Genealogy Wise
RootsMagic Fans
For those who use--or are interested in using--any version of RootsMagic genealogy software
IMPORTANT: RootsMagic 4 direct PAF import defective. Data loss.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I uncovered a serious defect in RootsMagic,
and it is best everyone knows about this ASAP, to limit the damage.
If you or anyone you know switched from PAF to RootsMagic 4, you need to know this.
The RootsMagic 4 direct PAF import is defective. The direct PAF import loses data.
I did a full write-up: RootsMagic PAF import
That article contains details, workaround, possible user actions and suggested RootsMagic action.
I have informed Bruce by personal email.
This is not a reason to stop using RootsMagic 4.
It is a reason to avoid the direct PAF import.
Importing PAF databases is still possible; use a PAF GEDCOM.
I recommend importing PAF data via an UTF-8 encoded PAF GEDCOM.
I expect RootsMagic to issue some statement and a patch soon.
and it is best everyone knows about this ASAP, to limit the damage.
If you or anyone you know switched from PAF to RootsMagic 4, you need to know this.
The RootsMagic 4 direct PAF import is defective. The direct PAF import loses data.
I did a full write-up: RootsMagic PAF import
That article contains details, workaround, possible user actions and suggested RootsMagic action.
I have informed Bruce by personal email.
This is not a reason to stop using RootsMagic 4.
It is a reason to avoid the direct PAF import.
Importing PAF databases is still possible; use a PAF GEDCOM.
I recommend importing PAF data via an UTF-8 encoded PAF GEDCOM.
I expect RootsMagic to issue some statement and a patch soon.
Bruce Buzbee
Aug 10, 2009
Tamura Jones
Merely discovered that several standard facts, such as divorces and separations are not imported.
Did not bother to check user-defined facts.
Thank you for admitting the additional extent of this defect, and most importantly, reassuring that it will be fixed soon.
Wish all vendors were that quick address defects.
- Tamura
Aug 10, 2009
Tamura Jones
The release notes were apparently written in haste; it says that RootsMagic now imports "user-defined divorce events", which is a contradiction in terms. Divorce is a standard GEDCOM event. The RootsMagic PAF import now imports divorces, vendor-defined events such as separation and user-defined events.
I've confirmed this by doing a PAF import and a consistency check; error involving inconsistent divorce dates show up now.
RootsMagic has not (yet?) released any tool to help those who imported their PAF database using an earlier version of RootsMagic 4.
Aug 22, 2009