Contents
Contents	Alphabetic Index

Main Screen

Menu

Tool Bar

Pedigree Screen

File

New

Open

Close

Backup

Restore

Import

Export

Print Reports

Print Setup

Exit

Data

Add Individual

Edit Individual

Edit Family

Tools

Search

Merge

Preferences

Database Check/Repair

Keyboard Topics for DOS/PAF Users

Windows Keys

Keyboard Synopsis

Glossary

Glossary of Terms

Additional Help

Technical Assistance


Alphabetic Index
Alphabetic Index	Contents

Backup

Close

Database Check/Repair

DOS Users Keyboard Notes

Export

Family, Edit

Import

Individual, Add

Individual, Edit

Keyboard Synopsis

LDS Data

Menu

Merge

New Database

Notes

Open Database

Options

PAF Users Keyboard Notes

Pedigree Screen

Preferences

Printer Setup

Reports

Restore

Search

Tool Bar


Menu

Ancestral Quest's main menu contains File, Data, Tools, and Help sub-menus.

The File Menu

The File menu contains housekeeping options for your database including New, Open, Close, Backup, Restore, Import, Export, Print Reports, and Print Setup. You will also use the File menu’s Exit option to quit the application at the end of a session.

The Data Menu

Use the Data menu to manipulate your records. The Data menu includes the Add Individual, Edit Individual, and Edit Family selections.

The Tools Menu

The Tools menu contains selections that will help you navigate through your database, including Search and Preferences, and the Merge selection, which will allow you to merge duplicate records within your existing database, or locate duplicates after a new database has been imported.  You also use the Database Check/Fix option to occassionally verify that your database is in good condition, and fix it if there are problems.

The Help Menu

The Help menu contains selections which will help you get more information about the Ancestral Quest application, including Contents, Search, and About Ancestral Quest.


Toolbar

The Toolbar provides you will quick access to most of Ancestral Quest's powerful features. Clicking a button in the Toolbar is identical to selecting an item in a menu, but is often more convenient. Once you become familiar with the buttons and what they represent, you will find that using these buttons is much faster than selecting options within menus.

The Ancestral Quest Toolbar

Opening an Existing Database

Clicking the Open button in the Toolbar is identical to selecting Open in the File menu.

Open Button

Use this button to easily open an existing family database.

Importing GEDCOM Files

Clicking the Import button in the Toolbar is the same as selecting Import in the Data menu.

Import Button

Use this option to select a GEDCOM file and open it within Ancestral Quest.

Exporting GEDCOM Files

Clicking the Export button in the Toolbar is the same as selecting Export in the Data menu.

Export Button

Use this option to select exiting data and export it as one of the three types of GEDCOM file.

Printing

Click the Print Reports button to open the Reports window.

Print Reports Button

Use the Reports window to select specific report formats that you would like to use to print database information.

Adding an Individual

Click the Add New Individual button to open the Add New Individual window.

Add Individual Button

Use the Add New Individual window to define specific information about an individual and add he or she to your pedigree chart.

Editing an Individual

Click the Edit Individual button to reopen an existing information file, and change or add information.

Edit Individual Button

Clicking the Edit Individual button is the same as selecting Edit Individual in the Data menu.

Editing a Family

Click the Edit Family button to open a new or existing family information file, and change or add information.

Edit Family Button

Clicking the Edit Family button is the same as selecting Edit Family in the Data menu.

Searching a Database

Clicking the Search button in the Toolbar is the same as selecting Search in the Tools menu.

Search Button

Use this option to open the Find Individual window and perform a search, by RIN, for an individual, or browse the entire list of individuals.

Merging Files within Your Database

Clicking the Merge button in the Toolbar is the same as selecting Merge in the Tools menu.

Merge Button

Use this option to open the Merge window.


root

Same as the primary


Pedigree Screen

The main pedigree screen is a 5 generation pedigree of the person in the root, or primary position.

Only while on this screen will you have access to the menus and toolbar.  While on any of the other screens, the menus and toolbar will be unavailable, even if they are visible.

Navigating

You will find navigating through your data to be an easy task from the pedigree screen.  To move to the right in your family tree, you can select one of the right arrows.  Once you have moved to the right, Ancestral Quest will remember where you came from, and a left arrow next to the primary person on the chart will let you go back the way you came.

Changing the primary

Navigating with the keyboard

InfoBox

As you move the mouse over a name on the pedigree screen, an information box will appear, if that option is turned on.  How quickly it drops depends on your preference selections.  (See InfoBox preferences for more details on how to control the InfoBox.  As you move the mouse away from the name, the InfoBox will go away, unless you have locked it.

To change the primary individual, simply double-click the box containing that individual’s name. The pedigree will shift to display the newly selected individual as the root, or primary, of the pedigree.

Many of the menu and toolbar options act on the currently selected person on the pedigree.  You will want to make sure that you have selected the appropriate person prior to initiating a menu or toolbar option.

Notes

Once you have entered notes for an individual, a triangle will appear in the corner of the name box.  If no triangle is present, then no notes have been saved for that individual.

Indicates Notes Present


Glossary of Terms

Ancestral File Number (AFN)

database

deleted record

default

GEDCOM

given names

keyboard equivalent

MRIN

pedigree

primary

record

RIN

selected individual

surname

tag

title

valid range


Keyboard Synopsis

Although all of the menu commands and selections are accessible simply by pointing the mouse and clicking, there may be times when you will need to access the major features of the application without a mouse, or simply would prefer not to use one.

Remember, the underlined letter of every menu selection can be used when a menu is open. In windows such as the Preferences window, you can tab through sections of the window and use the underlined letter of the available options in combination with the Alt key on your keyboard, to select and deselect radio buttons and checkboxes, using the letter within the selection that is underlined.

Use Tab, not Enter to move between fields. Enter will activate the button in the window with the thick border. Look on the menus for keyboard shortcuts such as Ctrl+O for Open.

Whenever you see a letter with an underscore, use Alt + the underscored letter to activate.

Use Escape (Esc) to close most windows. Drop down boxes are opened using Alt+ the down arrow, and closed with Alt + the up arrow.

Use the Tab key to access a group of radio buttons, then use the arrows to select the radio button you desire.

This table contains the available Control-key keyboard equivalents. Keyboard equivalents that use the Control (CTRL) key make it possible to access menu selections from within the application without opening the menu.

Key	Equivalent	Description
CTRL+O	Open	Open an existing database
CTRL+R	Print Reports	Print the database as a specific type of report
CTRL+A	Add Individual	Add a new individual to the database
CTRL+I	Edit Individual	Edit information about an existing individual
CTRL+F	Edit Family	Add or edit family information for an individual
CTRL+S	Search	Open the Search window to locate specific individuals within the database
CTRL+P	Preferences	Open the Preferences window
F1	Help	Access on-line help


LDS Data

This appendix explains the Use LDS Data option available in the Preferences window, and the places in the Ancestral Quest application where LDS Data will be applicable. It also helps you understand all of the fields within the database associated with LDS Data, and how to enter information in those fields correctly.

Here’s how to turn on the LDS Data option.

1.	Select Preferences in the File menu.

2.	Within the Preferences window, select the Use LDS DATA option by clicking its checkbox.

3.	Close the Preferences window.

The LDS Data option may be turned on and off, as necessary.

The following special codes are allowed in the date fields pertaining to LDS ordinances:

•	Enter Infant, Inf, Child, or Chi, in the Baptism and Endowment date fields to indicate that since the child died before the age of 8, the ordinance is not necessary

•	Enter Stillborn or Sti, in the Baptism, Endowment, and Seal to Parents date fields, to indicate that the ordinance is not needed

•	Enter BIC in the Seal to Parents date field to indicate that the child was “Born In the Covenant” to parents whose marriage was sealed in the Temple, prior to the birth

•	Enter Canceled, Can, DNS, or DNS/CAN in the Seal Wife to Husband date field in the Marriage window, to indicate that the ordinance has been canceled, or should not be performed (Do Not Seal). DNS can also be entered in the Sealed to Parents date field.

•	Enter Submitted or Sub, to indicate that the name has already been submitted to have the temple ordinance work done. This entry is valid for any of the ordinance date fields

•	Enter Cleared or Cle, to indicate that the name has been submitted, as above, and that notification has been received that the work has been done (cleared). This entry is valid for any of the ordinance date fields

•	Enter Uncleared or Unc, to indicate that the name has been submitted, but has not been cleared. This entry is valid for any of the ordinance date fields

•	Enter Completed or Com, to indicate that you have received confirmation that the ordinance work has been done, but you do not know the date. This entry is valid for any of the ordinance date fields.

For compatibility with PAF version 2.31, the following codes are also available (if you have a version earlier than 2.31, and wish to retain compatibility, do not use these):

•	Enter Pre-1970 in any ordinance field to indicate that the work might have been done.

•	Enter Done in any ordinance field to indicate that the work has been done.

LDS Data in the Information Window

If you have selected to use LDS data, the following additional information may be added to an individual’s information window.

Baptism

The date of baptism should be entered using the standard date format of dd mmm yyyy. If one of the date options described above applies, a special date code may be used instead of an actual date.

Use the text field to the right of the Baptism field to enter the location where the baptism took place. If baptism occurred in the Temple after the individual’s death, you can select the Temple where the ordinance was performed by scrolling through the pop-up Temple menu. Open the Temple menu by clicking the down-pointing arrow to the right of the place field.

Endowment

The date of endowment should be entered using the standard date format of dd mmm yyyy. If one of the date options described above applies, a special date code may be used instead of an actual date.

Use the text field to the right of the Endowment field to enter the Temple where the individual took out their endowments. You can select the Temple where the ordinance was performed by scrolling through the drop-down Temple menu. Open the menu by clicking the down-pointing arrow to the right of the place field.

Sealed to Parents

The date that an individual was sealed to his or her parents should be entered using the standard date format of dd mmm yyyy. If one of the date options described above applies, a special date code may be used instead of an actual date.

