Susan Farrell Bankhead, Certified Genealogist (sm)
Clean It Up!
Once you’ve decided on a software program and you have your data in a previous program, how do you transfer your data from the old to the new?
Start a new tree in the software you plan to use for your cleaned up database.
You have two options:
1. Export a GEDCOM file from your old tree, then import it into your new, or
2. Take one name at a time and re-enter the data.
There are pros and cons for both approaches.
GEDCOM:
- Pro: It’s fast and easy. You’ll be done in minutes.
- Con: If there were mistakes in the old database, they’ll still be mistakes in the new.
Re-enter each name:
- Pro: You’ll be able to check info each time you enter new data.
- Con: It’s very slow AND you may make transcription mistakes.
What have I done? I’ve done it both ways. I used to GEDCOM it, but this time I’ve been re-entering my data one name at a time into the new, cleaned up version. The only thing I am transferring to the new tree is information that I am sure about and that I can (and will) source properly. It is taking a very long time but I’m happy with my end product.
While doing it this way, I found several mistakes.
- I found a child listed as born in 1851, but she’s clearly on the 1850 U.S. census as a one month old baby! Since the census date for 1850 is 1 June, this child was definitely not born in 1851.
- I found a person born before Christ!
- I found an event dated 1009. I know I’ve done a lot of research, but that date is not right!
I guess if you wanted to, you could GEDCOM it all into the new and then re-check each entry. I just like knowing EVERYTHING in my cleaned up database is what and where it should be. That’s why it’s called the “clean-up version!”
If you haven’t done this already, I hope you’ll take some time now to get out your broom and put your genealogy house in order. In another post, I’ll tell you how to clean up the database tree you already have.)
What are you doing to clean up your genealogy database?
We must be thinking the same! ~laughs~ I have also decided to reenter the data into my database. I have used Legacy for many years (and have tired so many others) but I stick to my Legacy Family Tree Software! I decided to enter just my Direct lines, no siblings, no parents unless they were my direct line. In doing that, I found a branch of 3rd great grandparents I have never started researching! That was exciting, not just so I don’t get too distracted I will be ok! I also found a few mistakes, I was able to correct as typos or I made started the to-do list for that person. I always wanted to use that option in Legacy! no sources used for the entering of the direct line. As I expand the families I am sure the sources will be found, but this way as I am looking at the direct lines at least I have a clue for what I am looking for. I also decided to start another Family Tree on Ancestry.com and am using the shaking leave for clues. Everything I collect for these families will go into their own binder (I hope). I also hope I can accomplish this long task, and I know it will be long! ~laughs~
I wish you luck on your project and look forward to reading your blog as we go along on your Long Task! ~Kristine
Kristine: Thank you for sharing what you are doing. Sometimes I think I’m the only one doing things the way I do, so, I appreciate knowing I’m not alone in my thinking. Glad to hear you found some mistakes along the way, and it’s really great that you have a plan for how you are using the “cleaned up version.” Thanks!
Kristine: By the way, I love your blogspot name “focusgrandmafocus.blogspot.com.” Fun!
Thank you Susan! My Granddaughter, Bayleigh, is always telling me to Focus, I do tend to drift to different things! ~laughs~ I was not happy with my other two blogs as they were too focused on Surnames and I was always wandering! I am finally happy with this name and will keep it! ~kristine
Susan,
Actually, I am cleaning up my 12 year old, many versions of the same software, but understand what you are up against.
Over that time period, both the program and how I use it has changed. So for 2012 I am going to clean it up.
I have been and will continue to Blog about it here:
http://ftmuser.blogspot.com
I am starting with my direct line, but have three or four lines to address as I reach them. A couple of interesting folk are hanging around in this tree.
Good luck and watching your your progress.
Russ
Russ: Thank you for your input. The hard part for me is to be methodical. I see those empty spots, and I know who belongs there and I just want to fill them in, but patience has to reign. Readers: Russ blogs about his use of the Family Tree Maker software. You should check it out at http://ftmuser.blogspot.com!
I started doing this last year and it’s amazing what little mistakes you can find! I had someone’s mother’s birth year AFTER they had children! That would have been very difficult. I had just transposed the numbers.
Lis: I love it! … not that you made the mistakes, but that you found them. I love your blog at http://www.discoveringfamilyroots.com!