If you've spent much time on
the Web researching your family tree, then it is likely that you've either
downloaded a GEDCOM file from the Internet or received one from a fellow
research via email or on floppy disk. So now you have this nifty family tree
which may contain vital clues to your ancestors and your computer can't seem to
open it. What to do?
How
To Open and Read a GEDCOM File
Is it Really a
GEDCOM?
Begin by ensuring that the file that you want to open is truly a GEDCOM file,
and not a family tree file created in some proprietary format by a genealogy
software program. A file is in GEDCOM format when it ends in the extension
.ged.
If the file ends with the extension
.zip
then it has been zipped (compressed) and needs to be unzipped first. See
Handling Zipped Files.
Save the GEDCOM
File to Your Computer
Whether you are downloading the file from the Internet or opening it as an
email attachment, the first thing you should do is save the file to a folder
on your hard drive. I've got a folder created under "C:\My Download
Files\Gedcoms\" where I save my GEDCOM files. If you're saving it from email
you may want to scan it for viruses first before saving to your hard drive
(see Step 3).
Scan the GEDCOM
for Viruses
Once you have the file saved to your computer hard drive, it is time to scan
it for viruses using your favorite antivirus software program. If you need
help with this, see Protecting
Yourself from Email Viruses.
Even if you know the person who sent you the GEDCOM file, it is better to be
safe than sorry.
Make a Backup of Your Existing Genealogy Database
If you have a family tree file on your computer you should always make sure
you have a recent backup before opening a new GEDCOM file. This will allow you
to revert to your original file in case something goes wrong when you're
opening/importing the GEDCOM file.
Open the GEDCOM
File with Your Genealogy Software
Do you have a genealogy software program? If so, then begin your family tree
program and close any open family tree project. Then follow the program's instructions
for opening/importing a GEDCOM file. If you need help with this, then see How to Open a GEDCOM File in Your Genealogy
Software Program. Be sure to look at
the GEDCOM file by itself first, rather than opening or merging it directly
into your own family tree database. It is much harder to figure out how to
remove unwanted people, than it is to add new people later after you have
reviewed the new GEDCOM file. Generic Instructions for
Opening a GEDCOM File:
* This works for most family
tree software programs. See your program's help file for more specific
instructions.
Launch your family tree program and close any open genealogy files.
In the top-left hand corner of your screen, click the File menu.
Select either Open, Import or Import GEDCOM.
If .ged is not already highlighted in the "file type" box, then scroll
down and select GEDCOM or .ged.
Browse to the location on your computer where you save your GEDCOM files
and select the file that you want to open.
The program will create a new genealogy database containing the
information from the GEDCOM. Enter a filename for this new database, making
sure that is one that you can distinguish from your own files. Example: 'powellgedcom'
Click Save or Import.
The program may then ask you to make a few choices regarding the import
of your GEDCOM file. Just follow the directions. If you're not sure what to
select, then just stick with the default options.
Click OK.
A confirmation box may appear stating that your import was successful.
You should now be able to read the GEDCOM file in your genealogy
software program as a regular family tree file.
Other Ways to
Open a GEDCOM File
If you don't have a genealogy software program you can still open and read
GEDCOM files. Many free and shareware programs are available which allow you
to easily open and view GEDCOM files. You can find a collection of these here: GEDCOM Viewers.
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