Use the text field to the right of the Sealed to Par field to enter the name of the Temple where the sealing took place. You can select a Temple by scrolling through the pop-up Temple menu. Open the Temple menu by clicking the down-pointing arrow to the right of the place field.

Understanding Ordinance Abbreviations

If an ordinance has been performed for an individual, an ordinance abbreviation is displayed within the additional information window on your pedigree. Ordinance abbreviations provide you with a quick reference to the ordinances that have been performed for an individual.

The letters “B,” “E,” “S,” “C,” and “P” are abbreviations for Baptism—B, Endowment—E, Sealed to Spouse—S, Child Ordinances—C, and Sealed to Parent—P.


RIN

Record Identification Number. The number given automatically to an individual record to identify it.


MRIN

Marriage Record Identification Number. The number given automatically to a marriage record to identify it.


Valid Range

The lowest and highest record numbers available.


Deleted Record

A record that has been deleted.  This record number is not currently valid, but will be reused as new records are added.


Tag

A tag is a word associated with a body of notes to identify it as relating to a specific topic.  To qualify as a tag, the word must be the first word in a note, and start at the beginning of the first line of the note -- no leading spaces or tabs.  The recommended format is all caps, ending with a colon.  Ex:  BIRTH:


Ancestral File Number

A number assigned by the general Ancestral File database to identify an individual.


Database

A group of records that can be accessed, altered, saved, and shared. In Ancestral Quest, these records are stored in a group of 7 files that are common to the PAF database, and 2 more that are used only by Ancestral Quest.

Only 1 database can exist in a single directory.


Default

Default selections are the options selected at the factory that appear after initial installation of the software.


GEDCOM

GEnealogical Data COMmunication. A database format supported by many genealogical database applications.


Given Names

A given name is the name an individual is given at birth. It is the name that appears on the individual’s birth certificate. It is not a nickname, or legally changed name.


Keyboard Equivalent

Keyboard equivalents are buttons on your keyboard that duplicate the functions of certain menu selections.


Pedigree

A pedigree is a visual representation of several generations. A pedigree is usually set up to look much like a tree, with one individual as the “root” or primary individual, with several branches of family attached to the right, to create a “family tree.”


Primary

The primary individual is the person you have selected to be the “root” of your family tree. In Ancestral Quest, the primary individual is the person to the far left of the pedigree.

The primary marriage is used only in the family screen.  This is the marriage of the primary individual and the currently selected spouse.


Record

Each individual saved within your database is a “record.” A database consists of many records. Each record is identified by the PAF database by its RIN (or MRIN).


Surname

An individual’s surname, is his or her last name. In the name Thomas P. Morgan, Morgan is Thomas’ surname.


Title

A title is typically given to an individual to show respect. Titles can include military honors such as Colonel, or Commander, government offices such as Mayor or Governor, or religious titles, such as Pastor, Bishop, or President.


Changing the Primary - Pedigree

While on the pedigree screen, there are several ways to change the primary person:

Double-click the person you want to become the primary

Use the search screen to select a new person

Use the family screen to look through the members of the family, navigate as appropriate, then close.  The primary person on the family screen will become the primary on the pedigree screen when that screen is closed, but only if you have done some navigating or editing while in the family screen.  If you go into the family screen for a quick look and drop right back out, the pedigree screen will remain uneffected

Drop the large InfoBox, and double-click the spouse or child you want to become the primary individual

Use the arrows to the left of the primary person or the right of any 5th generation person as appropriate


Keyboard Usage on Pedigree

The pedigree screen has been designed to work with either the mouse or the keyboard.  The following keys work on the pedigree screen:

left arrow	go back 1 generation

right arrow	go forward 1 generation -- to the father if he’s there, otherwise to the mother

up arrow	go to the person in the same generation who is directly above the current person.  If the current person is the top-most person in the generation, then wrap to the bottom of the previous generation

down arrow	go to the person in the same generation who is directly below the current person.  If the current person is the bottom-most person in the generation, then wrap to the top of the next generation

Page Up	as the right arrow, but go specifically to the father

Page Down	as the right arrow, but go specifically to the mother

Home	same as the left arrow

End	same as the left arrow

Esc	close the InfoBox

space bar	select and deselect the curent person, thereby locking and unlocking the infobox

Enter	make the current person the primary person

Additional Keyboard Usage when the large InfoBox is on screen

Tab      	tab forward between the name box, the spouse box and the child box

Sh-Tab	tab backward through the name box, child box and spouse box

Enter	make the person with the current focus box becom the primary person on the pedigree screen


Selected Individual

The highlighted person on the pedigree screen, or on the family screen, is the selected individual.  As you perform various actions, they will be carried out for the selected person.

On the pedigree screen, the selected person may change as you move the mouse cursor over different individuals.  You can lock a selection by clicking on that person with the mouse, or hitting the space bar on the keyboard.  Once locked, the individual selection will not change as the mouse is moved across the screen.  To unlock the selection, hit the space bar again, or click the mouse again.


Technical Assistance

If you have a problem, here are some guidelines for solving them:

1.	Is the problem one of not being able to do something you want to do?  If so, we’ve tried to make both the user’s guide and this online help useful in covering both what the program will and won’t do, and in guiding you through how to accomplish your task.

If you are new to Windows, you may be struggling with how to use the keyboard.  Please refer to your Windows User’s Guide, and to the keyboard topics discussed in this help file:

Windows Keys

Keyboard Synopsis

If you are not sure whether a particular task can be performed, please refer to the topical and alphabetical contents sections of this help file, or to the User’s Guide to read about the item you are looking for.  Have you tried Help’s “Search” feature?  Browse through the list of keywords to see if you can get some clarification.

Alphabetical Contents

Topical Contents

If you’ve looked through these resources, and can’t figure out what you need, you have a few ways to reach someone who can help:

1. Post a message on one of the on-line services, such as CompuServe, America On-Line, or Prodigy, and either an Incline Software representative, or a genealogy enthusiast who understands what you are after will respond.

2. Call a friend who has Ancestral Quest.

3. Attend a PAF Users Group meeting.  Very likely, somebody there will be able to help you.  (For the nearest PAF Users Group, fax us a request).

4. Send your request by fax to Incline Software at (801) 273-1535.  Give us your name, phone, address, a description of the request, and a good time to reach you (evenings, days), so we can respond by mail or phone, as appropriate.

2.	If the program doesn’t act the way you know it should, or gives a General Protection Fault:

Try to reproduce the problem.  In other words, see if you can make it happen again, exactly the same way, by following the same steps.  Record the steps you took, along with the version number of the program, the preference settings, the number of marriages and children for the person you were working on when the problem occurred.  Please fax us this information at (801) 273-1535, along with the information listed in step 4 above.  We’ll give you a call if we need more information to solve the problem, and once it’s fixed, we’ll send you an updated copy of the program.

3.	If the program won’t install, please call the order line at 1 (800) 825-8864 (273-1521 in Salt Lake County). We’ll help you get Ancestral Quest installed, or if the disk is defective, we’ll send you a new one.


File Menu

The File menu contains housekeeping options for your database.

New

Selecting New in the File menu opens a directory dialog which will allow you to select a drive and existing subdirectory in which to create a new family database. There is also a field in which you can enter a name for the database. Simply type the desired Family Name in the text field, select a location and drive, and click OK.

Open

Selecting Open in the File menu, or using the CTRL+O keyboard equivalent, opens a directory dialog which will allow you to locate and select an existing family database.

Close

Select Close to close the currently open database. The only practical time you will want to do this is if you are working with databases on floppy diskettes.

Backup

Select Backup if you would like to make a backup copy of your database. This option saves your database in a different format that can only be opened using the File menu’s Restore option. It is a good idea to back up important databases often.

Restore

Select Restore to restore a database that has been saved using the File menu’s Backup selection. The restore process will replace any data in a currently opened database, so use this option with extreme care.

Import

Selecting Import in the Data menu opens a directory dialog box allowing you to select the GEDCOM file that you would like to import into your database.

Export

Select Export in the Data menu if you would like to export your database as a GEDCOM file.  Exported GEDCOM files can be Standard, Ancestral File Submission, or Temple Ready GEDCOM files.

Print Reports

Select Print Reports in the File menu, or use the Ctrl+R keyboard alternative to open the Reports Selection window.

Use this window to select a report from a scrolling list of report types, and the options associated with it. Preview the report or send it to your printer.

Although not a report in the strict sense, the Family Reunion Contact Lists are generated from the Reports Selection window.

Print Setup

Selecting Print Setup opens a dialog box for selected printers. It lets you fine tune your printer options..

Exit

Select Exit to quit the Ancestral Quest application.


Data Menu

Use the Data menu to manipulate your records.

Add Individual

Select Add Individual in the Data menu, or use the CTRL+A keyboard equivalent to open the Add New Individual window.

Use this window to define specific information about a new individual, and add them to your database. Remember, unless you are starting a new database, the new person that you enter within this window will not appear on your pedigree, until he or she is linked to an individual or family appearing on the pedigree.

Edit Individual

Select Edit Individual in the Data menu, or use the CTRL+I keyboard equivalent, to edit or update information about an individual that is already in the database.

Use this window to change existing information about the selected individual. Click the Save button to save the changes.

Edit Family

Select Edit Family in the Data menu, or use the CTRL+F keyboard equivalent, to open the Family window for the selected individual.

Use this window to define known family members for the selected individual including their mother, father, spouse(s), and children. Family members defined within this window will be added to your database.


Tools Menu

The Tools menu contains general utilities for working with your data.

Search

Select Search in the Tools menu, or use the CTRL+S keyboard equivalent, to open the Find Individual window.

Use the Find Individual window to either locate an individual by their RIN or MRIN, or browse through a complete list of available names.

Merge

Selecting Merge in the Tools menu opens the Merge Individuals window. You will receive a warning dialog before performing any merge operation. The warning suggests that you back up your database before you begin. Simply click OK to bypass the message, and then either continue with the operation, or click the Close button to close the window and back up your database.

