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FAMILYSEARCH QUESTIONS - SHARE

Click on a frequently asked question to read the answer: I joined one of the FamilySearch e-mail lists last week. How can I view what other members submitted before I joined the list? When attempting to download a GEDCOM file, I can only download html files or I get a frame-set message. What can I do? How do I download information from Ancestral File? How do I download information from the International Genealogical Index (IGI)? How do I register to collaborate with others? Why can't I do a keyword search for surnames that are three characters or less in FamilySearch collaboration lists? When will I see online the names of individuals that I have submitted through Preserve Your Genealogy? How can I update a GEDCOM file that I submitted through Preserve Your Genealogy and that is now viewable in the Pedigree Resource File? Why can't I send e-mail to collaboration lists? Can I download information from FamilySearch Internet?

Q:	I joined one of the FamilySearch e-mail lists last week. How can I view what other members submitted before I joined the list?

A:	There is no archive of previous submissions to e-mail lists. Consequently, it is not possible to view what others submitted to the collaboration list before you became a member.
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Q:	When attempting to download a GEDCOM file, I can only download html files or I get a frame-set message. What can I do?

A:	We are working with Microsoft on this problem. You can avoid this problem by using a browser other than Internet Explorer 5.5, service pack 1. You can either wait for service pack 2 to be released or go back to service pack 0. Some patrons work around this problem by right-clicking Download and selecting Save Target As.
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Q:	How do I download information from Ancestral File?

A:	Use the followings steps: 1. Go to www.FamilySearch.org 2. Click Search and then Ancestral File. 3. Type in the name and other information regarding the individual you wish to search. 4. Click the Search button at the bottom of the screen. 5. Click the name you want information for. 6. Click Pedigree or Family and then Download GEDCOM. 7. Name the file. 8. Click Save. A message will indicate when the download is completed. When you see this message, click Close. The file is ready to be added to a genealogical database program. For assistance with adding your file to the database program, contact the support area for your software.
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Q:	How do I download information from the International Genealogical Index (IGI)?

A:	Use the followings steps: 1. Go to www.FamilySearch.org 2. Click Search International Genealogical Index. 3. Type in the name and other information regarding the individual you wish to search. 4. Click the Search button at the bottom of the screen. 5. In the Results list, do one of the following to check all the names you want to download (50 maximum): a. Check the box next to the name or names you want to download. b. Click any name to see more information about that person, and then check the box next to the name if you want to download it. Use your browser�s Back button to return to the Results list. c. Repeat this process until you have checked all the names you want to download. 6. Click Prepare selected records for download. 7. Verify that you have marked the correct name or names to download. 8. Click Download GEDCOM and then OK. 9. Either accept the default name and location to save the file, or provide your own. 10. Click Save. A prompt appears when the download is complete, asking if it was successful. 11. Click Yes to remove the downloaded files from a holding area (this will not remove them from the folder where you just saved them), or click No to try downloading them again. The file is ready to be added to a genealogical database program, such as Personal Ancestral File. For assistance with adding your file to the database program, contact the support area for your software.
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Q:	How do I register to collaborate with others?

A:	While not all options on the FamilySearch site require registration, the Collaboration E-Mail Lists and Share My Genealogy options do require registration. The following steps will allow you to register for these options: 1. Go to www.FamilySearch.org 2. Click Share, then I Need to Register. 3. Complete the online registration form.* 4. Click Register at the bottom of the screen. *Remember the user name and password you use on this screen. You will need them to use these options. Use the feedback section to report any problems you experience registering with the FamilySearch site.
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Q:	Why can't I do a keyword search for surnames that are three characters or less in FamilySearch collaboration lists?

A:	To search successfully for a surname that is three characters or less in the collaboration lists, you must check the Use exact spelling check box.
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Q:	When will I see online the names of individuals that I have submitted through Share Your Genealogy?

A:	When names are submitted through Share Your Genealogy, they are stored until enough names have been collected to create a new compact disc. Each compact disc has about 1.1 million names. We have observed that on average it takes a month to collect 1.1 million names. Once the compact disc has been created, the names on that disc will be placed online. This entire process could take up to two months from the time of your submission.
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Q:	How can I update a GEDCOM file that I submitted through Share Your Genealogy and that is now viewable in the Pedigree Resource File?

A:	To update a GEDCOM file that you submitted to FamilySearch, first make the necessary changes on your own computer in your own genealogy software program. Then resubmit the GEDCOM file to FamilySearch through Share Your Genealogy. The original file plus the new submission will both be preserved and shown.
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Q:	Why can't I send e-mail to collaboration lists?

A:	Your collaboration message was not sent because FamilySearch could not find your originating e-mail address on the list of registered addresses. Mail sent from an unregistered e-mail address will be refused. If you have already registered with FamilySearch Internet, please make sure the e-mail address you used to send your message is the same e-mail address you registered and that it is spelled correctly in the registration. (If you registered your home e-mail address but then attempted to send a collaboration message from your unregistered business e-mail address, the message would not be processed.) To check your registered e-mail address, go to My Info. You can change or correct your registered e-mail address at this location. If you have not yet registered with FamilySearch Internet, you will need to register before you can send a message to a collaboration list. Registering will add your e-mail address to the list of those allowed to collaborate.
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Q:	Can I download information from FamilySearch Internet?

A:	Yes. You can now download individual records from the International Genealogical Index as well as pedigree and family group records from the Ancestral File. Downloading requires Java Script-enabled browsers such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. The information will be downloaded in GEDCOM format, which can be used with Personal Ancestral File and other family history record-keeping software. If you have problems downloading, see Download Troubleshooting Sheet. FamilySearch Internet also shows abstracts from original records. To obtain microfilm copies of the original records, visit your nearest Family History Center.
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