FAQ: 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?

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The Symantec Personal Firewall, Release 2.5 (and perhaps earlier releases) seems to have a problem with downloading larger script files. Since the Active Searches page relies on a relatively large JavaScript file, the Personal Firewall can sometimes cause your system to hang or crash.

There are two things you can do:

  1. You can upgrade to the current release at www.symantec.com.
  2. You can keep Release 2.5 and disable Personal Firewall security for the first time you use the Active Searches page each day. Once the JavaScript files download successfully, you can then enable security. The Active Searches page only needs to download once.

Symantec Personal Firewall, Releases after 2.5

Click here to view instructions.

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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 2011, 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 five 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
Free Genealogy Search Engines