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Backups


Fri, Aug 7, 2020, at 12:34 PM

Beth,

Would you like to have copies of my backup files? I would send you both the GEDCOM file to import a new tree, and a copy of the Family Tree Maker file, including sources, images, documents, and web links.

I feel that the more individuals that have access to our work, the better.

I feel blessed that you use both Ancestry and Family Tree Maker.

John, IV

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The Family Tree, etc.

The Family Tree, etc.
Dr. John Elcik
Sat 8/8/2020 5:32 AM

Stacey and Lauren,

Back in 2008, I worked on a family tree called “My Cousins” that was useful then. I have a new updated version that is nearing a stopping point. It will never be “completed.”

You may already have your own resources dedicated to this, but even so, this could be helpful. I also would love to gain access to anything you would like to see put into the family tree. I am using the tree to build a Family history so many of my images, documents, and website links are a bit unconventional. I use the tree to tell family LifeStory’s. ?

Are you interested in having your own copy of my version of the Family tree? If so, the following FREE options exist for using a copy of the tree.

The typical approach is to ask for a GEDCOM file. I can provide a file in this format and it can be used with virtually any ancestry or genealogy software. The file is free.

It is not the way I recommend you go because GEDCOM FILES are text-only files. The downloads do not contain photos and other documents. I have attached a link below that explains more about GEDCOM files.

https://support.ancestry.com/s/article/Moving-Trees-Between-Accounts

There are two outside companies that sync to Ancestry. When the files are synced, they will retain photos and documents. The companies which sync with Ancestry are Family Tree Maker 2019 and RootsMagic.

I have elected to use Family Tree Maker 2019 by Mackiev. Here is a link to Mackiev Live Chat: https://www.mackiev.com/techsupport/ftm/livechat.html

If you want a GEDCOM or Family Tree Maker backup, send your request with an email address for delivery. The files are free. You will need a software program to use them.

The tree includes familiar surnames: Adams, Elcik (Elick, Elsik, Ilcik), Gamache, McClanahan, Lucas, Skillin, and Strand. I am willing to ADD additional surnames to the tree. To get started I typically need the dates of birth and full names of grandparents (maiden names for women).

Also, I’m willing to help other family members with their trees. I think it is important to update older trees to include sources, images, and web links. As Genealogist’s say, “A Tree without Sources is Mythology.”

Uncle John

P.S. The other family tree option is a FREE guest account at Ancestry.com. You will be able to view records but not change them. This too requires an email address.

P.P.S. Please forward this email to anyone you feel could be interested in sharing info or gaining access.

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The Family Tree, etc.

8/19/2020 11:53 AM

From: Dr. John Elcik <johnelcik@msn.com>

To: Stacey Elcik Duryea <sweetlysung25@gmail.com>; Lauren Elcik Portell <elcik87@gmail.com>
Cc: James Stacy Elcik <jselcik@hotmail.com>; Jeffrey Lee Elcik <jeff@anyport.com>

Subject: The Family Tree, etc.

Stacey and Lauren,

Back in 2008, I worked on a family tree called “My Cousins” that was useful then. I have a new updated version that is nearing a stopping point. It will never be “completed.”

You may already have your resources dedicated to this, but even so, this could be helpful. I also would love to gain access to anything you would like to see put into the family tree. I am using the tree to build a Family history, so many of my images, documents, and website links are unconventional. I use the tree to tell family LifeStory’s. ?

Are you interested in having your copy of my version of the Family tree? If so, the following FREE options exist for using a copy of the tree.

The typical approach is to ask for a GEDCOM file. I can provide a file in this format used with virtually any Ancestry or genealogy software. The file is free.

It is not the way I recommend you go because GEDCOM FILES are text-only files. The downloads do not contain photos and other documents. I have attached a link below that explains more about GEDCOM files.

This text is a link to the article.

Two outside companies sync to Ancestry. Now our local copy of the family tree will retain photos and documents. The companies which sync with Ancestry are Family Tree Maker 2019 and RootsMagic.

I have elected to use Family Tree Maker 2019 by Mackiev. 

This text is a link to Mackiev Live Chat.

If you want a GEDCOM or Family Tree Maker backup, send your request with an email address for delivery. The files are free. You will need a software program to use them.

The tree includes familiar surnames: Adams, Elcik (Elick, Elsik, Ilcik), Gamache, McClanahan, Lucas, Skillin, and Strand. I am willing to add additional surnames to the tree. To get started, I typically need the dates of birth and full names of grandparents (maiden names for women).

