Frequently Asked Questions

Home
MySearch
Active Searches
Genealogy Software
Online Collaboration
Ancestry.com
Computerized Ancestor
FamilySearch
GenCircles
Genealogy.com
GeneaNet
MyTrees.com
OneGreatFamily
WorldVitalRecords
Social Security Death Index
FAQ
Links

Here are frequently asked questions. Click on the links for the answers.

  1. I entered an ancestor for the first time, pressed SAVE, but nothing happened. What should I do?
  2. I entered an ancestor, but now the screen is stuck on "Preparing Searches." What should I do?
  3. The Active Searches page worked for me at one time, but now it does not work. What should I do?
  4. I am using AOL and the Active Searches page does not work. What should I do?
  5. How do I turn on cookies?
  6. How do I turn on JavaScript?
  7. How do I delete the FamilyTreeSearcher cookie?
  8. How do I choose the best ancestors to search?
  9. Where can I find the latest offers at genealogy websites?
  10. Why doesn't a new window open on the Active Searches page?
  11. What browsers work best with this site?
  12. What should I do if I am getting JavaScript errors?
  13. I used a different computer and could not find the ancestors I saved. Why is this?
  14. A search that once worked does not work now. What should I do?
  15. I have two windows open, each with the Active Searches page. The information is not the same in the two windows. Why?
  16. With Netscape, the lower right window on the Active Searches page doesn't display properly or shows programming code. What should I do?
  17. I am using the Symantec Norton Personal Firewall and either nothing happens or my system crashes when I try to use the Active Searches page. What should I do?
  18. I am using a popup blocker or firewall and the Active Searches page does not load properly. What should I do?
  19. OK, I have tried everything and I still cannot make the Active Searches page work. What should I do now?

Easiest way to search family trees

Use Active Searches. This allows you to search major sites by entering your information just one time. Also, this determines the best type of search for you at a particular site (all sites are not created equal).

Go to Family Tree Searches.

For those just starting out

Are you just starting to research your ancestry? If so, the following site provides an easy set of decision charts to help you get started.

Go to Genealogy Fast Track.

Free advice

Have you started your genealogy search, but need suggestions that will make your search on the Internet more productive?

Go to Genealogy Search Advice.

Record keeping software

Family Tree Maker 2010, the latest version of the world’s best-selling family tree software, gives you an easy way to build and share your family tree — and preserve your family history. It is probably the easiest and most complete resource for keeping track of your research.

Go to Family Tree Maker at Ancestry.com.

Family tree hints

Search hints for the nine family tree sites on the Active Searches page.

Go to Hints for Family Trees.

Save this site

Bookmark this page so that you can easily come back to it as you continue your family tree research.

Let Others Know

Quick Links

GeneaLinks - A marriage records database
Free genealogy search help for Google
A guide to obtaining US Vital Records
Ancestor Hunt Free Genealogy Search
GenealogyDatabase.co.uk
GenealogyAgent.com
Genealogy Today - Free research help
Newspaper Obituaries on the Web
The Genealogy Register
Hire a professional genealogist
Free Genealogy Search Engines
RootsSearch.net - Genealogy Portal