* New PC - New Headache..! Media Lost.

[tatewise]

Sorry Ron, I've been indisposed for a couple of days, so will get back to this soon.

[tatewise]

Hi Ron, I think we are ready for some practice Merging!

Open the Johnson Project now with 7,840 Individuals.
Use the File > Merge/Compare File command.
You may get a popup warning: Before merging or comparing 2 GEDCOM files... and if so click OK.

In Select Family Historian Project File or GEDCOM File select F:\Ron's Stuff\Family Historian Projects\...Johnson.ged and click Open.

In the Record Matching Options window ensure Select candidate matches for merging is chosen and click OK.
That will open the Merge File window with up to 7 tabs at top, 3 panes in middle, and 10 buttons across bottom.
I suggest you click the Maximise square icon top right between - and red X.

During these practice sessions, NEVER use the Merge button lower right.

The tabs across the top select the associated Records: Individuals, Families, ... etc.
Click them now to see what I mean, but return to the Individuals tab.

The left-hand pane has Action and Match entries, and a Score for how well records match.
The central Current Records pane lists records from the Johnson Project with 7,840 Individuals.
The right-hand New Records pane lists records from the F:\Ron's Stuff\Family Historian Projects\...Johnson.ged.

Examine the Action and Match options on the left.
I suspect most will say Null Merge with All or Subset.
Click the [+] next to any record on same row as a Null Merge.
Imagine the New Record merged into the Current Record and nothing will change.

Other rows may say * Merge * with Compatible.
Similarly click the [+] and imagine the New Record merged into the Current Record.
You will see the record will * Add * details from New Record to Current Record.

Note how the L+ and R+ column is Y to indicate details being retained from Left or Right pane.

You can change which records Match, and which details to Retain or Discard by using the buttons bottom left.
When satisfied with a record you can click the Check button to enter Y into Chk column.
You can experiment with all those left-hand buttons with no effect on the actual records.
But NEVER use the Merge button lower right.

Repeat the above exercise on some other tabs, such as Families or Multimedia.

Click the Help button far right, then towards bottom click Features of the Merge/Compare Dialog.
That explains in great detail everything we have looked at above.
You can switch between the Help window and Merge File window to review anything.

When you have had enough, then click the Cancel button in the Merge File window.

You can repeat the above practice session as many times as you like until comfortable with its operation.

Let me know how you get on.
But NEVER use the Merge button lower right.