Also, I’m willing to help other family members with their trees. I think it is essential to update older trees to include sources, images, and web links. As Genealogist’s say, “A Tree without Sources is Mythology.”

Uncle John

P.S. The other family tree option is a FREE guest account at Ancestry.com. You will be able to view records but not change them. Both options require an email address.

P.P.S. Please forward this email to anyone you feel could be interested in sharing info or gaining access.

[Jim and Jeff will need to pass this message on to Christopher, Harry, Maxwell, and Sam for whom I don’t have valid email addresses. – John P. Elcik, Editor]

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Can I Share RootsMagic on a Flash Drive?

Tue 9/1/2020 10:38 AM

Ticket #90515: CD vs Flash Drive
Your request (#90515) has been updated.

Dear RootsMagic Customer:

Thank you for getting back to me. There are different ways that you can share your work with your family. They are as follows:

1. Creating a backup file. When you create a backup file of your data everything is included with the file. You can attach the file to an email and send it to your family. They can download the free version of RootsMagic onto their computers. Then use RootsMagic to open the file. Once the file is opened they can view all the information. They can even add new information to the file should they want to. If the file is too large to send as an attachment through an email you can share the file with them through Dropbox. Dropbox is a free online Cloud service that allows you to store files and information. It also has a nice share tool that allows you to send larger files to people. A normal email will only allow you to attach files up to 3 MBs, but with Dropbox, there is no size limit.

2. You can create a narrative report. The narrative report option puts all of your data into a generation by generation report which is quite nice. I have attached a copy of what the narrative report looks like to this email. When you create a narrative report it includes stories, the primary photo for each person, and all the data in a generation by generation format. You can save the report as a PDF. Then attach it to an email to send to family members.

3. You can create a shareable CD. This puts your information onto a CD for you, which is then read-only. The following link will open a short video showing you how to do this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbOoAh4Jw9E

4. If other family members are using other genealogy software besides RootsMagic you can create a Gedcom file to send to them. To do this you will go up to the File Menu and select Export. Then follow the prompts on the screen to create the Gedcom file. Then you can attach the file to an email to send to them, or you can share the file with them through Dropbox.

I hope that this helps.

Sincerely,
Terri
RootsMagic Support

[The question was, “Can I burn the CD option to a Flash Drive instead of a CD?” The answer must be no. – Editor]

 

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GEDCOM Rescue


Mon 9/14/2020 8:49 AM

Beth,

First, we all make mistakes. I’ve done worse. And I’ve even repeated my mistakes.

I may be able to assist you in recovering some of what you lost. Please let me try.

I never had a copy of your trees, so that is not an option. Also, export from FamilySearch.org is not a possibility as they don’t create export files.

I have a plan, though. I have noticed that you have copies in My Heritage. I have to check to see if we can create a GEDCOM file from it for you. Are there any other places we can look at?

As much as I would like Loksa, I don’t see it in the stars. I might try a new recipe I have for Polish Potatoe Pancakes. Yummy? I hope. It won’t be the same, but.

I had a 2 hour and 15-minute phone call with Nancy and gave my new hearing aids a workout. It was a lot of fun! I have not been on the phone for more than a couple of minutes for over a decade. Wow!

Again, give me a little time before you try to recreate your Gamache Family Tree.

John, IV

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GEDCOM


Mon 9/14/2020 9:00 AM

John,

I’m so happy you talked with Nancy. I’m sure the two of you had lots to talk about.

I DO have a Gamache tree on My Heritage and just created a GEDCOM. It’s smaller than the one I had on Ancestry, but it’s a starting point.

My mouse just croaked on me too—time for a new one. I’m cursed!!!

Beth

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GEDCOM

Mon, Sep 14, 2020, at 9:17 AM

Beth,

“If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.” ?

I wish I would have pressed you to sync with Family Tree. It would have provided an extra layer of protection. When you meet with your technical friend, you need to show him my notes on how to do it and set up all your databases.

I’m glad you have a GEDCOM file that works. You also can and should create GEDCOM files from Ancestry for all your trees. I noticed your MyHeritage files were updated recently, so hopefully, you have most of the individuals. All you should be missing are the links created when you accepted Hints.

Given you are working with a new GEDCOM file, Ancestry will give you another chance to accept HINTS. Think of this as a blessing in disguise. You now have an opportunity to be more aggressive in taking HINTS.

Relax. Don’t forget to breathe. You are OK, and this will be OK.

John, IV