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 FAQ  - PERSONAL ANCESTRAL FILE 4.0
 
These questions and answers are based on the questions that people ask most often about Personal Ancestral File. If you have a question about a task or a screen, you can also use Look for an Answer in the online Help system provided with PAF 4.0.

For information about a screen, click on Help. If the message that appears does not answer your question, look at related topics (listed at the bottom), use the index, or conduct a keyword search of Help.

If you do not find an answer to your question, please use the Feedback section to submit your question. Answers to questions will be posted periodically in Frequently Asked Questions. (Unfortunately, because of the large volume of Internet users, we are not able to respond individually.)
 
Click on a subject heading to read all of the questions and answers related to it:
Additional 4.0 Support

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Q: Is there anywhere that I can get additional support for PAF 4.0 beyond this web site?
A: You can contact a local PAF User Group. Click here for a current listing of all PAF User Groups.

Other web sites also offer some instruction on PAF 4.0. These are administered by private individuals or other organizations, which are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Church. Here is one:

http://genforum.genealogy.com/paf/

You can also participate in e-mail news groups, where you can ask questions and see questions and answers from other participants. To sign up for these mail groups, go to the following web sites, find the list that you want to join, and then subscribe. These groups are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Church.

http://www.onelist.com/community/PAF4_0_users
http://www.rootsweb.com/~maillist/software/index.html

Also available are several PAF user manuals and training videos that you may find at your local bookstore.

Learning the New Personal Ancestral File 4.0.4 with Quick and Easy Instructions
by Elaine Matson Reschke
Includes How to Create a Web Site
by George Collie Robison
(Available at bookstores that carry LDS books)

Personal Ancestral File 4.0 Users Guide
by Hope Foundation
Published by Ancestry
(Phone: 1-800-262-3787)

Personal Ancestral File Video Training
 (Available in English and Spanish)
The STUDIO/Videos
39 South Main
Hurricane, UT 84737
(Phone: 1-877-263-2267)
www.123genealogy.com

The following utility programs are available to enhance Personal Ancestral File 4.0:

GEN-BOOK
genealogy software for creating books
2105 Country Lane
Auburn, CA 95603-9735
(Phone: 1-530-889-8801)

Genelines
Time Lines and Genealogical Charts
http://www.progenysoftware.com
(Phone: 1-800-565-0018)

KINWRITE (Version 8)
Genealogy books directly from PAF files
LDB Associates
143 South Oakwood
Wichita, KS 67218-1727
http://www.kinwrite.com
(Phone:316-651-0204)

PAF Pal
A Powerful Utility Program for PAF 4.0
Pal Software
1065 West 10210 South
South Jordan, UT 84095
E-mail: pafpal@mstar2.net
(Phone: 1- 801-254-0160)

These products are produced by third parties and are not endorsed or warranted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or its affiliates.

The following users group has done extensive work to help Personal Ancestral File users:

Silicon Valley PAF Users Group
http://www.svpafug.org/sys-tmpl/door/

Return to Additional 4.0 Support
Q: Is there an owner's manual for PAF 4.0 that I can download?
A: The Personal Ancestral File 4.0 Users Guide is now available. This manual has been compiled from PAF's on-line help system and is available as a .PDF file. To read and print this file, you must use Adobe® Acrobat Reader 3.0 or 4.0.

You can download the manual from www.familysearch.org.

If you do not have the Adobe Acrobat Reader, you can download it for free from www.adobe.com.

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Q: How do I find the Getting Started guide?
A: When you install version PAF 4.0.2 or later, a shortcut to the Getting Started guide is placed in your Start menu. It is under Programs, FamilySearch. You can also access the guide in PAF 4.0 under the Help menu.

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Q: Can I get help with PAF 4.0 at a Family History Center?
A: The volunteers at the Church's Family History Centers are still learning about PAF 4.0, but they will do their best to help you. The centers do not have Internet connections to be able to download the software, and not all centers have computers that can run PAF 4.0.

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Download and Installation

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Q: Please give step-by-step instructions for downloading and installing Personal Ancestral File.
A: Follow these instructions to download and install Personal Ancestral File:
  1. Go to http://www.familysearch.org.
  2. Click Order/Download Products.
  3. Click on Software Downloads—Free.
  4. Click Personal Ancestral File.
  5. Find item number 36100999, and click Personal Ancestral File® 4.0.4—Multi Language (5.75 MB).
  6. Read the description, and be sure that your computer has the required capacity to operate the program. Click Proceed.
  7. Read the License Agreement, and, click Continue if you agree.
  8. Type your information on the Registration Screen, and click Register.
  9. Read the How to Download screen, and click Click here.
  10. Select the drive and folder where you want to save the PafSetup.exe installation file, and click Save.

