* Problem with Merge/Compare

[jayms2@gmail.com]

I have tried on three occasions and wasted 6 full days comparing and then trying to merge two files. I have opened and saved both files in FH6.04 and painstakingly gone through the compare process. But each time I try to merge the files I am initially told the merge process has been a success only then for a message to appear telling me there has been a problem and asking if I want to close the file. I have left the message on screen for about 20 minutes but because nothing appears to be happening I closed the program. No information has been transferred from the file I wanted to import. In desperation I have tried to import the file into Legacy but that does work either. I have never before had a problem opening gedcom files in any other program and wonder if it is a fault with Family Historian. I really need help with this problem as I am loathe to waste any more of my time comparing files only for the merge to fail.

[tatewise]

Welcome to the FHUG Jay, sorry you are having those problems.

I am guessing you are a relative newcomer to FH and are importing the Gedcom from elsewhere.

Could you give a summary of where the two Gedcom have come from, how you have imported them, how large they are, and what validation checks you have performed on them.

Also a screenshot of the error message would have helped, but I realise that is difficult now. I believe the Merge/Compare asks to transfer Media files into the merged Project. Is it perhaps at this stage it fails? That suggests some file management problem: insufficient disk space or access permissions, over aggressive anti-virus scanner, auto-backup tool interference, cloud storage tool interference, etc...

One common oversight when using Merge/Compare is to only check the Individuals tab and not all the other tabs for Families, Notes, Multimedia, Sources, etc...

There is some advice in glossary:merge_compare_files|> Merge Compare Files.

[jayms2@gmail.com]

Thank you for your very helpful reply Mike. I used Family Historian years ago after it first came out but never really got to grips with everything it could do. I have used a number of programs in the meantime such as RootsMagic, Family Tree Maker and Legacy. I have recently returned to Family Historian and feel like I have to learn to use it all over again. I have had the gedcom I was trying to import for years and cannot remember which program was used to create it. However I did open that file in FH and saved it under a different name.
I have loads of disk space on my computer so that won’t be the cause. I did have a look at the other tabs – Families, Notes etc. but decided not to check them. I did not think that would cause the merge to fail. It could very well be the transfer of media files that was to blame. Next time I will not transfer any media files. I will also clean up the file, standardise place names and so on.

I did take a screenshot of the image but can't see how to attach it to this message.

All this is likely to take some time so I will get back to you when it is done to let you know if it has worked.

Kind regards

Jim

[tatewise]

Jim, as a returning newcomer to FH V6 please take a look at how_to:key_features_for_newcomers|> Key Features for Newcomers as I suspect several major features will be new to you, especially Projects and Plugins that I strongly advise you utilise to the full.

It sounds like the Gedcom came from another program and not FH.
In that case it would be wise to give it a thorough spring clean.
Just opening it in FH is NOT enough, at least use File > Validate.

See how_to:index#importing_to_family_historian|> Importing to Family Historian and use the techniques explained under Use the following advice to repair common residual problems especially the last two. Go through the same process for every imported Gedcom.

Don't forget the advice in glossary:merge_compare_files|> Merge Compare Files.

To attach a screenshot image file while editing a posting use the Upload attachment tab below the edit box. Browse to the file, select it, and click Add the file. You then have the choice of leaving as an attachment or placing it in line within the text box.

There is advice on this and related features in Forum Usage Guide (4252).

[jayms2@gmail.com]

I am working my way through the Knowledge Base but I need some help with UDFs. Using the UDF List plugin I have found over 9000 UDFs. I have deleted over 1000 one by one but realize this is going to take a very long time. Is there a way to delete all of them in one go? I have searched for information on how to do this without success.

[tatewise]

I presume you looked at how_to:index#importing_to_family_historian|> Importing to Family Historian and the techniques explained under Use the following advice to repair common residual problems especially the last two.

That included how_to:handling_unrecognised_data_fields|> Handling Unrecognised Data Fields that says:

If you are happy there is no useful data in the exception report, then the quickest way to proceed is to open Tools » Preferences » File Load/Save and tick the two exclude items. This will then drop all the UDF from your file and you can save it. We recommend then unticking the two fields again.

An alternative is to run UDF List Plugin and in its Result Set select the entire UDF Item first column and click the keyboard Delete key.

[jayms2@gmail.com]

Thank you very much Mike. It's easy when you know how. I've learned a lot in the last few days. Onwards and upwards.