The Pedigree Resource File CDs contain lineage-linked pedigrees that have been submitted to the Family History Department.
Each CD contains approximately one million names that have been uploaded as GEDCOM files to the familysearch.org web site for sharing with others. The PRF has an index on each CD as well as a Master Index that covers each of the CDs published.
This resource differs from the Ancestral File in that the pedigrees are unlinked and notes/sources are maintained with the GEDCOM files. The names and information on living individuals are removed prior to publication.
Network Installation
PRF is networkable however a server installation password and key disk are required; they are available from F&CHD support.
Network Installation instructions are available on the first Master Index CD beginning with Master Index 1-60. The PRF server installation application, MI4PRFN50.exe, automates server setup is also available on Master Index Disc 1.
Note that the link to PAF Companion from the PRF may not function with the networked version.
Server Configuration
The server directory structure is shown below. There is one folder for each data CD: CDn, where n is the disc number; and one folder for each Master Index CD: Volnn, where nn is the disc number. There are also folders for the Pedigree Resource File setup files (PRF) and Master Index setup files (MI) and the Intro files.
The Pedigree resource file server directory has one folder for each PRF data disc, CDn and one folder for each Master Index disc, Volnn. This figure shows the server directory structure for Discs 1-30.
IE float bugResource File data. The top level of the PRF Data CD contains the resource file data folder, prf. The prf folder has subfolders for each data CD in the collection however only the hightest numbered folder contains resource file data.
The PRF Data CD directory structure. Resource file data is in the prf folder.
IE float bugIn the figures below, the CD Disc 23 folder content is shown on the left, the corresponding cd23 index folder on the server is shown on the right.
Master Index data. The top level of the Master Index CD contains the Master Index file, Mi_Prf. The contents of the Mi_Prf folder are copied from each Master Index CD to a corresponding Volnn folder on the server.
The top level of the Master Index CD contains the Master Index file, Mi_Prf.
Setup Files. The Pedigree Resource File setup files are copied from one disk in the collection into the PRF folder on the server.
The top level of the Pedigree CD contains the Pedigree Resource Setup files.
IE float bugThe Master Index setup files are copied from one of the index CDs into the MI folder on the server.
The top level of the Master Index CD contains the Master Index Setup files.
IE float bugClient Configuration
The prfviewer directory can only be accessed via a mapped drive. Mapped drives are used to associate a local drive letter with a network resource. This association can be created either via the Tools > Map Network Drive... dialog or the DOS net use command, e.g. net use m: \\server\prfviewer.
IE float bug
After mapping, the Master Index is installed by running MI\setup.exe from the mapped drive. PRF data is installed by running PRF\setup.exe from the mapped drive.
IE float bugThe PRF is enabled for network operation by running network.exe on a Network Key disk available from the F&CHD and selecting Enable for Network from the File menu. For convenience, network.exe can be copied to the prfviewer directory on the server.
IE float bugCan the PRF be installed on the server? Herb Lewis reports that he was able to get it to work using network mapped drives. This means you must be able to map a drive to a server share, e.g. net use x: \\server\prfviewer, which requires WinNT or better. Rick Klemetson notes that you can run PRF on a Windows 98 server by creating a batch file with a net use r: \\192.168.0.1 type command with the batch file automatically loaded in the Startup folder.
For More Information
- List Search: Pedigree Resource File
- Search the FHCTech email list for Pedigree Resource File information.
- FamilySearch: Pedigree Resource File
- Show frequently asked Pedigree Resource File questions on FamilySearch.org.