    The download begins. It may take as long as an hour, depending on your Internet connection and the speed of your modem. After the downloading is finished, you can log off the Internet.
  11. On the Windows Desktop, double-click the My Computer icon.
  12. Go to the drive and folder where you saved the PafSetup.exe installation file.
  13. To install the program, double-click the PafSetup.exe icon.
  14. Follow the installation directions on the screen.

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Q: When I tried to download PAF 4.0, I got the error "corrupt cabinet files." I cannot run the setup program.
A: This error is caused by an incomplete or corrupted download. Try downloading the program again.

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Q: Do I need to download and install the program more than once to get all the languages?
A: No. When you download and install PAF, all the languages are installed. To switch languages, follow these steps:

1. From the Tools menu, select Preferences.
2. Click the General tab.
3. Select the language you wish to use.
4. Exit PAF, and then restart it.

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Q: When I try to download the program, it says that there is an invalid link. Where is the program?
A: The program can be found at http://www.familysearch.org. Click on Order/Download Products and follow the links. DO NOT USE links that take you straight to the Registration pages. A number of web sites have the links straight to the pages but these are outdated and will not work.

Return to Download and Installation
Q: My friend does not have an Internet connection. How can my friend get a copy of PAF 4.0?
A: PAF 4.0 can now be purchased on CD from the Salt Lake Distribution Center for $5 or at distribution centers outside the United States (prices may vary).
It is also available through the Internet. However, the license agreement for PAF 4.0 states, "You may only copy and use the Software for incidental, noncommercial church or home use." This means you can give a copy to your friend if:
  • You do not charge your friend for the copy.
  • Your friend agrees to abide by the license agreement which appears when the program is installed on their machine.
  • Your friend uses PAF 4.0 only for incidental, noncommercial church or home use.
  • You have some way to transfer the program to your friend's computer. (PAF 4.0.4 is 7.5 MB and does not fit on a floppy disk.)

If your friend wants to be a registered user, you will need to give your friend's information (name, address, and so on) when you download the copy from the Internet.

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Q: I downloaded and installed the program. When I try to access PAF 4.0, the splash screen flashes but then nothing happens. What should I do?
A: Restart your computer, and then PAF will work.

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Q: Why am I unable to download the program?
A: DISCLAIMER: You may not be able to download for several reasons. The problem is most likely due to your computer or Internet browser settings and not the web site. Below are some troubleshooting suggestions. If you continue to experience problems, please contact your Internet service provider for more assistance.
  • Try downloading at a different time
  • Upgrade to the most current Internet browser (such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape Communicator, etc.)

Return to Download and Installation
Q: I have downloaded the program but can't find it. What is it called, and where is it?
A: The program is called pafsetup.exe, and the icon has a red box with a light blue dot in the center. The program was downloaded to where your Internet browser was set up to save it. This is usually the drive and folder where you last saved downloaded files.

When a screen appears asking if you want to save the program to a disk or open the file directly, choose Save to Disk. At the top of the next screen, you will see a drop-down box labeled "Save In" or something similar. This box lists the directory where the setup file will be located. Be sure to make a note of this.

You can also use the Find program in Windows to locate the file.

Return to Download and Installation
Q: Where can I find the program to download?
A: Go to www.familysearch.org and click on Order/Download Products.

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Q: When I try to install PAF 4.0, it says it can't find c:\windows\temp\pft10f2~tmp\layout.bin (or something to that effect). What does this message mean?
A: This message appears if there was a problem with downloading PAF 4.0. Try downloading again.

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Q: Now that I have installed PAF 4.0, can I delete the pafsetup.exe file that I downloaded?
A: Yes, you can delete pafsetup.exe. You do not need it for PAF 4.0 to work properly.
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General

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Q: Will there be a release of PAF 4 after PAF 4.0.4.18?
A: No. PAF 5.0 contains corrections to problems in PAF 4 in addition to new features.

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Q: I cannot get the alphabetic search to work in the regular search or in the Match/Merge. I have installed and reinstalled the program. I am using version 4.0.4.18. What is my next step?
A: Go to the drive and folder where you store your .paf files. Delete the files that end with .paa and .pam. Do not delete the .paf file. After you delete these files, the program will generate new ones and will give you the lists you desire.

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Q: I notice additional files created after I have used PAF 4.0. They have the same name as the PAF database but end with the suffixes .paa, .par, .pam, .pal, and .pax. What are these files, and can I delete them?
A:
  • PAL. The .pal file is a log that keeps track of changes made to your database. To have PAF create a .pal file, go into Preferences, turn on Log Changes. You can delete this file if you do not need the information in it. If you do not want PAF to create this file, turn off Log Changes.
  • PAM. The .pam file is a temporary match/merge file. You can delete it when you finish the match/merge.
  • PAA and PAX. The .paa and .pax are temporary indexes made when PAF creates alphabetical lists of individuals. You can delete them, and PAF will create new ones as needed.
  • PAR. The .par file is the report that PAF creates when you prepare names for temple work. You can delete this file if you no longer need the report.