Use this window to locate similar records within your database, and merge them into one record when appropriate. (You can also use this window to put any two individuals side by side for comparison.)

Preferences

Select Preferences in the Tools menu, or use the Ctrl+P keyboard equivalent to open the Preferences window. The Preferences window allows you to adjust both general options and options specific to each database.

Database Check/Fix

If you choose the Check and Repair option, you will be asked to give the report a name and a directory location, and the check will begin. After the check/repair has completed, Notepad will open automatically to display a list of errors found, and the status of the error, i.e. (fixed).


Help Menu

The Help menu contains selections which will help you get more information about the Ancestral Quest application.

Contents

Choose this selection to open a standard Contents Help window and review on-line information about the subject of your choice.

Search

Choose this selection to open a search dialog which will allow you to search through a list of keywords for help about a specific subject.

About Ancestral Quest

Selecting About Ancestral Quest in the Help menu, opens the About window for the application. The About window contains copyright and version information about the software.

The About window also contains useful information about your database including the database name, it’s directory location, and the amount of disk space you currently have free.

It also lists the highest RIN and MRIN, as well as the number of previously existing records which have been deleted. Remember, when a RIN or MRIN is deleted, Ancestral Quest will automatically assign the next individual or marriage that number. Click OK to close the window.


Windows Clipboard

You can transfer information from Ancestral Quest to other Windows applications, and visa-versa.  To do this, you must use the Windows “Clipboard”.  Don’t worry--it’s not as hard as it might sound!

For a very detailed discussion of this concept, you might want to look in your Windows User’s Guide, but here’s the basics:

From any entry field (such as a date or place field), or the notes editing screen, highlight the text you want to copy.  (Again, see the Windows User’s Guide if you don’t know how to do this, or see the Text Selection Keys).

Use CTRL+C to copy the selected data into the clipboard (this leaves the text alone, but puts a copy into the clipboard), or CTRL+X to cut the selected data into the clipboard (this removes the text while placing it in the clipboard).  (See Editing Keys.)

Go to the place, either elsewhere in Ancestral Quest or in another windows application, place you cursor where you want to paste the data, and use CTRL+V to paste the data from the clipboard.

Using the same general concepts, you can select text in another windows application, copy or cut the text to the clipboard using the same keystrokes mentioned above, then paste that information into Ancestral Quest at an appropriate insertion point.


Add Individual

Select Add Individual in the Data menu, or use the CTRL+A keyboard equivalent to open the Add New Individual window.

Use this window to define specific information about a new individual, and add them to your database. Remember, unless you are starting a new database, the new person that you enter within this window will not appear on your pedigree, until he or she is linked to an individual or family appearing on the pedigree.

Add an individual to the database simply by clicking the Add New Individual button on the toolbar, or selecting Add in the Data menu.

Add Individual Button

An empty Add New Individual window will open with the cursor flashing in the Surname field.

The New Individual window contains empty fields for you to add specific information about the individual you are adding. Begin by typing in the individual’s surname and then tab through the additional fields entering the appropriate information, until all of the available information has been entered.

Once you have added an individual to a database, you will be able to easily attach them to other family members.

After you have finished entering information in the Add New Individual window, either click the Save button to Save the information, or Cancel to return to the pedigree.

If you would like to expand the screen to include LDS Data, select the Use LDS Data option in the Preferences window.

Working with Individual Data


Edit Individual

Select Edit Individual in the Data menu, or use the CTRL+I keyboard equivalent, to edit or update information about an individual that is already in the database.

Use this window to change existing information about the selected individual. Click the Save button to save the changes.

Working with Individual Data


Working with Individual Data

A single name field is limited to sixteen characters. If the name you enter is longer than sixteen characters, you may need to abbreviate or separate the name. This is a limitation of the PAF data structure, and should not be a problem in most cases.

Surname

Use this text field to enter the individual’s last name. This field should contain the individual’s surname, given at birth. Even if they have married, or changed their name, this field should still reflect the last name given the individual at birth.

Gender

Select the gender of the individual by clicking the appropriate radio button. Select “M” if the individual is male, “F” if the individual is female, and “U” if the gender of the individual is unknown.

Given Names

There are three Given Name fields in the window. Use the fields to enter the individuals first and middle names. If you have fewer than three names, but one is longer than sixteen characters, use these fields to split the name.

Title

The Title field can be used be used as an additional Given Name field, or can contain titles such as Junior or Senior, military titles such as Lt. Colonel, or titles associated with government, such as Governor or Mayor. A title may also have been given to the person because of a position held within their religion, such as Pastor or Bishop.

ID #

Use this field to enter customized identification for the individual.

All dates should be entered using the dd mmm yyyy format, for example, 12 Aug 1884. Ancestral Quest recognizes some other date formats, but if the format you use is recognized by Ancestral Quest, Ancestral Quest will automatically change it to the dd mmm yyyy format. Don’t forget to enter all four digits that represent the year.

The following standard variations of the date format are also accepted:

Precede the date with the word About, or abbreviation Abt, to indicate that the date is approximate

Precede the date with the word Before, or abbreviation Bef, to indicate that the event happened sometime before the listed date

Precede the date with the word After, or abbreviation Aft, to indicate that the event happened sometime after the listed date

The day may be excluded to indicate an approximate date with an accurate month

Enter only the year to indicate an approximate date with an accurate year

Enter two years to indicate that the event happened within a span of years, for example, 1845/1847

Instead of a date, you may enter See Notes, to indicate that information about this event will be entered in the Notes file

Birth

Use the Birth field to enter the assumed date of birth of the individual.

Christening

Use the Christening field to enter the assumed date of christening for the individual, when applicable.

Death

Use the Death field to enter the assumed date of death, if applicable.

If you do not need to maintain compatibility with versions of PAF earlier than 2.31, you may enter the following codes in the death date field:  Child, Dead, Deceased, Infant, or Stillborn.

Burial

Use the Burial field to enter the assumed date of burial, when applicable, for the individual.

Entering Information in the Place Fields

The Birth, Christening, Death, and Burial fields each have an associated Place field. There are two ways to enter data in this field.

1.	Text can be entered in a Place field by separating each name by a comma. For example, if the individual was born in Oakland, in the county of Alameda, in California, you would type

Oakland, Alameda, California, or

Oakland, Alameda, CA, USA

A state name in the United States is usually sufficient identification, so it is not necessary to add the country, unless it is outside of the United States.

2.	If you would prefer, you can separate location names by positioning the cursor in the desired Place field and clicking the Expand Place button opening this window.

If you use this window, you should enter the city as Place 1, the county or province as Place 2, the state as Place 3, and the country in the final place. Any of these locations may be abbreviated, if desired.

LDS Data

If you selected to use the LDS Data option, you will need to fill out the LDS section of the New Individual window.

Individual names are only stored once in a single database. This includes place names as well as the names of individuals. Regardless of the number of times you enter a name, it will only be stored once. However, if you separate a name into separate Place or Name fields, each field will be stored as a separate item in the database.

To remain compatible with PAF, however a name is entered will be the way it is displayed everywhere in the application. For example, if you enter the name Sykes, John for one individual, and JOHN, Mary for another, the capitalized version of JOHN will appear later for any display of Sykes, JOHN.

Notes

Note:  At any time, you can cut, copy and paste information between the edit fields in this window and other fields, or other Windows applications.  See Windows Clipboard.


Notes

Using Notes

There could be many times you may want to record some specific information about an individual. Notes can include interesting or special circumstances surrounding the individual’s birth, death, or marriage(s), humorous anecdotes that you have discovered relating to the individual’s life, stories, journal entries, and even quotables spoken by the individual that you have discovered.

In other words, the Notes window is a blank slate where you can enter information that is important to you and your family about a specific individual. However, if you would like to separate specific information, providing some structure to your notes file, you might consider “tagging” your notes.

Creating a Generic Notes File

Within the PAF database structure, it is possible to store a notes file up to 64K in size for every individual. Notes are easy to enter, as the Notes window allows you to type in information much like you would within a word processor. No special formatting is required.

Here’s how to create a generic notes file for an individual.

1.	Click the Notes button within the individual’s information window. The Notes Selector window will open.

2.	Click OK to open the Notes window.

3.	Simply begin typing. Ancestral Quest will automatically wrap your text, so it isn’t necessary to hit the Enter key unless you are separating the information by a paragraph. Remember, when you begin a new note that has a different topic, you should enter a blank line before you begin.

The Notes window will only display a limited number of characters per line, however, this is a limitation of the PAF for DOS database. The database is capable of storing the information in larger chunks so that when your notes are printed they will take advantage of the 8 1/2” x 11” page.

Because Ancestral Quest takes advantage of this extra space, it is possible that your notes may appear to be oddly formatted on your monitor. It is not necessary for you to reformat the notes, simply continue entering notes. The notes will be printed correctly with the formatting in tact.

You can also copy notes between the notes window, the clipboard, and other Windows programs.  Editing Keys

Tagging Notes

The Notes structure allows you to give a title, or “tag” to specific sections of your notes so that these sections can be easily located in subsequent sessions. In addition, tagged notes can be easily accessed from specific fields, such as the Birth field, within an individual’s information window.

There are basically three kinds of notes, two of which require the creation of tags so that they can be identified. The three basic types of notes include general notes, which typically include interesting anecdotes or quotables that do not relate to a specific topic, tagged notes, which usually relate to a specific event, such as birth, and source notes, which reference the sources of your information.

First Word Tags

The first word of a note automatically becomes a tag, but it will not appear in the Notes List unless it is entered using the proper format which appends a colon to the first word, “DEATH:,” for example, would appear in the Notes List.

Source Tags

Source notes are used to reference the location where the information in the body of the notes was found. Use source notes to reference the specific register or record where the information was found, when listing this type of source is applicable.

To tag a body of text as a source note, add an exclamation mark to the front of the word. Source notes tagged in this way will be printed on the Family Group Record if the source notes option is selected. Source note tags will also appear in the Notes List.

