| Readme First | | | | the list which will open the Properties box. Click on |
| Looking to the future, let's leave future | | | | the Customize tab and at the bottom of the box |
| genealogists some guidelines by creating a User | | | | you'll see a "Change Icon" button which opens the |
| Manual for your genealogy archives. Start by | | | | Window's collection of icons. The tree is in the |
| creating a folder named "0-Readme-First" under | | | | 11th column in XP. I have used this icon on all my |
| your Archive folder. Use the "zero" before the | | | | genealogy directories and sub-directories. It really |
| folder name, it will sort at the top of your list so | | | | makes the genealogy folders stand out in the |
| that a new user won't easily overlook it. Now | | | | crowd. |
| write a journal that explains your filing system. | | | | For folders that contain surnames I have used |
| The journal can act as a reminder for yourself or | | | | colored coded icons for different surnames. I |
| a road map for strangers. Add to it as you go | | | | found a collection of free colored folders icons at |
| along. It can be as long or as short as you wish. | | | | iconarchive that can be downloaded in the *.icon |
| This would be a good place to leave instructions | | | | format ready to use. I store mine in my |
| as to what you would like to see happen with | | | | genealogy archives in an icon folder. |
| your genealogy work. Also let your family know if | | | | Lockup Your Files |
| you have any original documents in your | | | | I suppose anyone who has used a computer for |
| possession and where they can be found. If any | | | | very long has encountered a file that was locked |
| of your genealogy programs or data are | | | | and could not be changed. It's usually a nuisance, |
| password protected, definitely provide this | | | | but there are some occasions when it is useful to |
| information. Write a short bio of yourself so that | | | | have a file locked. When you have a file that is |
| if your database and files end up in a library | | | | valuable and you don't want anyone to |
| somewhere you'll get the credit or the blame for | | | | accidentally alter that file, making that file a "Read |
| the data. | | | | Only" is a good idea. You make a file read-only so |
| | | | that someone can't "change it" without first |
| Searching for genealogy directories, folders and | | | | removing the read-only check. But keep in mind |
| files on a computer is much easier if you dress | | | | this is only a precautionary measure that will help |
| them up with special icons to make them stand | | | | minimize the possibility someone will change the |
| out from the other directories and folders. I use a | | | | master file. |
| little green tree to tag my genealogy master | | | | Creating a personal genealogy archive takes |
| directory and sub-directories instead of using the | | | | effort and persistence, but there are rewards for |
| typical yellow folder that Windows usually displays. | | | | taking the time to do it. Just remember to "copy" |
| It is easy to make the change because Microsoft | | | | your old files into your new Genealogy Archive; |
| has nicely provided the little tree with its collection | | | | do not delete the original files. The old files can be |
| of icons in XP, Vista and Windows 7.. | | | | used as a backup of sorts, although you should |
| To make a change right click on the existing icon | | | | back-up the new archive to at least two other |
| in front of the directory or folder you want to | | | | places. |
| change. Then click on Properties at the bottom of | | | | |