Sometimes, you have or are given family history information that was created using Personal Ancestral File. The file is on a floppy disk or has problems that prevent you from recovering the information that is in the file.
Please note that support for Personal Ancestral File (PAF) ended in July 2013. The program is no longer available for download, and we can provide only limited help.
Possible Solutions
- If you have a computer that can read the file, download a modern family history program that imports GEDCOM and PAF files. Many of our collaborating third-party genealogy companies offer these programs. Most have a free version that imports your file and allows you to review the information. From there, you can decide what you want to do with the information. Please see our Solutions Gallery for options.
- If you lack a computer that can read the file, try the following. Then use a modern program to import the file and review the information.
See if a local FamilySearch center or public library has a computer that you can use to copy the file to another device.
Note: If the file is on a floppy disk, ask your local FamilySearch center if they have a computer with a floppy drive. If they don't, you may contact FSL Media Conversion services at: mediaconversion@familysearch.org.
- See if you can find a commercial service that can transfer the files for you. If you are searching for such services, you might use terms like "Disk Doc," "Disc Doctor," or "Disk Doctor."
- If you have a PAF database that was created on an Apple II computer in 1986, it is important to note that we don't have the resources to convert files from this old format. However, there are third-party services that might help, such as:
- retrofloppy.com
- floppyrecovery.net
- If you still need help, please contact us, and we can try to help.
***Special note about Personal Ancestral File version 2 files:
If you send PAF 2.3.1 data, include the following files in order for us to rebuild your database:
- ALPHA.DAT
- NDIV2.DAT
- MARR2.DAT
- NAMADD2.DAT
- NAME2.DAT
- NOTES2.DAT
- REPTITL2.DAT
PAF 2 backup files have the same names as the DAT files, but they end in BAK. The FamilySearch Library offers Media Conversion services. For more details, you can visit their website at: https://www.familysearch.org/en/family-history-library/media-conversion)
Media conversion questions can be emailed to: mediaconversion@familysearch.org
Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee data recovery or conversion. The location and degree of damage determines the amount of recovery possible. We need additional time for more severe situations. Sometimes recovery is impossible.