Record Search -on Mac using Safari

starkeypd

Using 13.1.2 Safari on a Mac running 10.13.6.

When I search Records I get a result, a list of possible record matches. But on the right side panel- it's blank. There is no display of the search criteria (like it is on Chrome) where you could edit or adjust the search parameters.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

Melissa S Himes

@starkeypd OS 11.6.2 and Safari 15.2

PiperTWilson

@starkeypd - Unfortunately, I think the following two articles may apply to your situation.

• I got a message that the site does not support this browser
• Which internet browsers are compatible?

Melissa S Himes

Maybe it is the old OS and Safari? I ran the same search with Dorothea Isabella Pence and the side search bar was displayed.

starkeypd

What version of OS and Safari are you using?

Mike357

@starkeypd, Try clicking on the "Search" button at the top right. I notice that this seems to work on my Mac.

starkeypd

Not sure what button on the top right? screen shot?

genthusiast

Search with magnifying glass next to Preferences. That should open the Search parameters panel again.

starkeypd

Thanks, I see it now. But both search and magnifying glass show the circle with the slash when I click on them... as in not available....

Julia Szent-Györgyi

@starkeypd, if the icon-and-text are unclickable (slashed circle when you mouse over), it means that the site thinks that panel is currently already open, i.e. it should be showing at the right. If it isn't, there's something wrong, and I have no idea how to fix it. I suppose you can always start with refreshing/reloading the page....

genthusiast

@starkeypd

If refresh or selecting Search> Historical Records doesn't reload the accessible icon (Search with magnifying glass) - try the lock icon (next to address - Familysearch.org) see if it shows something as blocked?

It does seems like maybe you have something (security app or browser setting) that is blocking the Search panel - the greyed out Search icon should mean the panel is open/displaying. In addition there does seem to be 'issues' reported with older versions of MacOS/browsers (here in Community). It would be interesting to know if Familysearch will no longer support older versions (the supported OS/browser help center documents need to clearly state whether current page functioning blocks pages if old versions are detected. If they don't explicitly state this then it just leaves variability/speculation here in Community).

From the problem description/screenshot it seems as if something is being partially blocked - not that Familysearch is entirely blocking (if that were the case then I would expect a page indicating 'detected non-supported version ... Update to supported version ...' 'error page'. I wonder if clearing cookies/cache on Mac might have the desired effect of 'resetting' the page?

I don't have MacOS to try duplicating. Another Mac user in the past traced a familysearch page issue to Mac keychain app (apparently dealing with Familysearch page certificates but that was with Firefox) - sorry I can't help further...

You may want to consider contacting FamilySearch Support by phone/chat (if available from your location) - to see if they can give further insight (or report to/from development):

https://www.familysearch.org/en/help/helpcenter/article/contactus

starkeypd

Thanks for your thoughts.

starkeypd

Thanks. It seems that I can get a more current version of Chrome than Safari :(

genthusiast

@starkeypd

Interesting you did not get the notification message - '...browser version not supported...' I would think if your version isn't supported the site should notify you?

So Safari latest version on macOS High Sierra isn't compatible with FamilySearch?

Operating system version - Latest Safari version

macOS X 10.11 El Capitan - 11.1.2 (July 9, 2018)

macOS 10.12 Sierra - 12.1.2 (July 22, 2019)

macOS 10.13 High Sierra - 13.1.2 (July 15, 2020)

macOS 10.14 Mojave - 14.1.2 (September 13, 2021)

https://www.google.com/search?q=safari+browser+version+OS+X&oq=safari+browser+version+OS+X

I'm surprised FamilySearch wants you to update your macOS and that you didn't get notification of that (you can't update the browser beyond the latest available for the OS)? Perhaps this is relevant: "In keeping with Apple's release cycle, Apple will stop releasing new security updates for macOS High Sierra 10.13 following its full release of macOS Big Sur. ... As a result, we are now phasing out software support for all Mac computers running macOS 10.13 High Sierra and will end support on December 1, 2020.Nov 17, 2020"

It just seems like if macOS is no longer security update supported the site will provide that helpful notice? I guess they are leaving that up to the OS or users to figure out. It appears you have no option but to attempt upgrading OS if your mac will support upgrading.

I don't know if your mac is supported or upgradable? https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201541

starkeypd

I haven't seen a message... just limitations of function and display.

Melissa S Himes

@John Empoliti might have been the one who traced the page issue you mentioned, @genthusiast . I've been pretty pleased with FamilySearch working with the Mac's - there used to be a lot of glitches. I have not had any problems with upgrades and FamilySearch since El Capitan, but, I do upgrade a few months after every new OS release and Safari as requested.