How to Tag

Tagging notes creates an index for your notes so that specific information, such as information about an individuals death can be located easily. To tag information, you can either select from a default list of categories, or create categories of your own.

Here’s how to use default tags in your note files.

If you would like to enter notes specifically regarding one of the areas listed in the Notes List, simply select a category and click OK. These notes are context specific and can be accessed from an individual’s information window.

From within an individuals information window, select a specific field, such as Death, for which you would like to add notes, and click the Notes button. The Notes Selector window will open with the selected category listed. This shortcut to context-sensitive notes is only available within the Birth, Christening, Death, and Burial fields of the information window.

To enter notes about the selected category, simply click OK and begin typing in the notes. To return to the general Notes Selector window, click the Expand List button.

Once a section of notes has been tagged, you can easily open that specific section by double-clicking the desired tag in the Notes List. Once notes have been added for a specific tag, an asterisk will appear next to the tag in the Notes List. If a listed tag does not have an asterisk next to it, their notes have not been saved using this tag.

If you create notes using a default tag, it is not necessary to type the tag before you begin, Ancestral Quest will automatically add the tag to the beginning of the notes.

Creating New Tags

You can create a new tag simply by typing the topic in all caps, followed by a colon, before you begin entering notes relating to that topic. If you create a tag in this way, it will appear in the Notes List for easy reference later on.

If you would like to use a new tag temporarily, simply type the tag in the New Tag field and click the Add button to begin adding the notes for the new tag. The tag will appear in the Notes List as long as the Notes Selector window is open, allowing you to easily navigate through sections of notes as they are being entered.

Unless a tag is created using the standard tag format, it will not reappear in the Notes List once the Notes Selector window has been closed. It will only appear temporarily to aid in easy navigation for a short period of time. Remember, if you want to add a tag permanently to the list, you must use the standard format for tagging which includes the use of all caps, and the addition of a colon.

Using Telephone and Address Tags

Ancestral Quest has created default tags for the telephone number and last known address of an individual. This may be very useful for you if would like to keep this information for historical purposes, or practical purposes.

If the individual is still alive, you may wish to stay in contact with them using the information entered in these note sections. These fields will also work in conjunction with the Print Lists’ Family Reunion Contact List option.

This option calls out the information saved within these sections and exports the information to a text file. Once in a text file, the names, addresses, and phone numbers may be edited into a printable mailing list with any word processor.

Family Contact Lists

Note:  At any time, you can cut, copy and paste information between the notes edit screen and other fields, or other Windows applications.  See Windows Clipboard.


Notes Selector

The Notes Selector screen allows you to narrow the focus of what notes you want to work on.  If you want to see all notes for an individual, choose ‘All’.  If you want to work with just the notes of a particular topic, say MAILADDRESS:, then select that tag from the list, and click OK.  If you entered notes from one of the 4 main event fields (birth, christening, death or burial), only tags associated with that field will be initially presented to you.  You can see the full list at this point by clicking the Expand List button.  You can even add your own custom topics in the Add portion at the bottom of the screen.

Notes


Entering Notes

You can store notes for each individual. Entry to the notes screen is through the individual screen. While entering or viewing other data for the individual, the Notes button is available. By selecting the Notes button, a “Notes Selector” window will be presented, which will allow you to choose from a selection of topics for which you may wish to enter notes information.


Edit Family

Select Edit Family in the Data menu, or use the CTRL+F keyboard equivalent, to open the Family window for the selected individual.

Use this window to define known family members for the selected individual including their mother, father, spouse(s), and children. Family members defined within this window will be added to your database.

Adding a Family

After you have created the first individual, you can begin adding his or her family to the pedigree chart using the Family window.

To open the Family window, simply select Family in the Tools menu, or click the Family button in the Toolbar.

The Family Button

Working With a Family


Edit Marriage

Entering Marriage Information

Marriage information can be added for either the primary individual displayed within the window, or for that individual’s parents, listed to his or her right.

For the Individual

After a spouse has been entered for an individual, the Marriage button above the Spouse field becomes available. To define specific information pertaining to the marriage of the individuals listed, simply click the Marriage button to open the Marriage window.

Enter any information known about the marriage including the date and place where the marriage occurred. If the marriage ended in a divorce, click the down arrow next to the Status text field, and select Divorced in the drop-down combo box.

If you do not need to maintain compatibility with versions of PAF earlier than 2.31, you may enter the following code in the marriage date field:  Not Married.

For the Parents

Marriage information may also be entered for the individual’s parents within the Family window. Once a mother or father have been added for an individual, the Marriage button located between the Mother and Father fields will become accessible.

Marriage information may be added for the parents in the same way as information is added for the individual as explained above.

Note:  At any time, you can cut, copy and paste information between the edit fields in this window and other fields, or other Windows applications.  See Windows Clipboard.


Order Spouses

Here’s how to change the order of the spouses.

1.	Select a spouse in the spouse list box.

2.	Click the Order button to open the Spouse Order window. The selected spouse will remain selected in the Spouse Order window.

3.	Click the up and down arrows to the right of the number to increase or decrease the order number. Once you have located the desired order number, simply click OK, or select another spouse and repeat the procedure.


Order Children

Here’s how to change the order of the children.

1.	Select a child in the Children display window.

2.	Click the Order button to open the Child Order window. The selected child will remain selected in the Child Order window.

3.	Click the up and down arrows to the right of the number to increase or decrease the order number. Once you have located the desired order number, simply click OK, or select another child and repeat the procedure.


Extra Marriages

In some cases, when you select an individual, and Ancestral Quest must make a decision between multiple marriages for that person, a screen will appear displaying all marriages recorded for that individual.  You will be allowed to select from one of these, or if adding a new parent on the family screen, you may cancel to indicate that the desired marriage is not on the list, and a new marriage must be created.


Working With a Family

Adding a Mother

To enter specific information about an individual’s mother, simply click the Add Mother button. A new information window will open allowing you to enter the same information about the individual’s mother that was added for the individual. The Add Mother window is identical to the Add New Individual window, so information is entered in the same way, but the Search for Existing button will also be available, allowing you to search for an individual already in the database to be the mother for the primary individual.

Adding a Father

To enter specific information about an individual’s father, simply click the Add Father button. A new information window will open allowing you to enter the same information about the individual’s father that was added for the individual. The Add Father window is identical to the Add New Mother window, so information is entered in the same way.

Adding a Spouse(s)

To enter specific information about an individual’s spouse, simply select the individual and click the Add Spouse button. A new information window will open allowing you to enter the same information about the individual’s spouse that was added for the individual. The Add Spouse window is identical to the Add New Mother window, so information is entered in the same way.

If an individual had more than one spouse, either at the same time, or in a subsequent marriage, simply click the Add Spouse button and add additional spouses as necessary. To display a complete list of spouses within the Family window, click the down arrow to the right of the Spouse text field. If only one spouse has been defined, then the arrow will be gray and inaccessible.  Keyboard users will need to tab to the spouse down arrow and activate it by hitting the Enter or Spacebar keys.

Unlinking a Spouse from a Marriage

If you would like to leave an individual in the database, but unlink that individual from his or her spouse, you can do so within the Family window.

Simply select the desired spouse in the Spouse(s) display window and click the Unlink button. You will receive this confirmation dialog, simply click OK to unlink the spouse from the marriage, or Cancel.

Unlinking an individual from a marriage will remove the individual from the Family, but not from the database.

Deleting a Marriage

If you would like to delete a marriage record from the database, simply click the correlating Marriage button in the Family window to open the Marriage window, and click the Delete button.

You will receive this warning dialog. Click OK to remove the marriage from the database, or Cancel.

If you delete a marriage, the individuals involved will remain in the database, but the record of the marriage will be deleted, thereby dissolving the family ties between these individuals.

Adding Children

To enter specific information about an individual’s children, simply select the individual, and click the Add Child button. A new information window will open allowing you to enter the same information about the individual’s child that was added for the individual. The Add Child window is identical to the Add New Mother window, so information is entered in the same way.

If an individual has more than one child, simply click the Add Child button to add additional children as necessary. A complete list of the children resulting from a specific marriage is displayed within the Family window.

It is important that the appropriate spouse appears in the Spouse text field before children are entered. When you enter a child, realize that he or she will be automatically linked to the marriage, represented by the primary person and spouse, when you click the Add Child button.

Ordering Children

Once you have added children to an individual in the Family window, you can list the children in the order that they were born. By default, children are ordered according to the order in which they were entered.

Order Children

Ordering Spouses

If you have more than one spouse for an individual, and would like to order them, simply click the Order button in the Family window, and follow the instructions for ordering children as described above.

Order Spouses

Unlinking a Child from a Marriage

If you would like to leave an individual in the database, but unlink that individual from his or her parents, you can do so within the Family window.

Simply select the desired child in the Children display window and click the Unlink button. You will receive this confirmation dialog, simply click OK to unlink the child from the marriage, or Cancel.

Unlinking a child from a marriage will remove the child from the Family, but not from the database.

Searching From the Family Window

If you need to locate a specific individual from within the Family window, simply click the Search button to open the Find Individual window. Searching from within the Family window is the same as searching from the main menu, except the individual you find becomes the primary individual in the Family window instead of the pedigree.

Deleting an Individual Record

If you would like to remove and individual from your database completely, you will do so within the Family window. Here’s how.

1.	Locate and select the individual that you would like to remove , any name displayed in the Family window may be selected, even spouses and children.

2.	Click the Delete button. You will receive a warning dialog.

Click OK to delete the record, or Cancel. The warning dialog will also list the number of marriages linked to the individual you are attempting to delete. When an individual is deleted but his or her marriage still exists, the field containing the individual will contain the word UNKNOWN.

Editing From the Family Window

If you would like to edit the information about a specific individual within the Family window, simply select that individual and click the Edit button. Clicking the Edit button will open that individual’s information window and allow you to make any desired changes. After you have completed the changes, simply click the Save button to return to the Family window.