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Q: What changes were made in version 4.0 from version 3.0?
A: The biggest change from the previous version of Personal Ancestral File is that version 4.0 runs on Windows operating systems. Other new features include:
  • Pedigree View screen (formerly Large Pedigree). You can navigate through your family lines, edit and search for individuals, and add notes and sources.
  • Expanded printing capabilities. You can now print books, scrapbooks, and calendars.
  • Private notes. You can use a tilde (~) to mark those notes that you want to keep private. Mark the notes that you want to print with an exclamation point (!).
  • Search menu items. The Marriage List and Descendancy List searching capabilities are new.
  • Other events. You can add your own events to individual and marriage records.
  • Web page creator. You can create a web page on which to store a family history. This enables other people with Internet access to download family information.
  • Multimedia. Objects such as photos, videos, and audio clips can be attached to individuals.
  • Multiple database handling. You can have more than one database open at a time.
  • Sharing notes. You can cut, copy, and paste notes from one database to another.

Return to General
Q: What changes were made in each version of PAF 4.0?
A: Click here to see a list of changes for each version of PAF 4.

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Q: Can I use PAF 4.0 to submit corrections to Ancestral File?
A: You cannot use Personal Ancestral File 4.0 to submit corrections. To correct information in Ancestral File, use one of three methods:
  • Use the Ancestral File edit feature.
  • Submit the corrections on family group records or pedigree charts printed from Ancestral File.
  • Use Personal Ancestral File 3.01M.

For more information, see the following sources:

  • The document Correcting Information in Ancestral File™ (34030). You can obtain this document at the Family History Library or at a Family History Center. This document is also in SourceGuide, which is available by clicking the Custom Search tab in www.familysearch.org.
  • The documentation that came with Personal Ancestral File 3.0 or 3.01M.

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Q: How many names will a PAF file hold?
A: A PAF 4.0 or PAF 3.0 file can hold millions of individuals. Your actual limit will be the amount of disk space you have available and the performance of your computer. As your file gets larger, certain functions start to work slower. For example, the alphabetical search list gets slower as the number of individuals grows. From a practical standpoint, you probably won’t want to add more than 50,000 or 100,000 people to a single file.

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Q: How can I tell which version of PAF 4.0 I have?
A: In PAF 4.0, click on the Help menu, and choose About Personal Ancestral File. This will tell you what version of PAF 4.0 you have.

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Q: Is there any connection between PAF 4.0 and Ancestral Quest?
A: The two products have many similarities, but they are evolving and improving separately. Although the Church worked with the Hope Foundation (which owns Ancestral Quest) to develop PAF 4.0, the Church now maintains and improves PAF 4.0. The Hope Foundation will likewise continue to develop Ancestral Quest..

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Q: Is there a Macintosh version of PAF 4.0?
A: No. There are currently no plans to create a Macintosh version of PAF 4.0. There is a Macintosh version (PAF 2.3.1) available for sale from the distribution center. To order it online:
  • Go to www.familysearch.org
  • Click on Order/Download Products.
  • Click on Software/Databases.
  • Click on Personal Ancestral File® Computer Software Macintosh.

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Q: What is the address for the FamilySearch Online Distribution Center?
A:
  • The online distribution center can be found through Order/Download Products at www.familysearch.org
  • Click on Order/Download Products.

Return to General
Converting Previous PAF
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Q: How can I convert my data from Macintosh PAF to PAF 4.0?
A: The best way to convert Macintosh data to PAF 4.0 is to create a GEDCOM file. Macintoshes operating with System 7.5 or higher have the capability to read DOS-formatted disks directly. If you have System 7.5 or higher, make the GEDCOM directly to a DOS-formatted disk. If your operating system is lower than 7.5, save the GEDCOM to a Macintosh-formatted disk; then take the disk along with a DOS-formatted disk to a local computer store. Have an employee there take the GEDCOM file from the Macintosh disk and put it on the DOS-formatted disk. It is then ready to import to PAF 4.0.

Return to Converting Previous PAF
Q: I have PAF 2.31. How do I convert the files to PAF 4.0?
A: These instructions also work for PAF 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3.

To convert PAF 2.31 files to PAF 4.0:

  • Run PAF 4.0.
  • Click on the File menu.
  • Choose Open.
  • Choose the folder you want to convert to PAF 4.0.
  • Within the folder find the INDIV2.DAT file. Open the file (either double click on the file name or click on File and then Open). A screen will appear that will let you set some options.
  • Set the options you want and click Continue.
  • Type in a file name and click Save. The program will convert the PAF 2.31 file to a 4.0 file and will open the file onto the screen.

Note: PAF 4.0 and PAF 3.0 cannot convert PAF 2.31 backup files. If you have a backup file, you must restore it into PAF 2.31 before you can convert the file for use in PAF 4.0.

