Merge/Compare File

mike6265 · Post by **mike6265** » 18 Apr 2012 19:24

I have done this before successfully. However I am now having difficulties in completing the task.
I am trying to merge an updated Gedcom file with my main file.
I start with File - Merge/Compare File and end up with the Merge File Dialog
I then go to Merge and the next box is
'Not all records have been flagged as 'checked''

What do I do next please?

(If I just continue the file does not get updated with the merged file information)
As I said above I have done this OK before but now am obviously missing something.

ID:6159

pwe · Post by **pwe** » 18 Apr 2012 19:34

My understanding is that the 'check' facility is purely for your own use so that you can mark which records you have examined for compatibility [or not] and has no effect on the merge process. see page 171 of the v5 book 'getting the most from Family Historian'.
Sorry I cannot give the page in the V4 book but I amsure that the information will be the same.

Peter E

mike6265 · Post by **mike6265** » 18 Apr 2012 20:57

Thanks for the help so far. I have had a look at the Book 'Getting the most from Family Historian' and it has been a help.
I now realise the changes have gone in but must now find out how to get 'John Smith' changed to his new name 'John New Smith' without it being recorded as a second field.

Will now do a lot more reading up.

Merenwen · Post by **Merenwen** » 19 Apr 2012 08:55

It won't help you now, but for future instances where you merge, you can select which name to keep during the merge. Discard the old name and keep the new one or keep both.

If you haven't done any discarding during your current merge, you will find that the new name is there, but the old one is the preferred one.

Find the person. In their properties window click on more.. next to the name. This will bring up a list of names associated with the person. Here you can select which one you want to show as primary in reports, diagrams etc. And you can delete the old one if your really, really want.

I like having both names as for instance Kitson is found in the census as Kitchen. If I ever want to go back and retrace, it helps to know I'm looking for Kitchen as well as Kitson. Also, I have a female named Hagar on the marriage certificate and Agar on the birth certificate. So I like to record both as I know they are the same person.

mike6265 · Post by **mike6265** » 20 Apr 2012 17:35

Thank you very much Merenwen,
The tip about using the 'Make primary' on the two versions of the name has now solved my problem. Brilliant!
Mike

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