Working with Individual Data

If you want to edit the information for the marriage of either the primary couple on the screen, or the parents of the primary person, click the appropriate marriage button.

Working with Marriage Data

Changing the Primary

If you would like an individual within the Family window to become the primary individual, simply select the individual and click the Primary button.

When the Family window is closed, the individual in the primary position will become the primary individual on your pedigree chart as well. Individuals within the Family window can also be moved to the primary position within the window simply by double-clicking.


Reports

Now that you have the desired information in your database, you will be able to print helpful reports of your information to share with family members and ancestral organizations. Ancestral Quest allows you to customize your reports to suit your specific needs. This chapter helps you understand the different options associated with report printing, and walks you through the printing process.

Select Print Reports in the File menu, or use the Ctrl+R keyboard alternative to open the Reports Selection window.

Use this window to select a report type, and the options associated with it, preview a report, and send it to your printer.

Opening the Reports Window

There are three ways to open the Reports window so that you can begin selecting specific report options.

Select Print Reports in the File menu

Use the CTRL+R keyboard equivalent

Click the Print Reports button in the Toolbar

Once you have opened the Reports window you can easily select a report type by scrolling through the options in the Report Type window. The icon associated with the report provides you with a visual representation of the report. Every report type has additional options associated with it which will appear when the report is selected. Descriptions of all the available reports and their associated options follow.

When you are ready to print your report, simply click the Print button in the Reports window. A Print Options window will open allowing you to define specific print range and quality, as well as the number of copies you would like to print. You can also access the Print Setup window by clicking the Setup button. When you have finished your selections, simply click OK.

Pedigree Chart

Family Group Records

Ancestry Chart

Descendants Chart

Individual Summary

Lists

Preview


Print Setup

Selecting Print Setup opens a dialog box for selected printers. It lets you select paper size and orientation, and gives you control of several printer effects. For a complete description of the Print Setup options, refer to your Windows system or printer documentation.


Pedigree Chart

A Pedigree Report prints specific database information in much the same way as it appears within the application’s pedigree screen. You can print between four and six generations on a single page. The report also includes information such as recorded birth and death dates and places, and marriage information when applicable.

Birth, death, and marriage information is printed, when available, for every person on the report. A spouse, when available, is added for the starting individual on the report.

Chart Type

Use the Chart Type section to specify the printing of a single, cascading, or blank form. Select by clicking the appropriate radio button.

Single

This option prints a one page chart listing up to six generations.

Cascading

This option prints a specified number of generations with up to six generations appearing on each page. This option will print several pages, depending on the number of generations you have specified. Each page will be numbered so that you will be able to keep them in order, or attach them if necessary.

Blank form

Select this option to print a blank pedigree report on a single page. This form will always contain 4 generations, and can be filled out by hand or by typewriter.

Index Options

Use the Index Options section to specify whether or not you want to print an index with your pedigree report. An index is an alphabetical listing of individuals within the pedigree, their RIN number, their birth and christening dates, death and burial dates, and their position and chart number on the printed pedigree.

No Index

This option will print the pedigree chart without an index.

Include Index

This option prints an index as well as the pedigree chart.

Index Only

This option prints an index, but not a pedigree chart.  Its purpose is to allow you to generate an index to go with an exising chart, without having to reprint the chart itself.  In order for this to work properly, all general options must be the same as they were when you generated the chart that this index is to accompany.  If you don’t get the options right, the index won’t reflect the information on the existing pedigree charts accurately.

General Options

The bottom portion of the window is used to define specifics about your report. Some of these options are available only when certain chart type and index options are selected.

Starting Person

The starting person, who will become the primary individual on the printed report, will, by default, be the currently highlighted individual in the pedigree screen. If you would like to select an alternate starting person, click the Search button and locate the other person. The starting person’s name will appear in the window.

Generations per page

Use the arrows to the right of this field to select four, five, or six. The number you select will determine the number of generations appearing on each page of your report.

Chart number of this Chart

If you would like to select a number, other than one, as the chart number, simply type the desired number in this field.

Starting person is same as person/on chart number

Use these two fields to specify that the starting person be the same as a specific individual on another chart.

Starting # of continuation charts

This option is only available if you are printing cascading charts. Use this field to specify the starting number for subsequent charts in a cascade.

Number of generations to print

This option is only available if you are printing cascading charts. Use this field to specify the number of generations you would like to print. This field will accept any number of generations, up to 199.

LDS Ordinance Information

If you have the LDS Data Options turned on, you will see additional information relating to completed ordinance work on the charts, otherwise this information will be missing.


Family Group Sheet

A Group Sheet prints specific database information in the form of a report. This report contains much more specific information about individuals than the Pedigree Report. You even have the option of printing notes in this format. The report also includes basic information such as recorded birth and death dates and places, and marriage information when applicable.

Sheet Options

Use the Sheet Options section to specify the printing of a single, cascading, or blank report. Select by clicking the appropriate radio button.

Single Family

This option prints the chart for one family listing an individual’s immediate family only.

Cascading

This option prints a specified number of generations up to 199. This option will print several pages, depending on the number of generations you have specified. Use the Number of Generations field to enter the desired number of generations.

Blank form

Select this option to print a blank group sheet on up to three pages. This form may then be filled out by hand.

Notes Options

Use this section to specify which type of notes, if any, you would like to print with the group sheet.

No Notes

Select this option if you do not want to print notes with the group sheet.

Source Notes Only

Selecting this option will print notes that have been tagged as “source” notes only (those notes beginning with an exclamation mark “!”).

All Notes

Selecting this option will print all available notes for the individuals listed on the group sheet.

Other Marriages

Select this checkbox if you would like marriages other than the listed marriage to be noted on the group sheet in the notes section.

Selected Family Member

Use this section of the window to select the marriage that you would like to use to begin the group sheet. By default, the marriage associated the selected individual on the pedigree will be selected. Click the Search button to select another marriage. Select either the Parent or Child radio button to classify the listed individual as parent, thereby listing his or her children, or child, thereby listing the family of his or her parents.

If the LDS Data option is turned on, additional LDS ordinance information will be printed in this report.

Use the Shade Reports option of the Preferences screen to turn on or off the shading in some header areas of this report.


Ancestry Chart

This chart is similar to the pedigree, only it doesn’t include specific information about the individuals, it merely places them in an ancestral pedigree, beginning with the starting person and tracing back through his or her ancestors. This chart compacts a lot of generations on a single page, because it lists only one name on a line, with the birth and death years.

Starting Person

By default, the ancestry report will begin with the selected individual on the pedigree screen, but you can select any other individual in the database to begin the chart. Simply click the Search button to locate the individual and their name will appear in the window.

General Options

General options include the number of generations which you would like to print, which may be any number up to 199, and the amount of white space you would like between generations, which is defined in the Indent text field. You can also select and deselect the Titles Printed on Each Page checkbox. If this option is selected, the document title will appear on every page that is printed, if not, the title will only appear on the first printed page.

Use the Shade Reports option of the Preferences screen to turn on or off the shading on the names of this report.


Descendancy Chart

This chart is similar to the pedigree, only it doesn’t include specific information about the individuals, it merely places them in an descending pedigree, beginning with the starting person and tracing down through his or her descendants. This chart compacts a lot of generations on a single page, because it lists only one name per line, and includes birth and death years of each individual, and marriage years for the spouses.

Starting Person

By default, the report will begin with the selected individual in the pedigree screen, but you can select any other individual in the database to begin the chart. Simply click the Search button to locate the individual and their name will appear in the window.

General Options

General options include the number of generations which you would like to print, which may be any number up to 199, and the amount of white space you would like between generations, which is defined in the Indent text field. You can also select and deselect the Titles Printed on Each Page checkbox. If this option is selected, the document title will appear on every page that is printed, if not, the title will only appear on the first printed page.

Use the Shade Reports option of the Preferences screen to turn on or off the shading on the names of this report.


Individual Summary

Use the Individual report options to print a summary of the information available for a specific individual.

If the LDS Data option is turned on, additional LDS ordinance information will be printed in this report

Starting Person

Make sure that the person you would like to appear in the report appears in this section. If you would like to locate a new individual, simply click the Search button.

Including Notes

Select this option if you would like to include the notes associated with the individual as part of the report.


Lists

The List window allows you to select and print one of several lists that may provide helpful information to you.

Unlinked Individuals

Duplicates

Individuals by RIN

Individuals by Alpha

Family Reunion Contacts

Incomplete Individual Ordinances

Incomplete Marriage Sealings


Unlinked Individuals Report

Select this option to print a complete list of individuals in your database who are not linked to a family or spouse.

Use the Shade Reports option of the Preferences screen to turn on or off the shading that is available to enhance this report.


Duplicates List

Select this option to print a complete list of individual records which appear to be duplicated. When this option is selected the Options button will become available. Click the Options button to open the Duplicate Individuals Report Options window.

Use this window to select which criteria you would like to consider when determining the validity of duplicate records.

Use the Shade Reports option of the Preferences screen to turn on or off the shading that is available to enhance this report.


Family Reunion Contact List

This list is a special feature offered only by Ancestral Quest. It is not printed, it can only be exported in a text format where it can be opened by any word processor. It is a unique way to easily prepare a list of individuals to contact for specific mailing or contact purposes, such as a family reunion, and it is compiled straight from your database!

Before you export the list, you should be aware of some special considerations.

The starting person should be the common ancestor in whose honor the reunion will be held. By default, the starting person will be the selected individual. If you would like to select another individual, click the Search button and locate a new person.

By default, only the individuals that you have entered notes for, and tagged those notes as MAILADDRESS: and/or TELEPHONE:, will be included on the list. However, in the options screen, you can specify that any living person born prior to a specified year will appear in the list.

Only living descendents will be included on the list

Remember, if you enter an address for children still living at home, you will get multiple entries on your list for the same address. Because this may increase your mailing costs, or require a manual review, you likely will not wish to include this information in an individual’s notes until they have moved away from home.

When you select the Family Reunion List option, the Options button will become accessible. Click the Options button to open the Family Reunion List Options window.