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Q: Does PAF 4.0 replace PAF 3.0, or do I have to keep PAF 3.0 on my computer?
A: PAF 4.0 is intended to replace PAF 3.0, but it will not override 3.0 on your hard drive. You may wish to keep PAF 3.0 on your computer until you feel comfortable using PAF 4.0.

WARNING: If you delete PAF 3.0, you must first move the data files to another folder or they will be deleted. (They are probably in c:\paf3\data. You can move them anywhere you want.) As a safeguard, though, make a backup copy of all the data before deleting anything.

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Q: Can I use PAF 3.0 and PAF 4.0 on the same database?
A: Yes, but you cannot open that database in both programs at the same time.

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Q: How do I transfer my PAF 3.0 data files to PAF 4.0?
A: Just run PAF 4.0 and open the files. PAF 4.0 can read PAF 3.0 files. No transfer is needed.

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Q: Can I use my PAF 3.0 backup files on PAF 4.0?
A: Yes. PAF 4.0 can read PAF 3.0 backup files.

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Q: How do I convert notes to sources?
A: PAF 4.0 will convert notes to sources only if the data you convert comes from PAF 2.31 or an earlier version. If your data is already in PAF 3.0 or PAF 4.0, you will have to make the changes manually.

Return to Converting Previous PAF
LDS Options
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Q: How do I update the active temple list?
A: Because so many new temples are being dedicated, you may find that your temple is not shown. As we update the program, new temples will be added to the temples list.

Return to LDS Options
Q: In my LDS ordinance fields, I sometimes find the words "DONTDOIT." Where did they come from?
A: "DONTDOIT" (DON’T DO IT) appears when you import a GEDCOM file that is actually a TempleReady submission from PAF 3.0 or 4.0. The TempleReady submission option in these releases places this word in the submission file to prevent ordinances from being done for records that are only in the submission file so ordinances for another record can be done. For example, the records of an individual’s parents are needed so the child to parent sealing can be done. When you import the submission file into PAF, these words appear as if they were a date or other ordinance information.

Return to LDS Options
Q: How do I prepare names for the temple using PAF 4.0?
A: To prepare names for temple work using PAF 4.0:
  • Click on the File menu and select Export.
  • Click TempleReady.
  • To select some of the individuals, click Partial and then Select. Use the relationship filters and field filters to select the names you want. For more information about these filters, click on Help.
  • Once you have chosen all the individuals you want, click OK.
  • Choose the Include options you want.
  • Click Export.
  • Read the Temple Names Submission screen and click OK.
  • Select the options you want on the Temple Names Submission Options screen.
  • Select the drive and folder where you want to save your submission (usually the A: drive).
  • Type a name for the file and click Export.
  • When the export process is complete, a screen will appear telling you how many names were exported. Click OK.
  • Read the TempleReady Instructions screen and click OK.

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Q: Since I downloaded PAF 4.0, my LDS ordinance information doesn't appear in PAF 4.0 or PAF 3.0. What should I do?
A: You need to change the settings in PAF 4.0. (The original PAF 4.0 program automatically does not show LDS ordinance information, and installing PAF 4.0 changed the settings in PAF 3.0.) To have the LDS ordinance information appear:
  • Run PAF 4.0.
  • Click on the Tools menu.
  • Choose Preferences.
  • Click on the General tab.
  • Click on the Use LDS Data box. A check mark will appear in the box.

Note: Beginning with version of PAF 4.0.2, PAF automatically does show LDS ordinance information.

The ordinance information will now appear in both PAF 4.0 and PAF 3.0.
If you created a GEDCOM file and the ordinance information did not appear, recreate the file after you change the settings. The ordinance information will appear in the new file.

Return to LDS Options
Q: Why does PAF 4.0 list "Proxy" for an LDS baptism when the person was baptized while living?
A: Beginning with version of PAF 4.0.2, the Baptism Type field has been removed. Instead, the Individual screen has two fields: Temple and Place if Living. You can add information to only one of these fields. For proxy baptisms, select a temple code from the drop-down list in the Temple field. For living baptisms, type the place, or select one from the drop-down list.

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Q: How do I get LDS data to print on my reports?
A: You need to change your Preference settings. To do this:
  • Run PAF 4.0.
  • Click on the Tools menu.
  • Choose Preferences.
  • Click on the General tab.
  • Click on the Use LDS Data box. (A check mark in the box means LDS data will appear on your screen.)
  • On the same screen, click on the Show LDS data on reports box. (A check mark in the box means LDS data will appear on the reports you print.)
  • Click OK.

LDS data will now appear on your screen and print on your reports.

