FamilySearch recently restored the Batch Number Search in FamilySearch.org. By using this search feature, you can search the entire data set for a range of years from a batch of records, such as Norwich Cathedral marriages or christenings. This feature is a great tool used to help you discover the names of additional family members, such as an ancestors’ siblings, and to overcome problems in both surname and given name spelling variations.
However, feedback from our users suggests that the Batch Number Search does not work for all batches in our system. In some cases, the system displays “No Records Found.” This has occurred with two types of batches:
- Most batches with five or fewer digits after the letter pre-fix, i.e. P 127-4, M 1406-3, C 21-1
- Batches with the prefix “J” or “K”
Did you know that you can fix most of those problematic searches by following two simple steps?
Remedy for problem no. 1
Simply remember that batch numbers are based on 6 digits. That is, when typing in a batch number, after the letter prefix, there must be an equivalent of 6 digits—no more and no less. The batch number must be equal to six digits, i.e., the 6 numerical digits which follow the letters C, M, or P.
So, let’s say you search for batch number P 147-1, and you see the message “No Records Found.” To fix this, add two zeros: P00147-1.
Now, let’s say you search for batch number C 5557-2, and you get the “No Records Found” message. In this case, add only one zero: C05557-2.
This usually solves the problem.
Remedy for problem no. 2
To fix search problems with the prefix “J” or “K,” merely type the letter “C” in place of the “J” or “K”. Then follow the instructions for “remedy” no. 1 (above). For example, for batch number J 226-3, you replace the “J” by typing in the letter “C.”
These two fixes should resolve most batch number search problems. However, there are still going to be a few batches whose data the system will not retrieve. Continue to look forward to ongoing improvements on this issue as well as other FamilySearch features and components.
For a related article, see "A Hugh Wallis Alternative: Using Filtering Features to Customize Your Searches in FamilySearch.org."