The Print button will change to an OK button when the Family Reunion Contacts option is selected, and the Preview button will not be available. When you are ready to export the list, simply click OK. A directory dialog will open allowing you to give the list a file name and select a directory. When you decide on a name and a directory, click OK and the export will begin immediately. When the process is completed, Window’s Notepad application will be invoked to show you the list you have generated. You will want to close Notepad when you are finished looking at the output.

Options

Text File


Contact List Options

Use this window to select either a phone list, or an address list by clicking the appropriate radio button. If you would like to include descendants on the list for whom you do not have name and address notes, simply click that checkbox.  You can limit the list to descendants born prior to a given year, to eliminate young children from the list.  Individuals for whom you have no birth or christening dates will not appear on this list unless they have TELEPHONE: or MAILADDRESS: notes.


Contact List File Selection

Select the drive and directory where you want the Family Reunion Contact list to be saved.  Then enter a file name.  This file can later be opened in a word processor or be printed.


Missing Individual Ordinances

This report option is only available when the LDS Data option is selected. It provides an alphabetic list of every individual that is missing at least one ordinance. All available ordinance information will be displayed so that determining the missing ordinance(s) will be easy.

Use the Shade Reports option of the Preferences screen to turn on or off the shading that is available to enhance this report.


Missing Marriage Sealings

This report option is only available when the LDS Data option is selected. It provides an MRIN sorted list of marriages that do not have a recorded sealing date.

Use the Shade Reports option of the Preferences screen to turn on or off the shading that is available to enhance this report.


Previewing

If you would like to preview any of the reports before you print them, simply click the Preview button in the Reports window to open a visual recreation of the report. You can zoom in and out to view the entire report or a specific portion of the report in detail, change the display from one page to two, scroll through several pages, and even print the report directly from this screen. This is an excellent way to view lists and reports, without actually printing them.


Individuals by RIN

This is a sorted list. You can select a range of RINs to be printed.

Options

Use the Shade Reports option of the Preferences screen to turn on or off the shading that is available to enhance this report.


Individuals by Alpha

This is a sorted list. You can select a range of individuals by selecting a starting and ending name to be printed.

Options

Use the Shade Reports option of the Preferences screen to turn on or off the shading that is available to enhance this report.


Individuals by RIN Options

When this screen opens, it will present the first and last valid RIN numbers in your database. Enter the starting RIN for the report, followed by the ending RIN, or leave the defaults to get a full list of individuals sorted by RIN.


Individuals by Alpha Options

When this screen opens, it will present an empty start name field, indicating that the report will start with no last names, and several ‘Z’s in the end name field, indicating that the report will end with names at the end of the alphabet. These start and end name fields can be overwritten with any partial names you want, up to 8 characters in length. You can thereby indicate a range of individuals you want on your report.

For example, if you want all of the names beginning with ‘M’, enter an ‘M’ in both the start and end name fields. If you want roughly all the ‘Jones’ through ‘Smith’, enter something like ‘JON’ in the start name field, and ‘SMI’ in the end name field: you  will get all names that begin with ‘JON’ through all names that begin with ‘SMI’.


New

Selecting New in the File menu opens a directory dialog which will allow you to create a new family database, give it a name, define its path, and select a drive where it will be stored. Simply type the desired Family Name in the text field, select a location and drive, and click OK.

The created database will be 100% compatible with Personal Ancestral File® version 2.x (PAF), and can be used by PAF or any of the myriad of freeware, shareware, and commercial add-on utilities designed to enhance PAF.

If you choose a directory where a PAF database already exists, New will warn you that the existing database will be replaced with empty files.  If you choose to complete the process, all data in that subdirectory will be lost, and you will have a brand new database.


Open

Selecting Open in the File menu, or using the CTRL+O keyboard equivalent, opens a directory dialog which will allow you to locate and select an existing family database.

Backup databases are saved in a different file format than normal databases. Once you have backed up your database using the Backup selection, you cannot open it selecting the File menu’s Open option. To open a backup database, use the File menu’s Restore option.

Opening an Existing Database

If you already have a PAF database, either created with this application, or with Personal Ancestral File, you can open it easily within Ancestral Quest. Here’s how.

1.	Select Open in the File menu, click the Open button in the Toolbar, or use the Ctrl+O keyboard equivalent to open the Open Family dialog.

Open Database Button

2.	The Open Family directory dialog will open allowing you to select the drive and subdirectory containing the existing family database you would like to open.

3.	After you have located the database you would like to open, and the full path name is displayed in the open dialog box above the list of directories, simply click OK.


Backup

Select Backup in the File menu to make a backup copy of your database. This option saves your database in a different format that can only be accessed using the File menu’s Restore option. You will be asked to select a destination for the backup file. You will need to choose both a drive and a directory. Once you selection is shown above the directory list box, you can click OK.

When the backup is complete, you will receive a confirmation dialog indicating that your backup was successful. Simply click OK.

The quick way to make a backup is to use a directory on the hard disk.  However, to insure the safety of your data in case of a hard disk or other system failure, you should occassionally back up to removable disks.  If your database is large, the backup will span multiple disks, prompting you to change them as appropriate.


Restore

Select Restore to restore a database that has been saved using the File menu’s Backup selection. Restore opens a directory dialog allowing you to navigate through drives and directories to locate a backup database. Once you have located the database you would like to restore, and the full path of the directory is shown in the space above the directory list box, click the OK button to activate the restore.

The restore process will replace any data in the currently opened database, so use this option with extreme care.


Import

Selecting Import in the Data menu opens a directory dialog box allowing you to select the GEDCOM file that you would like to import into your database.

Importing a GEDCOM File

If you would like to import an existing GEDCOM file into a database, simply select Import in the File menu or click the Import button in the Toolbar.

The Import Button

The GEDCOM Import directory dialog will open.

Locate the .ged file that you would like to import and click OK. You will receive a confirmation dialog. Click Yes to Import the file, or Cancel. You will also receive a dialog asking you if you would like to import available notes with the database.

Simply click Yes if you would like to import the notes, or No if you do not want to import notes.

Once the import is completed, the Windows Notepad will open, showing you the listing file created by the import process.   The listing file will contain any information that could not be imported, such as bad dates or names that are too long for PAF’s 16 character limitation. You can cut and paste valuable information from this listing file into the imported records.  When you are finished looking at the GEDCOM listing file, close Notepad.

HINT:  You can resize Ancestral Quest and Notepad, so that you can see them side by side as you work, copying information from the GEDCOM listing file to the clipboard, then pasting this information into your database records.

Editing Keys


Export

Select Export in the Data menu if you would like to export your database as a GEDCOM file.

Use the Export window’s Add button to select the specific information that you would like to export, and select an export type. Click the Export button when you have finalized your selections.

Exporting a GEDCOM File

Ancestral Quest allows you to export your database as a GEDCOM file so that it may be imported into another database supports the GEDCOM file format. Here’s how to export your database.

1. 	Select Export in the File menu or click the Export button in the Toolbar. The GEDCOM Export window will open.

2.	Click the Add button to open the Export Options window. Use this window to specify exactly what you would like to export.

3.	Select your export options, and click OK. Review option descriptions below.

Search

If you would like to export descendants or ancestors of a specific individual, locate the individual by clicking the Search button and accessing the Find Individual window.

All

If you would like to export the entire database, simply click the All radio button and click OK to return to the Export window.

Family

If you would like to export the immediate family for an individual, simply locate the individual using the Search button and select the Family radio button.

Descendants

To export the descendants of an individual, simply locate the individual by clicking the Search button, and select the Descendants radio button. The Number of generations text field will become accessible allowing you to specify how many generations of descendants you would like to export.

Ancestors

To export the ancestors of an individual, simply locate the individual by clicking the Search button, and select the Ancestors radio button. The Number of generations text field will become accessible allowing you to specify how many generations of ancestors you would like to export. You will also be able to specify the number of descendant generations to export for each ancestor, thereby determining how much of their posterity to include.

4.	Your export selection will appear in the Export window. You can select as many different export options as you desire. All of your selections will appear in the Export window. To modify a selection, simply select it and click the Modify button to reopen the Options window.

To remove a selection, simply select it and click the Remove button.

5.	Select an export type by clicking the appropriate radio button. Your export type options include Standard, Ancestral File, and Temple Ready.

6.	When you are satisfied with your selections, click the Export button to export the file. A directory dialog will open allowing you to select a file name and directory for the file. After you have settled on a name and location, click OK and the export will begin. Click Cancel to cancel the operation.

Exporting Notes

GEDCOM Export gives you the option to export notes with your database if you desire. If you would like to export your notes with the database, make sure that the Regular Notes checkbox has been selected. If you would like to export source notes, select the Source Notes checkbox. If you would like to include the submitter information that you defined within the Preferences window, simply select the Submitter checkbox.


Exit

Select Exit to quit the Ancestral Quest application.


Close

Select Close to close all files in the currently open database. The only practical time you will want to do this is if you are working with databases on floppy diskettes. In this case, you should always close a database before removing a floppy, then if you have other databases to work on, insert the new floppy, or select the database on your hard drive, and open the new database.


Find Individual Screen

There are two means of finding a record in Ancestral Quest:

1.	If you are familiar with the record numbers, enter the record number in the RIN:/MRIN: box, make sure the desired type (Individual RIN or Marriage RIN) is selected, and hit return, or click the OK button.

Valid Range

Deleted Records

2.	If you do not know the record number of the desired record, select the type of record you are looking for (Individual or Marriage) and select the browse button.  This will activate a screen listing all records in the file, from which you can choose a record.

Individual Search

Marriage Search

The Marriage RIN option is not always available in the Find Individual window. It is only available when searching by marriage is a logical and therefore available option.


Merge

Selecting Merge in the Tools menu opens the Merge Individuals window. You will receive a warning dialog before performing any merge operation. The warning suggests that you back up your database before you begin. Simply click OK to bypass the message, and then either continue with the operation, or click the Close button to close the window and back up your database.