Have you also tried all the usual recommendations, @starkeypd = clearing your browser history and deleting familysearch cookies?

starkeypd

Yes on the clearing ideas. My Mac is 8 yrs old, and I have the latest versions available.

John Empoliti

Thanks for the tab @Melissa S Himes , but it wasn't I. I'm OK with IOS but barely literate with a Mac.

Melissa S Himes

So you've upgraded since your original post, and you still can't see the side panel?

starkeypd

Nope, no change.

genthusiast

@starkeypd

What macOS/Safari browser versions are you up to now?

starkeypd

Nope, no change.

starkeypd

O/s 10.13.6, Safari 13.1.2

genthusiast

Can you upgrade the OS (sorry not a Mac user so just wondering...)? The link above:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201541

This other Community thread indicates problems on macOS Big Sur:

https://community.familysearch.org/en/discussion/comment/425510#Comment_425510

so apparently even an OS upgrade won't resolve the issue (though upgrade to Monterey doesn't appear to have been done on that thread).

@Melissa S Himes

Are you using latest macOS Monterey and Safari?

Melissa S Himes

I am using Big Sur which is up to version 11.6.2 and Safari which is now at version 15.2. I have not upgraded to Monterey yet - I wait about 4-6 months to upgrade stuff while they all work out the bugs. An 8 year old Mac should be able to be upgraded. Sometimes you have to clear up your storage space to get it to work. You might have to upgrade your antivirus software too. I suggest visiting Apple Support if you can't get it to upgrade. There are great threads over there when people have issues on upgrades. It's pretty seamless on a MAC - of course, I have not used Windows for a very long time, so I can't compare the two.

I only use Safari - Apple's browser. I have been indexing on a MacBook Air since 2006. I wore out my trackpad with indexing on the first one and bought another in 2015. FamilySearch works on MACs. It didn't work as well with MACs when we were using the desktop program. But, when I did discover a bug with a Mac, the late Jason Pierson (or his colleagues) were able to replicate the bug and it was fixed in a day or two. That probably happened two or three times since 2014. The two "bugs" I recall during the desktop days where when the images wouldn't zoom and the other was when the examples wouldn't load. When images won't load now, I clear my browser and cookies and the problem is solved. But, it hardly ever happens. I would go back into my messages to recall more recent problems with the Macs when we first started with web-indexing, but, they are no longer stored since we switched the Community platform.

I have been able to attach records this morning. I don't have anything to merge, so I can't test that out.

Here is what my search this morning of Dorothea Isabella Pence looks like: When I click that X on the right (next to Search) - the Side Bar Search Box disappears and the table fills the screen.

starkeypd

Thanks for sharing. It seems like it is my old OS and Safari versions- of which there are no updates.

Melissa S Himes

I'm confused, @starkeypd. Can't you get an update when you click on system preferences and software update? Or go to the App Store and get updates? You should be able to upgrade an 8 year old Mac.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210222 (Catalina compatability)

https://support.apple.com/kb/sp833?locale=en_US (Big Sur compatability)

starkeypd

Thank you very much Melissa. I just assumed that automatic updates would work- it said I was current. I went to the Apple sites and manually downloaded Catalina and Safari, etc. It solves the problem for search! Thanks again.

genthusiast

So this indicates Familysearch is only supporting certain versions of macOS. This is a more recent iteration of OS/browser incompatibility - apparently due to the above referenced end of OS security updates support. The supported OS document should be updated and it would be 'really nice' if the site informed of such - "... non-supported OS detected ... update/upgrade to [minimally] supported version ..." Otherwise ... Spread the word ...

Melissa S Himes

Glad to be of service @starkeypd I never used the automatic updates. I like to know what is happening and decide for myself.

I don't really think this is a big deal, @genthusiast, for most users . FamilySearch has been really good about keeping up with the many MAC updates and Apple is really good about letting users know when there are updates and the next OS is launching. Maybe it is because I signed up for emails, but, other than a few bugs that needed worked out, I have been quite happy with both organizations.

genthusiast

@Melissa S Himes

I'm glad it is not a big deal. But when users have 'inexplicable' non-functioning (i.e. Search parameter panel not appearing) - that is concerning - and if related to 'non-supported' version of OS/browser - then the 'easiest' solution is for the familysearch page to detect said 'non-supported' OS/browser and to return notification to user (as mentioned above).

So I am not making it a big deal - just pointing out steps familysearch could do to resolve these issue(s) with providing notification/information in as 'easy' a manner as possible... and yes Apple should do the same (provide 'upgrade OS' notification when 'support' is essentially ended for an OS). I don't know how else to state this any clearer ...