Return to LDS Options
Q: In the Children box on the Family View screen, a dash (-) sometimes appears under the Ordinances heading. What does this dash mean?
A: The dashes under the Ordinances heading indicate that an ordinance does not need to be done. When an ordinance has been done, a capital letter for that ordinance (B, E, P, or S) appears. When an ordinance has been submitted but not done, a lowercase letter (b, e, p, or s) appears.
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Error Messages
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Q: After I installed the PAF 4.0.4.18 update, I tried to open the new User’s Guide and got the message, "This file does not begin with %PDF." What happened to my User’s Guide?
A: The latest PAF 4.0.4.18 download contains an empty, "dummy" paf4.pdf file. When you tried to open the User’s Guide, the message appeared because the dummy file is not a real PDF file.

You need to download the new PAF 4.0 User’s Guide from Place it in the same folder where you installed PAF 4 (usually c:\program files\familysearch\paf4).
Return to Error Messages
Q: After I do a "Check/Repair," the report contains the following error message: "Family link 4206 has an invalid link type." What is a family link, and how do I correct the error?
A: A family link record links individual records to the families in which they are children. You cannot find family link records by number. To correct the error, try these strategies:
  • Restore a previous backup that does not contain the problem.
  • Use the Check/Repair option. (From the File menu, select Check/Repair. Then click Check/Repair.) Please be aware that some data may be lost, such as relationships, links to notes or sources, and so forth.
  • Export the records to a GEDCOM file, and then import the GEDCOM file to a new database. This corrects most errors, but it will not restore the relationships and links to notes or sources that were damaged.
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Q: When trying to add a new individual, I keep getting an error that says "Yo—Read Error" or "Yo—Write Error." What causes these messages?
A: You will get this error if you have a corrupt database file. To fix the error, try the following strategies in order:
  • Restore a previous backup that does not contain the problem.
  • Use the Check/Repair option. (From the File menu, select Check/Repair. Then click Check/Repair.) Please be aware that some data may be lost, such as relationships, links to notes or sources, and so forth.
  • Export the records to a GEDCOM file, and then import the GEDCOM file to a new database. This corrects most errors, but it will not restore the relationships and links to notes or sources that were damaged.
Return to Error Messages
Q: Why do I keep getting one of the following messages:
“PAF caused an invalid page fault in module PAF4.EXE...”?
“This program has performed an illegal operation and will be shut down”?
A: These errors can be caused by a problem in Windows, your database, PAF, or another application you are running. If you can readily repeat the problem, send us a detailed report of the steps required to duplicate the error, and we will investigate it. We may also need a copy of the database or GEDCOM file that you were using at the time. E-mail the report and database or GEDCOM file to fhdfhsup@ldschurch.org.
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Q: Sometimes when going to the alphabetical list of individuals I get the message "Unexpected error when accessing unnamed file," and sometimes people I’ve recently added don’t show up on the list. How can I fix this problem?
A: This problem is fixed in versions since PAF 4.0.3. Please download and install the latest version.
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Q: When I do the Check/Repair option on my data, it lists a number of errors that the program won’t fix. What should I do?
A: The Check/Repair option can fix most types of errors but not all because not enough information exists in the file to automatically fix the errors.

Whenever you run the check on a database and the check reports errors, try this strategy:

The best thing to do is to restore a backup copy that does not have such errors.

If you do not have a backup copy, perform the Check/Repair option. Please be aware that some data may be lost, such as relationships, links to notes or sources, and so forth.

You can also try exporting your entire database to a GEDCOM 5.5 file and then importing that GEDCOM file into a new file. This will usually correct most errors but will not restore the relationships and links to notes or sources that were damaged.
Return to Error Messages
Q: When I type in my password, it says I am not authorized to make any changes. What can I do? Or what should I do if I have forgotten my password?
A: A password allows you to prevent changes to your database by anyone who does not know the password. This is useful, for example, if you want to allow your grandchildren to see your database and print reports but not make any changes.

To change or remove your password, you must know the current password. If you have forgotten your password, you must use the Windows Registry Editor to remove it. Unless you are very experienced with the Registry and the Windows operating system, you should not attempt to do this without assistance. In the Windows Registry go to the key "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\LDS Church\FamilySearch\Personal Ancestral File\Options" and remove the value named "Pwd."
Return to Error Messages
Working With Data

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Q: I have problems with the Global Search and Replace feature. For example, when I replace Ma with Massachusetts, the place Madison becomes Massachusettsdison. How can I avoid this type of problem?
A: When you use the Global Search and Replace feature, be aware of these issues:
  • Use caution when you type information in the Search For field, especially when you want to spell out abbreviations. If you search for ma, the program finds every place-name that contains ma anywhere in a word. You may want to use spaces, commas (,), and periods (.) to indicate the beginning or ending of a word. For example, if you type ,Ma, the program finds only strings with commas. It would not find the Ma in Madison.
  • Use the Case Sensitive Search option.
  • The program replaces only the first occurrence of the Search For term within a place-name. For example, you have LA, LA, California as an event place. If you search for LA and replace it with Los Angeles, the result is Los Angeles, LA, California. You have to repeat the procedure to replace the second LA.
  • A utility program called PAF Pal gives you a very valuable printout, shown below, of all the changes that the Global Search and Replace made. It also expands the Global Search and Replace feature.