We recommend that you make a backup of your database before you begin merging so that you can recover if a mistake is made.

Be sure that you understand fully how to use this feature before beginning, as it is possible that important records could be deleted, if handled improperly.

It is important that you realize that when two records are merged, the ‘duplicate individual’ will be deleted. Be cautious in your merge selections so that important information is not destroyed, such as notes or marriage information about an individual that may not have been repeated in the ‘primary individual’ record.

Merging Records

Use this window to locate similar records within your database, and merge them into one record when appropriate.

If you have several databases, suspect you have duplicates within a single database, or have imported databases from others that are similar to your own, you may want to merge records. Ancestral Quest allows you to merge two records into one, and lets you decide which information from each record you would like to save. Each individual within your database is a record.

To access the Merge Individuals window, simply select Merge in the Tools menu or click the Merge button in the Toolbar.

The Merge Button

The Merge Individuals window will open.

When you first open the Merge Individuals window, it will be empty. The left side of the window is where the Primary Individual will be displayed. The Primary Individual will become the record that is saved when two records are merged.

The right side of the window is where the Duplicate Individual will be displayed. The Duplicate Individual is the record that will be removed from the database during a merge.

Ancestral Quest can either execute an automatic search of your database for duplicates matching certain criteria, or you can manually select a suspect record as the Primary Individual, and perform a search for duplicates of that specific record.

Automatic Searching

To scan the database for records meeting specified duplication criteria, simply click the Next Match button. The application will quickly scan the records within your database attempting to locate possible duplications. Duplicates are determined by first and last names that sound alike and are of the same sex, and that one is not the parent of the other. You can add additional criteria to narrow the possible matches by clicking the Options button to open the Automatic Match Options window.

Use the checkboxes to select or deselect options that you would like to include when searching for matches.

After you have made you selections, simply click the Next Match button to begin the automatic search. Once a match has been located, you can continue clicking the button to display the next match, and so on.

Merge Options

Previous Match

The Previous Match button operates exactly like the Next Match operation, tracking backwards through the file.

Next Duplicate

There are two situations in which you may wish to use the Next Duplicate button:  1) you have used selected a specific person using the Search button, and wish to see if there are any duplicates; 2) you suspect that an individual has more than 1 duplicate, and you wish to see more duplicates for the primary individual.

Previous Duplicate

Previous Duplicate works in the same way as Next Duplicate, but it moves backwards through the database.

Automatic ID Merge

If you would like to search the database for records with identical IDs (usually Ancestral File numbers, or Ahnentafel numbers) and merge them automatically, simply click the Auto Merge on ID button. The application will immediately begin searching the database for individuals of the same sex that have the same ID number. Whenever a match is found, the lower RIN will become the primary and the higher RIN will become the duplicate. A merge will ensue immediately.

Before you begin an automatic merge, you will receive a confirmation dialog. Click OK to begin the merge, or Cancel.

Use the automatic merge feature with caution. Remember, once a record is deleted in a merge, it is unrecoverable. Once you begin an Automatic ID Merge, you cannot cancel the operation. You will see an hour glass that will remind you that the merge is in progress, and you should not try to interrupt the process until after the hour glass returns to the normal pointer. Depending on the size of your file, this process could take a while.

Searching

If you would like to search for a specific record and display it as either the primary or duplicate individual, click the Search button on the appropriate side of the window.

Use this option to manually specify records that you would like to see and compare within the window. This is a good way to view and compare recorded information, even if you do not plan to merge the two records.

Viewing Marriages

Once a primary and duplicate individual are displayed, you can access a complete list of marriages for both individuals. Click the Marriages button to open the Merge Individuals Marriage window.

Use this window to view marriages for both individuals. Select marriages associated with the duplicate individual that you would like to merge into the primary. The Marriages button becomes Individuals in this screen, allowing you to switch back and forth between this and the standard Merge window.

Editing a Record

If you would like to edit an individual’s information from within the Merge window, simply click the Edit button located beneath the individual that you would like to edit. The individual’s information window will open allowing you to edit the individual.

Switching

Use the Switch button to switch the primary and duplicate records on the screen. Simply click the Switch button and the duplicate record will become the primary individual -- the record which will be retained.

Selecting Data to Merge

Each time the duplicate individual changes, Ancestral Quest will automatically suggest the data items that should be moved from the duplicate to the primary individual. These items will be indicated by the checkmark next to them, or in the case of marriages by the spouse being highlighted. You can override these defaults by 1)using the Select All button to select all fields in the duplicate record, 2) using the Clear All button to clear all selections, or 3) individual select or clear fields by adjusting the check boxes, or the highlight status on the spouses.


Preferences

Select Preferences in the Tools menu, or use the Ctrl+P keyboard equivalent to open the Preferences window. The Preferences window is the control screen for Ancestral Quest.

Preferences are saved with each family database, making it possible to customize specific preference options where appropriate, for each database.

Click the OK button to save changes you have made within the Preferences window. Click Cancel to ignore your changes and return to the main window.

The Database Preferences section is the top portion of the window. It allows you to specify starting RIN and MRIN, name your database, and decide which RIN you want to appear in the primary position when you open your database.

General Preferences

The General Preferences section is the middle portion of the window. The options you choose here will affect all databases you work with. It contains the Append to Names options, several other options that can be turned on and off, the access button to the submitter screen, and the Info Box options. Use the Append to Names portion of the Preferences window to select what, if anything, you would like to appear next to the names within your family database. By default, the RIN will be selected.

Info Box

There are two types of Information windows that may be displayed beneath individuals on your pedigree chart, a Floating Box and an On Select of Individual Box. Use the Info Box section of the Preferences window to define what information, if any, you would like to appear in these pop-up information windows.

Use the Wait Time text field to adjust the amount of delay you would like to associate with the Floating Information window. The default delay is five tenths of a second.

Setting Preferences

The Preferences window allows you to customize specific family databases to suit your particular needs. Open the Preferences window by selecting Preferences in the File menu. Here’s how the Preferences window will look with its defaults selected.

Database Preferences

Within the Database Preferences section of the preferences window you can give the database a name, define the starting RIN and MRIN, and decide which RIN you would like to appear as the primary when the file is opened.

Family Name

Use the Family Name field to enter the family name that you would like to appear in the title bar next to the application name. This name can be whatever name you choose, either the same name as the database is saved under, or different name to identify it for your individual needs.

Starting RIN

Use the Starting RIN field to enter the RIN you would like your database to begin with. Ancestral Quest automatically begins each database with a RIN of one, but you can change this number if, for example, you are creating multiple databases, and you want to identify every individual with a unique RIN.

Starting MRIN

Use the Starting MRIN field to enter the MRIN you would like your database to begin with. Ancestral Quest automatically begins each database with a MRIN of one, but you can change this number if, for example, you are creating multiple databases, and you want to identify every marriage with a unique MRIN.

Initial RIN on Startup

Use this section of the Database Preferences to define which RIN number you would like to appear in the primary position when you open the database.

Select Lowest if you would like the lowest RIN to appear in the primary position.

Select Use: if you would like to search for a RIN to appear in the primary position. The Search button will become accessible allowing you to locate the desired RIN using the Find Individual window.

Select Last Used if you would like the same individual that appeared in the primary position when the database was closed to reappear when it is opened.

General Preferences

Use the General Preferences section of the Preferences window to select what, if anything, you would like to append to names within the database, whether or not you would like to use the LDS Data option, and list information about yourself, as the database submitter.

Append to Names Preferences

The Append to Names section lets you select what information, if any, you would like to appear next to an individual’s name within the database.

Select Nothing, if you would like individual names, and nothing else, to appear on your pedigree chart. For example, “Mary Louise JOHNSON.”

Select RIN (Record ID Number), if you would like the record identification number assigned to an individual, to appear after that individual’s name in the database. For example, “Mary Louise JOHNSON-1.”

The RIN is automatically assigned by Ancestral Quest according to the order in which an individual is entered into the database. It refers to the order in which the individual’s name was entered in the database.

Select ID, if you would like the customized identification recorded for an individual to appear after an individual’s name in the database. For example, “Mary Louise JOHNSON-4567.” The ID field is often used for the Ancestral File Number or for an Ahnentafel ID number. The Ancestral File Number for an individual identifies that individual within the Ancestral File database maintained by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Use LDS Data

Select the Use LDS Data checkbox, if you would like to enter additional information about an individual relating specifically to LDS temple work. By default, the LDS Data option is turned off.

Verify New Names

Select the Verify New Names checkbox if you would like the program to notify you when you enter names into the database you have not entered before. This helps you avoid misspellings. By default, this is off, and you will not be notified when you enter a new name.

Capitalize Surnames

Select the Capitalize Surnames checkbox if you want all surnames to be capitalized throughout the program, except in the edit screen. If you turn this off, surnames will be displayed as you enter them.

Edit Marriage when Created

Select the Edit Marriage when Created checkbox if you would like the Marriage Edit box to come up immediately everytime a new marriage is created (such as when you add a parent to an individual, thus creating a marriage for the parent). If you turn this off, the Marriage Edit screen will not automatically come up, and you will need to remember to bring up the Marriage Edit screen to enter information about the marriage.

Shade Reports

Select the Shade Reports checkbox to allow for shading on some of the reports. Several of the reports have areas that can be shaded to enhance their appearance and readability. On some printers, the shading is done in such a way as to detract, rather than enhance, readability and appearance. You may want to select this option and see how your reports look, then turn this option off to compare the results. You can then make an educated choice. The Shade Reports option is on by default.

Submitter

Info Box Preferences


Database Check/Repair

Select this option occasionally to run an automatic check of your database. This selection will scan your database searching for internal problems, and then attempt to fix the problems. Problems may well be transparent to you, but need to be fixed to ensure the integrity of your database.

If you would like to select another database to check, simply click the Change button and locate the desired database.

Check Only

If you use the Check option, you will be asked to give the report a name and a directory location, and the check will begin. After the check has completed, Notepad will open automatically to display a list of errors found.

