Hi Rob, The Fileyourpapers method was perfect for me (I, too, am organizationally-challenged), so I agree with you. But, it bothered me that these numbers could change IF I received an error message and had to export my family file. This is what Cathy said on November 30: ------------------------------------- I've also experienced the computer error which requires you to export your Legacy file to a new file. In this process RIN numbers and MRIN numbers can be changed. I know they are fairly stable - I still have some RINs that run back through several genealogy programs - but they are a computer generated number subject to change in certain circumstances. --------------------------------------
I, too, had such an error message recently, but managed to get out of it without having to export my file, so I don't have personal experience with RINs and MRINs changing. But if these numbers are not stable, you might have to adjust them to match your paper files sometime in the future. Otherwise, I think it's a great idea. If we could easily transfer all MRINs to the User ID field in the Marriage Information window, the numbers would then be more stable. Sue ----- Original Message ----- From: "Rob Weiss" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Friday, December 03, 2004 4:49 AM Subject: Re: [LegacyUG] Renumbering MRINS > Hi Sue, > > Well, I actually disagree quite strongly with your comments below. I think > they are based on a misconception (from another post I think) that MRINs can > just change out of the blue. This is not the case. They are actually very > stable, unless you fiddle with them. Unless you actually try to merge your > file into another existing file, the MRINs won't change. If you merge > another file into your file, the existing MRINs and RINs stay unchanged, as > they do if you export your file to a blank database, in case of computer > problems. So this is simply not a consideration in choosing the paper > filing method, as far as I am concerned. > > I found the "fileyourpapers" tutorial extremely helpful, as I had no idea > how to organise my files. I think it is a valuable part of the overall > Legacy package. It is not wrong - it is just one way, that happens to work > very well. It's not just using MRINs by the way - make sure you include the > other tabs described as well! The method really works with a minimum of fuss > and I've not had to duplicate ANY documents as you do filing by RIN or > surname. Even if MRINs did change, the key concept is to file by "Family", > not by individual - this is what I have found very powerful. By printing out > a Family record sheet with chronology and source citation options selected, > a very comprehensive record of that family grouping is provided. The > relevant birth and marriage certificates are filed in the same place. > Separate tabs for each family line keep track of research for that family. > A marriage list provides the index to the files, which you need to use on > occasions. > > I can also see how Cathy's alternative of filing source documents only, > works too. That's fine if you are happy to rely solely on Legacy for > grouping and viewing information. That's fine for me, but I get into > trouble when relatives drop by and I need to discuss things with them. The > paper files work best then. > > Although each individual needs to find a filing approach that works for > them, those of us who are organisationally challenged really appreciate the > guidance of that tutorial! So I'd hate to see it scrapped! > Cheers, > Rob Legacy User Group Etiquette guidelines can be found at: http://www.LegacyFamilyTree.com/Etiquette.asp To find past messages, please go to our searchable archives at: http://www.mail-archive.com/legacyusergroup%40mail.millenniacorp.com/ To unsubscribe please visit: http://www.legacyfamilytree.com/LegacyLists.asp
