GEDCOM FILES.
I receive many requests to convert PCW Database files to files suitable for use on a PC, this is not normally successful but it has been found that many PCW Genealogical programmes once their files have been saved as GEDCOM files are able to be converted to HTML using the programme detailed below.
The following is taken from Anthony Papineau's web site the author of GED4WEB and could help to clear up a few queries.
What is a GEDCOM file?
The technical description is as follows:
The GEDCOM, is the GEnealogical Data COMmunication standard proposed by the Family History Department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons), and adopted by many developers and users of genealogical software. The purpose of GEDCOM is to simplify the exchange of computerized historical and genealogical information. This collection is provided as a convenient way to share GEDCOM information among interested parties.
The less formal version:
A GEDCOM file is a file saved on your hard disk. It is not automatically created, you must create it on purpose. Every genealogy software program should (and to my knowledge does) have the ability to create one. It is a standard format that any program can read. The Mormons developed the format to help people, regardless of what software they are using, to be able to share their information.
If you are using a computer program like Family Tree Maker, PAF, Brothers Keeper, Generations, and there are many more, to many to list here. You have the ability to create a GEDCOM file. Check the help files in the program you are using to details about how to make one.
Since any genealogy program can create a GEDCOM file, that is why I chose to use them. GED4WEB takes GEDCOM files, reads the information in, and creates webpages based on that information contained in the GEDCOM file.
Instructions for Installing GED4WEB.EXE
1. Download the file g4w296.exe from the web page by clicking on this link g4w296.exe
2. When asked if you would like to save this file to disk, select YES.
3. Find the folder (subdirectory) you want to save it in and click the OK button.
4. Once g4w296.exe is on you hard drive, open Windows Explorer (use your RIGHT mouse button, NOT YOUR LEFT MOUSE BUTTON, to click on the START button, then click EXPLORE from the popup menu).
5. Once you have EXPLORER opened, navigate to the folder (subdirectory) you saved g4w296.exe in and double click on file g4w296.exe. This will cause it to open the installation program.
6. Push the FINISH button in the lower right corner. If you are asked "Create 'c:\program files\ged4web\' directory", select YES.
7. You should then see the "Extraction completed" box. Click OK.
8. Run the program by clicking on START button, then selecting the PROGRAMS folder from the menu. Then select GED4WEB folder and select the GED4WEB menu item.
9. Once you have started GED4WEB, select your GEDCOM file as the input file.
10. Press the 'Create HTML Files" button to do just that.
11. Press the "View HTML Files" button and your web browser should open up with the first page in it.
12. Play with some of the settings in GED4WEB and see what happens until you find an output format you like.
To visit the Ged4Web home page and download the shareware programme 'g4w296.exe' click on the following link GED4WEB
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