We have a ton of info in a PAF file. Is there any way to import this? No one can access it because
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@DwightLanning DwightLanning
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Dwight
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Questions:
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What version of PAF?
Are any of the Files, what is known, as a GEDCOM File.
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There are programmes (even today) that can ready PAF Files (and, certainly, GEDCOM Files).
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You might not get ALL of the information on the very old PAF Files; but, probably most of it.
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There is a "Third Party" Programme that for a 'Standalone' personal computer that is also "Certified" to work with "Family Tree" of "FamilySearch" over the INTERNET.
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It is not the only one; but, certainly one that aligns with the old PAF.
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The Programme is called "Ancestral Quest".
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There is both, a "Basic" version that is FREE; and, a "Premium" version that is very minimal cost.
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The "Basic" FREE version is good enough for the average User/Patron; whereas, the "Premium" PAID version has some extra 'bells and whistles'.
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The beauty of "Ancestral Quest" is that, as far as I am aware, the developers of that programme gave the basic "Code" for that programme to the Church, from whence PAF was developed by the Church, hence, "Ancestral Quest" has the 'upmarket' feel of the old PAF, many PAF User/Patrons feel comfortable with it; and, the leaning curve was not very steep.
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But, there are certainly other such programmes, both, 'on-line'; and, 'standalone' - I have used a few (including "Ancestral Quest").
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The various "Third Party" Programme, both, 'on-line'; and, 'standalone', that are also "Certified" to work with "Family Tree" of "FamilySearch" can be found in the "Solutions Gallery" of "FamilySearch":
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https://partners.familysearch.org/solutionsgallery/s/
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Take a look.
See what suits.
Use more that one if you like.
The choice is yours.
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I hope this helps.
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Brett
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ps: You will see "Ancestral Quest" in the "Solutions Gallery".
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Consider uploading it to the Pedigree Resource File
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You may want to contact your local Family History Center if there is one near you when they open up. Our local Family History Center has an external 3 1/2 inch floppy disk drive. If you are looking to convert a 5 1/4 inch floppy disk, you can google "external 5 1/4 floppy drive" and you can find several drives for sale. I agree with carolyncom1 that contacting computer shops in your area is also a good idea.
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do you know how to create a GEDCOM file?
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I installed the "Ancestral Quest" program and loaded our old database from 2011 and it worked fine. I then noticed that they have a way to sync the PAF Data with "Family Search" so we are fine. Fun looking at info others have added to our family tree dating back to 1470 and Bern Switzerland.
Thanks, Dwight
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Great stuff!!!
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Let us know how the "syncing" goes.
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Call local computer shops. They can frequently import a file to a more modern form like a thumbdrive so you can then use it. No clue what it would cost.
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looks like he got it done
looks like he had access to the files just didnt know what to do with them.
Ancestral Quest is able to read PAF files just fine.
no reason to ever pay someone for access to PAF,
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you say you have tons of info in PAF
what about tons of info OUTSIDE of PAF?
what do you have in the way of paper records?
digital photos and records.
what are your plans with that?
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We have a couple family bibles. I have one and my sister (the one who did the original PAF file) has one. My two sisters took a trip to WV & OH and took pictures of gravestones but I don't know who has them. None of our kids seem to be interested in genealogy so I guess what we have will get thrown away when the three of us die. All three are in our seventies so...
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most grave photos are aleady available at Findagrave
have you digitized the family bible?
what about other papers and documents and photos?
have you scanned such items?
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my point is - - what is in PAF (names, dates, places) is one thing
even if you were to lose it - much of that could be recovered by other researchers - but if you have family photos, family letters, certificates, newspaper articles, family bibles - those items if lost - would probably never be replaced. be sure and value that information that is irreplaceable and make sure it is preserved,
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