Tips to open GEDCOM file
Can't open the GEDCOM file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open GEDCOM files as well as a list of programs that support GEDCOM files.
GEDCOM file extension
| File Name |
GEDCOM Genealogy Format |
| File Category |
Data Files |
The GEDCOM file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the GEDCOM files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the GEDCOM file on each system platform.
What is GEDCOM file?
The file with the extension GEDCOM is the Data Files file type. Data Files consists of 1326 similar files. GEDCOM Genealogy Format appears on 3 operating systems as a functional file. Although it can be found with greater or lesser success on any operating system, it will only be useful on Linux, Mac OS, Windows. There are also 4 alternative programs to handle the GEDCOM file. The Ages, LifeLines, Gramps programs will also handle the file when the GeneWeb program does not fulfill its role.
How to open GEDCOM file?
The most common problem when using GEDCOM Genealogy Format is that a specific GEDCOM is not associated with the program. This causes the file GEDCOM to open by system applications not designed for this purpose, or to display a message that there is no associated program. How to solve such a problem?
The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the GEDCOM file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.
Step 1. Install GeneWeb
In this case, you should first verify that the GeneWeb application is installed on the computer. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name GeneWeb in it. In the absence of an appropriate program, its installation in the vast majority of cases will fix the problem. Below you will find a list of applications that support GEDCOM files.
Programs to open GEDCOM file
Remember to download programs supporting GEDCOM files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.
Step 2. Create association of GeneWeb with GEDCOM files
If, despite the installed application, the GEDCOM file does not start in the GeneWeb application, you must create a file association. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select Properties. Information about the file and the program that the file is associated with are available here. Using the "Change" button we can select the desired program. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the GEDCOM file with the GeneWeb application.
Step 3. Update GeneWeb to the latest version
If, however, after binding GeneWeb with GEDCOM Genealogy Format there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version.
If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. File problems can be divided into the following:
The GEDCOM file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This suggests truncating the GEDCOM file contents when downloading or copying. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The computer may have fallen victim to a computer virus or hacker. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the GEDCOM file that we want to open. However, remember that not every infected GEDCOM file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the GEDCOM file. On their websites, developers usually offer free solutions to such problems, e.g. in the form of a conversion program or an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for this. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Sometimes the program itself has options to repair the most popular GEDCOM file corruption.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted GEDCOM files can be used by the device on which they were encrypted, on any other device it is required to have the appropriate cryptographic key and decrypt the file before its recovery.
The operating system protects files in some locations (e.g. the root of the system partition) against unauthorized access. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. If possible, you can try to move the GEDCOM file to another location.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Just close unnecessary programs. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the GEDCOM file again. Antivirus programs or a backup being made may lock the file for a while without the user's knowledge. If nothing helps, please reset the device.
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