FAQ: I am using AOL and the Active Searches page does not work. What should I do?

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Sometimes AOL users will encounter JavaScript errors on the Active Searches page or the Active Searches page simply won't work. If this is happening to you, follow these instructions:

  1. If you wish, print this page for reference.
  2. Connect to AOL as you usually do.
  3. While connected (be sure you do not sign off AOL), open up Microsoft's Internet Explorer. You will most likely find the Internet Explorer icon on your desktop. Click on that icon. You may need to "minimize" the AOL screen to find the icon. If you cannot find the icon on your desktop, select your "Start" button, go to "Programs", and scroll down in the menu until you see the Internet Explorer. Select "Internet Explorer" from that menu choice.
  4. Once Internet Explorer has opened up, return to the http://www.familytreesearcher.com/mysearch/searches.htm using Microsoft Internet Explorer (not AOL).
  5. Enter an ancestor and try searching for that ancestor. If you have questions on how to do this, go to http://www.familytreesearcher.com/mysearch/active_searches_tour.htm.

If you are still experiencing problems, you might have a corrupted cookie. Click here for instructions on deleting a cookie. Then repeat the instructions above.

Also check to see that you have a recent version of Internet Explorer. We recommend that you have version 5.0 or higher. We have found that AOL does appear to work better if you have Internet Explorer 5.01 or higher. Click here to see what browsers work best with this site for links to download new browser releases. If you are not sure of the version of your browser, go to http://www.familytreesearcher.com/mysearch/problem_reporting.htm. Look for the number following "MSIE." That is the release of your Microsoft Internet Explorer.

If, after following these instructions, the site is not working for you, please send us a description of the problem, any error messages you received, and the information from http://www.familytreesearcher.com/mysearch/problem_reporting.htm. Send the information to .

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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 2012, 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.

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
Hire a professional genealogist
Free Genealogy Search Engines