Search and Replace Full or Partial Places

Results of replacing Los Angeles with LA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RIN 79 "Los Angeles,Los Angeles,California" to "LA,Los Angeles,California"
RIN 90 "Gardena,Los Angeles,California" to "Gardena,LA,California"
RIN 91 "Gardena,Los Angeles,California" to "Gardena,LA,California"
RIN 101 "Pamona,Los Angeles,California" to "Pamona,LA,California"
RIN 241 "Los Angeles,Los Angeles,California" to "LA,Los Angeles,California"
RIN 297 "Sawtelle,Los Angeles,California" to "Sawtelle,LA,California"

Changed 6 places. (From PAF Pal)

Return to Working With Data
Q: How do I get rid of names, dates, and places from the drop-down lists on the Edit Individual screen?
A: Highlight the item you want to remove, and press the Delete key on your keyboard. Both the text in the field and the item on the drop-down list will be deleted.

This will remove items from the drop-down list during the current session. If you exit the program and run it again, any items you deleted will be in the list again. To remove them permanently, you must add the same number of items as you delete.

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Q: Version 4.0.4.18 allows you to edit the other events, but why is the OK button grayed out so I cannot save changes?
A: You cannot edit most of the events that come with PAF because of translation and GEDCOM issues.

To work around this, you can create a new event, and give it a similar name. Then specify the options you want, and use it instead of the event that came with Personal Ancestral File. However, if you do this, the events you create may not transfer correctly when you create a GEDCOM file and they will not automatically be translated in the other languages in which PAF can run.

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Q: How do I edit the gender of individuals?
A: If the individual is already connected in a marriage record, you will need to delete the marriage record first. Write down the RINs of the two individuals and all their children. Click on the Marriage field to bring up the marriage record. Click on Delete. This will disconnect the two individuals and their children. Go to the two individuals and change their gender. You can then recreate the marriage and reconnect the children with the RINs that you had written down.

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Q: Why does the program lock when I try to edit one specific individual?
A: Your data could have a problem. Try running the Check/Repair option on your database to see if there are any problems. See also the Frequently Asked Question about Check/Repair.

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Q: Can I globally change or delete information?
A: The only data that can be changed or deleted globally are places and multimedia file names. Personal names and dates cannot be changed or deleted globally. To change or delete places or multimedia file names, follow the steps below.

IMPORTANT: Before you use Global Search and Replace, make a backup copy of your database. Personal Ancestral File will not ask you to confirm each change, nor can you undo the changes afterwards.

  1. From the Tools menu, select Global Search and Replace.
  2. From the Search and Replace drop-down box, select the type of global change you would like to make.
  3. In the Search for field, type the text as it currently appears in your database.
  4. In the Replace with field, type the text as you would like it to appear. To globally delete information, leave this field blank.
  5. If you want the search to be case sensitive, click Case sensitive search.
  6. Click OK.

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Q: Is there a limit to the number of notes I can have per individual?
A: The maximum number of notes per person is 25-30 pages.

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Q: How do I delete unknown parents?
A: Bring the individual who has the unknown parents into the upper left corner of the Family View screen. Click on the Edit menu, and choose Parent’s Marriage. The parent’s marriage screen will appear. Click the Delete button on the right side.

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Q: How do I enter information on nontraditional families?
A: If a person has married more than once, you can link that person to each spouse. If one or both spouses has had children with other people, adding step-children to your database can be difficult. Personal Ancestral File uses two methods to add step children. Each method has advantages and disadvantages. No matter which method you use, you will probably want to add a detailed explanation in the notes.
  • The first method is to link each child to his or her birth parent. If you do this your database will accurately reflect the children’s relationships to each other and to their parents. However, the Family View screen will not display all of an individual's children together. To see the other children, you will have to display the other spouse. You will also have to print separate family group records for each spouse.
  • The second method is to link all the children to the step-parent. If you do this you can use the parent link feature to indicate that the children are not biological. However, you can select only one parent link for each set of parents. You cannot select one for the father and another for the mother.

If you link all the children to the step-parent, your database will not accurately reflect the relationships that the children have to their parents and step-parents. However, you will be able to see all of an individual’s children together on the Family View screen and print them all on one family group record.

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Q: How do I delete an unknown spouse?
A: To delete an unknown spouse, bring the known individual into the upper left position of the screen with the unknown spouse in the Spouse box. From the Edit menu, select Marriage. From the Edit Marriage screen, click Delete. To delete the marriage record, click OK.

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Q: How do I change the parent link (for example, adopted to biological)?
A: The default relationship for the first set of parents is biological. The default for other parents is adopted. To change the link:
  • From the Family View or Pedigree View screen, highlight the individual whose parent link you want to change.
  • From the Edit menu, select Parents.
  • Click on the parents for whom you want to change the link.
  • Change the Relationship to Parents to reflect the correct relationship.

