< previous > - < next > - < index > - (13 of 15) - Reorder GEDCOM

You often will want to have a particular family as the first one shown in the GEDCOM, but your software does not have that option.  This feature is especially important when sharing a portion of your data base with other researchers or preparing your data base for final printing.   The REORDER program is a very handy, but simple way to reorder your GEDCOM file so that the Report or genealogy software can produce results in a logical order.  It keeps all original elements and changes only the order and numbering of family units.

Using the GEDCOM files as input, the REORDER program (release 1 - 8 Dec 2002) can use a starting person ID to rewrite the GEDCOM so that the families are in a logical order beginning with a user selected starting marriage.  This is a perfect companion to the Report program before starting the final print.  When finished it will create a new GEDCOM.  GEDCOM files containing up to 5,000 persons have been tested successfully.  This program can also be used to make your genealogy software read your families in a comfortable order.

Click on reroder.exe to download a simple 61K ".exe" self contained program file to reorder the GEDCOM.  See instructions below.

This totally FREE DOS program contains no hidden processes and has been proven virus clean.  The source code is available upon request.

The above program may be saved in any location of your choice.  I recommend placing it in your "C:\Program Files\reorder" folder.  You will need to search for "C:\Program Files" when the "Save As" dialog box comes up and then make a new folder named "reorder".   Open that folder and click on "Save".  Once downloaded (12 seconds) make an icon as follows:  Locate the program file "reorder.exe", right click on it and select "Create Shortcut".  Right click on the "Shortcut to reorder.exe" icon and rename it to "Reorder".  Right click on the "Reorder" shortcut and select "Properties", select the "Program" tab and select "Run:" as "Maximized" and check mark "Close on exit", and then click on "OK".  Copy the shortcut icon and place in a convenient spot such as your desktop or "Programs" menu.   Clicking on the shortcut will start the program.  Initially the program will use "C:\" as the default location for temporary files and for the GEDCOM files.   Once you have entered your preferences, it will use them until you change again.   Two temporary text files and two temporary random access files are created and used by the program to save GEDCOM information and are deleted when the program is finished.  The program results are saved in a ".ged" file on your desktop that are named per your choice.  This file may be opened in your genealogy software, shared with others, or printed using the Report program.

Please enjoy this FREE program.  Please let me know if you know of a similar program for windows.

 

Please contact me with your comments, contributions, and/or corrections.

© Copyright 1998-2003 by Jim Pool Saturday, October 18, 2003