, the acronym for GEnealogy Data
COMmunication, has been around for some time, but using it properly is still a
major problem for many genealogists. We use this form of transfer to begin using
a new software database; share our files with others or vice versa.
Many genealogists fail to understand the importance of GEDCOM for
transferring data from one source to another and the importance of learning this
valuable tool. Some users agonize for days before beginning the transfer.
Just this week a genealogist worried several days after importing a GEDCOM
file because the "Notes" field did not transfer. He finally discovered that the
original "Notes" field did not have notes in it at all; therefore, there was
nothing to transfer into the new program! It was not a GEDCOM failure after all.
It was human error. If the data was in the original database and if the software
is up to date, then all the data will usually transfer successfully. All that
agony spent because of one simple failure to double-check the old data against
the new. Always compare the original material against the new GEDCOM data.
Please be sure you open the original file to double check the data against
the new database. Being certain of the transferring records saves time and
prevents frustration.
Here is a succinct GEDCOM procedure to follow. Have the software manual handy
for any questions you might have on „how to GEDCOM.‟ If you do not have a manual
then you can check the Help file, usually a question mark on the top right of
your screen. Navigate to the database where you created your family history. Do
so by going to "File" and look down to where it says "Import" or "Export."
Pay close attention to the name. Make a note of the extension ".ged" (the
letters after the dot). It may look
something like this: Hopkins.ged. Family file extensions in my database are
".fdb." Another database uses ".paf." If you are sending the file as a zipped or
compressed file, be sure to use only the extension ".zip." This is important:
Write down the name your software program gives the new file and pay close
attention to where it stores it on your computer. It will look something like
"C:\fdb\Hopkins.ged" but without the quotation marks.
With the GEDCOM file created, you are ready to abandon your old software and
begin with the new program. Use the "File" menu and select "Import" from the
drop down menu. Then select "GEDCOM File." At this time, you may or may not want
to give it another name. If you become lost, you can always read the chapter on
importing a GEDCOM file in your new software manual, or use the help (?) file.
The next step to complete the task is not difficult. Just follow the
instructions on the screen or in the manual. The importing wizards in modern
programs make this a snap! Keeping up to date with modern software is a
necessity.
Use GEDCOM for its purpose and use it often without any fear. It does its job
without incident 99 percent of the time. If you do not transfer it perfectly the
first time, then just do it again and delete the problem file. Human errors and
lack of confidence are often the cause of our frustration, not the software.