Check and Repair

If you choose the Check and Repair option, you will be asked to give the report a name and a directory location, and the check will begin. After the check/repair has completed, Notepad will open automatically to display a list of errors found, and the status of the error, i.e. (fixed).


Individual Browse

A complete list of names is available in a scrollable window. You can choose to sort the names either by RIN or alphabetically by surname. Simply click the appropriate radio button next to the word Sort.

If the names have been sorted alphabetically in the list, you can quickly locate a name either by scrolling through the list, or typing first few letters of the surname in the text field. If you have sorted the list by RIN, simply type the desired RIN in the text field to highlight it in the list.

If you select a name in the list, any information that has been recorded about that individual will appear to the right of the list. This will help you determine if the person you have highlighted is the person for whom you search.

Once you have identified the individual you are searching for, either double-click the correct name, or click the OK button to accept the highlighted individual.


Marriage Browse

A complete list of marriages and marriage dates is available in a scrollable window, sorted numerically by MRIN. Either scroll through the list to locate the marriage, or type a MRIN in the text field at the top of the window to highlight the marriage within the list.

Once you have identified the marriage you are searching for, either double-click the correct line, or click the OK button to accept the highlighted marriage.


Merge/Duplicates Options

Include Individuals with no Surname?

Select this checkbox if you would like to include records that do not contain surname information. By default, individuals without surnames are not considered as matches.

Include Individuals with no Birth Date?

Select this checkbox if you would like to include records that do not contain birth date information.

Years between birthdates

Use this field to enter a span of years which you will allow when searching for a possible match.

Before you use the following options, you should understand the way the application “considers” information for matches. If both records have data in the mentioned field (ID or parents, for example) then the data must match for the two records to be considered a match. If either record is missing the data (the field is blank), that criteria will not be included as a consideration when determining a match.

When considering parents and middle names, the data entered in the text field must sound alike, not necessarily be spelled identically to constitute a match.

Consider IDs

Select this checkbox if you would like to consider the customized ID saved with the record when searching for a possible match.

Consider middle names?

Select this checkbox if you would like to consider names that have been entered in a Given Names field other than the first name.

Consider parents?

Select this checkbox if you would like to consider the parents when determining a possible match. This option is selected by default.

Combine notes?

Select this checkbox if you would like to combine any notes that have been saved with a duplicate record with the Primary Individual when you merge the records. This option is selected by default.

This option is not meaningful when selecting options for the Duplicates report.


Submitter Information

Click the Submitter button to open a window where you will be able to enter information about yourself including your name, address, and home phone number. This information will appear in the Submitter field when a genealogical report is printed for submission to another party, or exported as a GEDCOM file.


Search

While working with Ancestral Quest, you will want to find a specific individual or family to view, edit, report on, or whatever.  Almost every screen has the ability to find an individual, and some screens allow you to locate a family.

The search function allows you to enter a record number if you know it, or search through a list of records if you do not know the number.  For marriages, this list is a numerically sorted list by MRIN, and for individuals, you can sort the list by RIN or alphabetically.

While on the main screen -- the 5 generation pedigree with the menu and toolbar -- you select search by pulling down the Tools menu and selecting Search, or by using the CTRL+S keyboard equivalent, or by clicking the search tool (it looks like a pair of binoculars).

 Search

From all other screens, you select the Search button.


InfoBox Preferences

Use the Info Box preference options to select the way you would like to display information while the Pedigree window is active. There are two ways that information can be displayed, either within a floating box that pops up when you lay your cursor over the name of an individual, or a locked box that appears only when you click the square containing an individual’s name.

Floating Info Box

Choose the desired option, None, Dates Only, or Dates and Family Info forthe type of information box you want to appear as you move your mouse over the name.

In the Wait Time field, enter the amount of time that should elapse after the mouse enters a name field before the floating box should appear.  The default is 5/10, or 1/2 second.  You can make the box come up instantly by entering 0, or enter any value up to approximately 600/10, or 60 seconds.  You may need to play with this wait time option to see how it affects the way you work with the pedigree screen.  Experiment!

Locked Info Box

Choose the desired option, None, Dates Only, or Dates and Family Info for the type of information box you want to appear as you select the name.


InfoBox

The information box is a little popup window that works with the pedigree screen to allow you to see more information on an individual.  There are several options for adjusting the way it works for you.  (See InfoBox Preferences).  You may decide that the box is in your way, so you can even disable it.

The upper half of the box contains the birth and death date and place, and the date and place of the currently selected marriage, along with the MRIN.

If the LDS Data option is turned on, some of the room in the death place field is reserved to show completed LDS Ordinance codes.

If you choose the Dates Only option for an infobox, you will see only this upper half of the box.

The lower half of the box contains a dropdown list box of all of the spouses of the individual.  The marriage date, place and MRIN shown in the upper half is the data for the marriage with the currently selected spouse in this box.

Directly below this spouse list box is a list box showing all children of the currently selected marriage.

You can use the scroll bars to view any spouses or children that are not visible in these list boxes.

If you choose the Dates and Family Info option for the infobox, you will see both the upper and lower portions of this box.


InfoBox: None

Select None, if you do not want to display additional information within the Pedigree window.


InfoBox: Dates Only

Select Dates Only, if you would like to display recorded marriage, birth, and death dates within the pop-up window.


InfoBox: Dates and Family Info

Select Dates and Family Info, to display any recorded spouses and children, as well as marriage, birth, and death dates within the pop-up window.


Windows Keys

Choose from the following list to review the keys used in Windows:

Cursor Movement Keys

Dialog Box Keys

Editing Keys

Menu Keys

System Keys

Text Selection Keys

Window Keys


Cursor Movement Keys

Key(s)	Function

DIRECTION key	Moves the cursor left, right, up, or down in a field.

End or Ctrl+Right Arrow	Moves to the end of a field.

Home or CTRL+Left Arrow	Moves to the beginning of a field.

PAGE UP or PAGE DOWN	Moves up or down in a field, one screen at a time.


Dialog Box Keys

Key(s)	Function

TAB	Moves from field to field (left to right and top to bottom).

SHIFT+TAB	Moves from field to field in reverse order.

ALT+letter	Moves to the option or group whose underlined letter matches the one you type.

DIRECTION key	Moves from option to option within a group of options.

Or, move the cursor left, right, up, or down within a list or text box.

ENTER	Executes a command button.

Or, chooses the selected item in a list box and executes the command.

ESC or ALT+F4	Closes a dialog box without completing the command. (Same as Cancel)

ALT+DOWN ARROW	Opens a drop-down list box.

ALT+UP or DOWN ARROW	Selects item in a drop-down list box.

SPACEBAR	Cancels a selection in a list box.

Selects or clears a check box.

CTRL+SLASH	Selects all the items in a list box.

CTRL+BACKSLASH	Cancels all selections except the current selection.

SHIFT+ DIRECTION key	Extends selection in a text box.

SHIFT+ HOME	Extends selection to first character in a text box.

SHIFT+ END	Extends selection to last character in a text box


Editing Keys

Key(s)	Function

Backspace	Deletes the character to the left of the cursor.

Or, deletes selected text.

Delete	Deletes the character to the right of the cursor.

Or, deletes selected text.

SHIFT+DEL or Ctrl+X	Cuts selected text out of your current window into the clipboard.

Ctrl+INS or Ctlr+C	Copies selected text from your current window into the clipboard.

SHIFT+INS or Ctlr+V	Pastes text from the clipboard into your current window.


Menu Keys

Key(s)	Function

Alt or F10	Selects the first menu on the menu bar, or if selected, returns to the application.

Letter key	Chooses the menu, or menu item, whose underlined letter matches the one you type.

Alt+letter key	Pulls down the menu whose underlined letter matches the one you type.

LEFT or RIGHT ARROW	Moves among menus.

UP or DOWN ARROW	Moves among menu items.

Enter	Chooses the selected menu item.

Esc	Close the open menu.


System Keys

The following keys can be used from any window, regardless of the application you are using.

Key(s)	Function

Ctrl+Esc	Switches to the Task List.

Alt+Esc	Switches to the next application window or minimized icon, including full-screen programs.

Alt+TAB	Switches to the next application window, restoring applications that are running as icons.

SHIFT+ALT+TAB	Switch to previous applications.

Print Screen	Copies the entire screen to the Clipboard.

Alt+PrtSc	Copies the entire active window to Clipboard.

Ctrl+F4	Closes the active window.

F1	Gets Help and displays the Help Index for the application. (See Help Keys)


Text Selection Keys

Key(s)	Function

SHIFT+LEFT or RIGHT ARROW	Selects text one character at a time to the left or right.

SHIFT+DOWN or UP	Selects one line of text up or down.

SHIFT+END	Selects text to the end of the line.

SHIFT+HOME	Selects text to the beginning of the line.

SHIFT+PAGE DOWN	Selects text down one window.

Or, cancels the selection if the next window is already selected.

SHIFT+PAGE UP	Selects text up one window.

Or, cancels the selection if the previous window is already selected.

CTRL+SHIFT+LEFT or RIGHT ARROW	Selects text to the next or previous word.

CTRL+SHIFT+UP or DOWN ARROW	Selects text to the beginning (UP ARROW) or end (DOWN ARROW) of the paragraph.

CTRL+SHIFT+END	Selects text to the end of the document.

CTRL+SHIFT+HOME	Selects text to the beginning of the document.


Window Keys

Key(s)	Function

ALT+SPACEBAR	Opens the Control menu for an application window.

ALT+Hyphen	Opens the Control menu for a document window.

Alt+F4	Closes a window.

Alt+Esc	Switches to the next application window or minimized icon, including full-screen programs.

Alt+TAB	Switches to the next application window, restoring applications that are running as icons.

Alt+ENTER	Switches a non-Windows application between running in a window and running full screen.

DIRECTION key	Moves a window when you have chosen Move from the Control menu.

Or, changes the size of a window when you have chosen Size from the Control menu.