Complaint

LBragaP_SP_68

You at the FamilySearch website frequently suggest records to me, however, these are records I have already found, previously analyzed, and either attached or discarded.

sc woz

@LBragaP_SP_68

FamilySearch may continue suggesting records you’ve already reviewed because the hinting system often encounters multiple indexed versions of the same historical event. To prevent these repeat suggestions, each hint must be either attached or formally dismissed as Not a Match within the Research Help tool.

Why do duplicate suggestions appear

• Multiple indexings of the same document. A single original record—such as a marriage certificate—may be indexed more than once or appear in several collections (for example, both county and state archives).
• Each version has a unique URL. Even if the content is identical, FamilySearch treats each indexed instance as a separate hint until it is individually attached or dismissed.
• Multi‑person records generate multiple hints. If a record includes several individuals (such as a census entry) and you attach it to only one person, it may continue to appear as a hint for the others.

How to reduce repeat hints

Clearing these duplicates can take some time, but the following steps are effective:

• Attach all accurate hints, even when they appear to be duplicates. This ensures the person’s profile is fully documented and prevents that specific indexed version from resurfacing.
• Dismiss incorrect hints by selecting Not a Match and adding a brief explanation. This tells the system not to offer that record again.

I hope this provides clarity and helps reduce the frustration of seeing the same hints repeatedly.