I am interested in finding out the proper method for entering 'unknown' given and surnames in FTM 2010 so that the file will correctly import/export as a GEDCOM file AS well as printing correctly in Family Tree Maker.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Julie,

There isn't really a "proper" method of entering information that you do not have.

I use 5 underscores "_____" (without the quotes) for Birth Names and Surnames that I do not know. If I only know the surname, I enter _____ Surname.

For your consideration, give this a try or try your "unknown" if you wish, but look at a Tree and/or Report to see if you like what each method looks like for you.

I use the 5 underscores so that folks help "fill in the blanks". I like it better then seeing "unknown" in the the text of a Report. The _____ keeps the unknown names at the tome of the Index (F2) or at the top of the Surname list.

Russ

There is no proper method I use "unknown" but whatever scheme you use be consistent across a particular database.

Why?

Because then you can run a custom report (applies to any version of FTM) that will find all people with unknown, or 5 underscores, or whatever scheme you adopt

The other minor thing to consider is, whatever scheme you adopt, pick something that you thinks looks OK when you print it.

John D