* Source record id - deleted numbers

[EHerts]

When I started using FH I made mistakes adding sources and subsequently deleted some of them. Consequently I now have record ids 3, 7, 9 etc with some gaps. Is it possible to reclaim these numbers? I have tried entering the missing custom id in the box when adding sources, e.g. 1, but it seems to default to the next consecutive number in the list and some numbers remain unallocated.

Do I just have to accept this or is it possible to use the numbers previously deleted?

[Jane]

I am not sure why you think missing numbers are a problem, but if you really want to renumber just use the Tools>Work with Identifiers to renumber all the Source records.

[EHerts]

Thanks for the reply, Jane. It's not really a problem, I was just wondering if it was possible to tidy it up.
I'll try your suggestion.

[tatewise]

I would not worry about the non-sequential Record Id.
Every record type: Individual, Family, Note, Source, Repository, Media, etc will suffer the same symptoms so don't waste your time.
Furthermore, some renumbering will render saved FH Charts useless.

[Gerard1]

Over 15 years ago I deleted duplicate family members in my Generations Family History program so the sequencing order was not good. I quickly learnt not to delete or merge a duplicated family member but change the surname to BLANK for reuse at a later time. Any other data was deleted of an individual. When I switched to TMG 10 years ago it allowed the reuse of deleted numbers and also the change of individual ID numbers for easy memory of a particular person. When you have several people with the same name you have to remember their ID number.

The inflexibility of Family Historian over ID numbers of individuals is a backward step in my opinion and I have a note above my computer -
DO NOT DELETE A RECORD -ID NUMBER WILL BE LOST FOREVER.

Wish list change item?

[Jane]

If you REALLY want to reuse record numbers you can, just use the Work With Record Identifiers to copy the numbers to another ID field say Automated IDs, change the ones you want to renumber into the spaces and then copy them back, if you have saved charts just don't renumber any persons already on charts.

[Rich Scats]

Having been a TMG user for the past 15 years or so I find it mildly irritating not to be able to select unused ID numbers easily (using F2)
Now when I add an individual the ID is a five figure one when I know there is 2, 3 & 4 digit ID numbers unused. Renumbering the project which is my one named study is not an option as my sources are on Custodian 4 with over 30000 references & cross referencing.
I see there is a custom ID how can that be used please? or is there a method of selecting unused IDs that is relatively simple?
Regards
Rich

[tatewise]

There are a few options you could consider Rich.

The simplest is to use the Custom Id field as your primary record number and ignore the Record Id.
To initialise this use Tools > Record Identifiers > Copy existing record ids into the Custom Id field, then Perform Task and Close dialogue.
From then on you can edit the Custom Id field to fill gaps, etc. The Property Box displays the Custom Id field on the All tab, but can be customised to appear on Main tab, and in a column in the Records Window, and in place of Record Id in Reports and Diagrams.

An alternative procedure to selectively renumber Record Id is given in glossary:work_with_record_identifiers|> Work With Record Identifiers.

Use the Find Duplicate Custom ID's Plugin to ensure all your Custom Id are unique.

[Rich Scats]

Thanks Mike that works a treat & now I managed to work out (well almost) the syntax for putting the name with surname first & Custom ID ref I'm happy