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Q: How do I add a second marriage?
A: From the Family View or the Pedigree View screen, highlight the person who has the second marriage. From the Add menu, select Spouse.
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Q: How do I enter an Ancestral File Number (AFN) for an individual?
A:
  • From the Tools menu, select Preferences.
  • Click on the General tab.
  • Select Allow AFN edit.
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Q: Sometimes a triangle appears in the upper right corner by an ancestor's name. What does it mean?
A: It indicates that notes or sources are attached to the person's record. A small square in the upper right corner indicates that multimedia objects are attached to the person's record.

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Q: What do the asterisks before the dates mean?
A: On the Family View screen, an asterisk (*) appears next to a child’s birth date when the date shown is the christening date rather than the actual birth date.
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Printing/Reports

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Q: I have an HP 932 or HP 842C printer and have the following problems: (1) I cannot print family group records from Personal Ancestral File 4.0. (2) When I print a pedigree chart, the names do not appear from the second generation on back.
A: Hewlett Packard’s technical support group made the following suggestions:
  • Make sure you have downloaded and installed the latest print driver for your specific model.
  • If the most recent print driver does not work, use an older driver such as the HP 550C instead.
  • If you run several programs at once, close some of them while you print. Limited system resources may cause problems.
  • Select a different font or change your printer settings to print TrueType fonts as graphics.

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Q: On the Family Group tab of the Reports and Charts screen, the Suppress RIN/MRINs is grayed out. How can I activate it?
A: You need to change your preferences.
  • From the Tools menu, select Preferences.
  • Click the General tab.
  • In the Append to Names box, select any option except Nothing.
  • Click OK.
  • From the File menu, select Print Reports. The Suppress RIN/MRINs option should now be available.

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Q: Can I use a printer in PAF 4.0 other than the default printer?
A: PAF normally prints to the default printer you selected in Windows. If you always want to use a different printer, you will have to change the Windows default printer. However, if you want to temporarily select a different printer in PAF:
  1. From the File menu, select Print Reports.
  2. Click Page Setup.
  3. Click Printer.
  4. Select the printer you want, and click OK.

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Q: Can I print a source list or a repository list?
A: In PAF versions 4.0.1 and 4.0.2 there is no way to print a repository list. Beginning with PAF 4.0.3, you can print a source list. To do so, follow these steps:
  1. From the File menu, select Print Reports.
  2. Click on the Lists tab.
  3. Click Sources
  4. Click Print.

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Q: Can I save reports to a word processor file?
A: In PAF 4.0.4, you can save nearly all reports to a word processor file.

To save these reports as word processor files:

  1. From the File menu, select Print Reports.
  2. On the lower right corner of the Print Reports screen, click the Print to File checkbox.
  3. Click Print.
  4. A screen appears that allows you to name the file. Be sure to keep .txt or .rtf as the file extension.

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Q: When I try to print a family group record or individual summary, a screen appears that says "Nothing to Report." Why won’t the program print these reports?
A: This message generally appears when the Use List option is marked and no names have been selected for the list.

To unmark the option:

  • On the Reports and Charts screen, click on either the Family Group Record or Individual Summary tab.
  • In the Starting Person section, click Use List.

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Q: Can I print a list of temple codes?
A: No. To see the list of temple codes, you must go to the Individual or Marriage screen, and click on a Temple field.

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Q: My reports from PAF 3.0 showed RINs and MRINs. Is it possible to print the numbers on Family Group Records and Pedigree Charts in PAF 4.0?
A: Yes. To have RINs (Record Identification Numbers) and MRINs (Marriage Record Identification Numbers) print in PAF 4.0:
  • 1. Click on the Tools menu.
  • 2. Click on Preferences.
  • 3. Click on the General tab.
  • 4. Under "Append to Names," click on the button for RIN (Record ID Number).
  • 5. Click OK.

The RINs and MRINs will now show on the reports.

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Q: How do I include "Prepared By" information on pedigree charts and family group records?
A: To include "Prepared By" information:
  • Click on the Tools menu.
  • Click on Preferences.
  • Click on the Prepared By tab.
  • Make sure the information in the fields is correct. Click OK.
  • Click on the File menu and choose Print Reports.
  • Under the Pedigree and Family Group tabs, click on the Include 'Prepared by' box. (A check mark in the box means the information will be included.)

The information will now appear when you print pedigree charts and family group records.

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Q: How do I print blank forms?
A: The only blank forms that can be printed are a four-generation pedigree chart and a three-page family group record. To print either of these:
  • Click on the File menu and choose Print Reports.
  • Click on the tab you want (Pedigree or Family Group).
  • Under "Type of Chart," choose Blank form.
  • Click on Print.

