clicking on My Account Details in the top left hand corner of the site. Even if you do not currently have a software package you can still export your file. However, in order to view it you will need the software to view it. There are various packages available to buy on the market. There are also internet sites where you can download packages for free. Once you have edited your tree offline, you can then add it back to Genes Reunited. Please bear in mind that when you load a gedcom to the site will overwrite any previous tree you have on the site. Once you have loaded a new file the old tree cannot be restored. Please note that when you export your family tree the country of birth details will not be saved. As a result, when you add your Gedcom back onto Genes Reunited the country of birth will always automatically default to the United Kingdom. You can get round this by adding the country in the place of birth details, eg New York, USA.

Thats kind of you Lesley but please dont try it and lose all your work!!! Val:~)

I've never actually done it myself, but I'm pretty certain that the file will be a copy of what's on Genes. Let me try....

Hi Lesley sorry to appear so thick!! do I lose any of the information I transfer and will it still be on Genes once its been put on another disc??? many thanks for your help Val:~)

Hi Val I'm not an expert but I think that first you have to go to the familysearch site and download the PAF programme from there to your computer. Then you have to export your tree from here....I think they send an email with an attachment. Heather

you are not thick !!!! okay just learning, we all have to start somewhere.

On the left hand side of the screen is the option 'Import/Export' tree. Choose the export option and your tree will be emailed to you as a GEDCOM file. You can then import that file into PAF.

Hi forgive my thickness !! but it has been suggested to me that I put all my family tree on to a disc (PAF) or some thing like it. I want to keep it on Genes but I need to be able to store my info on the disc and update weekly does anyone know how I can transfer it as a whole or do I have to type each individual name in?? fool that I am!!! many thanks Val :~)