==================================================================
Title:    GEDCNV 1.0 converts old GEDCOM format
Keywords: CONVERSION GEDCNV GEDCOM GENEALOGY PAF PETERSON
==================================================================


About GEDCNV - Version 1.0 - January 8, 1995
==================================================================
GEDCNV is a IBM-PC DOS shareware program which converts an old
format GEDCOM file into a new format GEDCOM file.  Some older
genealogy programs produce GEDCOM files which are incompatible
with newer programs.  GEDCNV fixes the formats in the old file,
and writes a new GEDCOM file acceptable by newer programs.


Running GEDCNV
==================================================================
GEDCNV runs under DOS.  It requires 2 file name arguments on its
command line.  The first is the name of the old GEDCOM file to be
converted, this file is not modified.  The typical file extension
for a GEDCOM file is .GED.  You may omit the extension from the
file name if desired and GEDCNV will automatically use .GED.  The
second argument is the name of the new GEDCOM file to be created,
containing the fixed formats.  If the new file already exists, it
will not be overwritten unless the switch '/f' is given on the
command line.  During the conversion, leading and trailing spaces
and tabs are removed from each line.  Leading whitespace is not
always accepted by genealogy programs, and the GEDCOM 5.3 standard
does not support it.  There is no limit on the number of lines
converted by GEDCNV.  Note, GEDCNV does not check the validity of
a GEDCOM file, it only updates old GEDCOM formats to new formats.
GEDCNV may report format errors when it doesn't recognize the
format of a line it is trying to convert.  If it does report such
an error, GEDCNV will not convert that line, and that line will
appear unchanged in the new GEDCOM file.

A log file is written with the same name and path as the new
GEDCOM file but with the extension .CNV.  It will list the file
names used, any errors, and statistics about the conversion.  It
can also list the conversions which were performed on every line
by using the switch '/c' on the command line.  Any command line
switch may appear before or after the file names.

The format of the GEDCNV command line is:

  gedcnv oldfile newfile [/c] [/f] [/h]

  /c = Conversions also listed in log file
  /f = Force removal of existing output files
  /h = Help text


Problems with GEDCNV
==================================================================
It is possible that some old formats in a GEDCOM file are not
converted by GEDCNV because the author has not encountered them.
Lines in a GEDCOM file with bad formats may be reported as errors
when importing the GEDCOM file into a genealogy program.  Users
may report those errors to the E-mail address listed later in this
document.  Please make sure reported problems are due to the
converted GEDCOM file format only, and not problems with your
genealogy program.

In problem reports please include:

 - Version number of GEDCNV
 - Name of the genealogy program you are using
 - Error output from the genealogy program
 - The lines from the converted GEDCOM file which are not
   acceptable by the genealogy program


Comments
==================================================================
Suggestions and problems should be submitted to:

   Eric Wesley Peterson
   CompuServe: 70471,256
   E-mail:     70471.256@compuserve.com


Copyright and Disclaimer
==================================================================
GEDCNV is provided as-is with no warranty.  I cannot accept
responsibility for loss of data, profit, or any damages which are
incurred by the use of this program.

GEDCNV is free for use by individuals and may be distributed (such
as by posting on BBS's) given these restrictions:

 - The program may not be altered in any way and must include
   this documentation.
 - No fee may be charged.
 - For-profit, institutional or corporate use without a license
   is prohibited.
 - The program may not be included, or bundled, with other goods
   or services without express written permission based on written
   request.  This also applies to clubs and distributors.


History
==================================================================
Version 1.0 - January 8, 1995
   Original version.