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Q: Is it possible to print out the entire Help system?
A: No, but this may be possible in a future release.  You can print the User's Guide if you have downloaded or installed it.

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Q: Is it possible to mark direct lines on some reports?
A: You can mark direct lines only on cascading Family Group Records. (Cascading is an option that allows you to print family group records for up to 199 generations of a person's ancestors.) To mark a person's direct line on cascading Family Group Records:
  • Click on the File menu and choose Print Reports.
  • Click on the Family Group tab.
  • Under "Type of Chart," choose Cascading.
  • Under "Other Options," click Mark direct line. (A check mark in the box means an X will appear by the direct-line ancestors.)

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GEDCOM Questions

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Q: How do I merge two files together?
A: Before you merge two files together, it is a good idea to back up both files in case something goes wrong. Once you have a backup, follow these steps:
  • For each file, create a GEDCOM file that contains all the individuals in the file.
  • Create a new, empty file.
  • Import both GEDCOM files separately into this new file.
  • Run match/merge in the new file. This will connect the data from the two files.

Return to GEDCOM Questions
Q: The listing file of a GEDCOM file talks about "GEDCOM lines." How can I find which individual corresponds with these lines?
A: The only way to identify which individual goes with a particular GEDCOM line is to import the information into your database and select the option Include listing file data in notes. During the import, the information from the listing file is put into the individual’s notes. Using the Advanced Focus/Filter you can then search for that information in the notes to find the corresponding individual.

Return to GEDCOM Questions
Q: When I make a GEDCOM from another database and import to a new and empty database, why don't I have as many RINs as the original database?
A: As individuals were deleted from the original database, their RINs were not reused. That means that the original database has several "empty" RINs that no longer refer to individuals.

When you create a GEDCOM file, the empty RINs are not included in the file. Assuming that the GEDCOM file contains all the individuals from the original database, the number of individuals in the GEDCOM file reflects the true size of the database.

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Display Issues

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Q: When I try to add or edit an individual or marriage, I see a small title bar in the bottom left corner of the screen instead of the add or edit screen. How can I get to the add or edit screen?
A: Click on the small title bar and drag the window into the middle of the screen. Also, make sure you have PAF version 4.0.3 or later.

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Merging Records

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Q: I have several duplicate sources. How do I merge them?
A: From the Tools menu, select Merge Duplicate Sources and Citations.

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Create Web Page Issues

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Q: With version 4.0.4, I tried to make web pages for all my ancestors but only some of the records were used. What did I do wrong?
A: If on the first Create Web Page screen you mark the Ancestors option, you cannot choose the number of descendent generations and whether to include all parents and spouses. If you want to include these individuals, follow this procedure instead:
  1. Mark Selected Individuals.
  2. Click Select. The Advanced Focus/Filter screen appears.
  3. In the Relationship Filter drop-down box, select Ancestors; then click Select.
  4. Indicate how many descendent generations and whether to include all parents and spouses, and click OK.
  5. Click OK, and continue creating the web page.

Return to Create Web Page Issues
Q: How do I get the web pages I created in PAF 4.0 onto the Internet?
A: Many web sites give you free space for your web pages. You have to contact them or go to their web site. Follow the instructions they supply to upload your pages onto their server.

Your own Internet service provider (ISP) may also provide space for your web pages. Contact your ISP for information on how to do this.

Return to Create Web Page Issues
Sources

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Q: There appear to be two separate sets of marriage source records: the S button and also the Source button. In a previous version there was only one. What is the difference?
A: The S button source is used to site a specific source for a marriage event, such as the marriage place. The Source button is used for sources that relate to the family rather than a specific marriage event.

Return to Sources
Q: The following instructions from help, relating to using multimedia in sources, say that added images will appear each time you cite that source description. Why is my image dropped when I add the same source description?
"When you add an image to the source description, it appears each time you cite that source description. If, for example, you have only one image for a source, such as a scanned birth certificate, you may want to attach the image to the source description."
A: Personal Ancestral File has two Image buttons for sources: one on the Sources for... screen and one on the Edit Source screen.

When you click the Image button on the Sources for... screen, the image is attached to the citation detail. That image is specific to one individual citation only and does not appear each time you cite a source description.

If you want the image to appear each time you cite the source description, click the Image button on the Edit Source screen.

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Multimedia

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Q: How many photos can I add to an individual or a file? I have difficulty after linking about 500 photos to various names in my file.
A: There is no limit to the number of photos you can add to an individual or a file. If you have problems, please follow these strategies:
  • Make sure you use acceptable multimedia formats. You can find a list of these formats in Help. From the Help menu, select Help Topics. Click the Index tab. Find the index entry multimedia and then the subentry acceptable formats.
  • Use the Check/Repair feature to see if it can locate and fix the problems with your file.
  • If the Check/Repair feature does not solve the problems, create a GEDCOM of the entire file and import it back into a new empty file to see if that fixes the problem.

Return to Multimedia

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