Advice please

[thomsos]

This may seem a silly question, but can anyone tell me the best way to file the certificates I download from SP, both on my PC, and printed copies, I can’t seem to find a way for a quick and easy find when looking for one.

Sandra

[maple23]

On my hard drive I have created one folder called 'Family Tree' and in it I have created individual folders to store the certificates of Births, Mariages, Deaths, Census and any other relevant info. I title each document with the individual(s) name(s) and dates.

I don't print certificates unless I have to because I just get flooded with paper.

Not saying it is ideal but it works for me.

Maple

[JimM]

Hi Sandra
Much the same for me...
I make a copy of each file in order to clean up the image (straighten it and get rid of smudges etc.), on BDM's I also chop off the other entries, leaving only my own family record.
I keep my original untouched files in a sub-folder called (not surprisingly) "Originals"

I print off the documents and have a load of these "display books with slip in pockets", I use one for each branch of my family.

Don't forget to back-up all your hard earned data (preferably kept in a different location from your computer).

Jim

[Russell]

Like Maple I created my Family Tree folder then created new sub-folders within it for each family name. I use B, D, M in the file title and a date.
Most of the photo programs have a method of showing a gallery using thumbnails so it's easy to pick out the one you want. I save them, then open them up using Irfanview.
The equivalent in paper copies fill 8 large lever arch files

Russell

[Pandabean]

I used to print certificates from SP, don't know why I have stopped.

But I have a filing system for both the computer and printed ones, with the printed ones still in a mess and half done.

On the computer I have my main directory with the folders for Photos, Certificates, Reports etc. In the certificates folder I have it broken down by name and have just started organising the Greenlees lot into generations like below.

Greenlees > Andrew Greenlees 1861
Greenlees > Robert Greenlees 1889

Within these folders I have the main line with BMDs and a seperate folder for other children relating to the family. Each file is named like below in order to keep it chronologically.

1889 - B - Robert T Greenlees
1915 - M - Robert & Sarah
1917 - D - Robert T Greenlees


As for the printed lot I have a huge lever arch folder split into families. It still needs organising properly but I can find what I am looking for..... most of the time. I also for most of the families have a printout using my family tree package I made in excel which gives a run down of the family contained in each polypocket. I am, or was in the process of updating it but I got caught up with Uni work and thats taken priority at the moment.

http://www.talkingscot.com/gallery/disp ... m=58&pos=3

[maple23]

I should have also said that I use the Family Tree Maker software and, using the scrapbook facility, I insert and link certificates to the appropriate individual. It keeps everything neat and tidy.

Maple

[thomsos]

Thanks all,
This is pretty much what I am doing, its just with the branches getting bigger I thought there may be another way.

Sandra

[Anne H]

Hi Sandra,

I’ve tried different ways and I’m probably in overkill with my filing system now. On my hard drive in My Documents I have a folder entitled “Ancestry”, there are different sub-folders within that folder, one of which is “SP”, within SP folder I have the individual families by name…and sub-folders for each family within that. All very complicated at times because I often find I put someone in the wrong generation.

Besides the above, I have 12 file cases complete with handle for easy lifting. Each case has 21 separating units and contains a file for each family, which holds copies of all images, maps, etc….these are my working files. I also have several binders with protective sleeves for all images…I find having the binders to leaf through is the easiest way for me to input the data into my RootsMagic when I get behind…and I’m always behind.

On my hard drive, one of the sub-folders within SP folder is entitled “A – INDEX” (to keep it at the top of the folder). I save the images from SP from within my “Viewed Images”, copy and paste the “Description” of the image, view it, print it, and save it (taking out the slashes from SP). I then go into the Source section on RootsMagic and save the same thing as the source. The A-INDEX makes it easy to scroll through all images since they are in date order and have the names… like this:
1746 OPR Marriage MARSHELL, MARGARET (O.P.R. Marriages 495 0010 0384)
1767 Testament Hogg, James (Reference CC21 6 63 Stirling Commissary Court)
I’m behind in putting all the images into RootsMagic, but I’ll get there one day.

I think it’s just what works best for the individual and hopefully we'll all get there one day!

Regards,
Anne H