Types of GEDCOM Files

Dominant GEDCOM File Type

.GEDCOM

File ID:	.gedcom
Type:	GEDCOM Genealogy File

The GEDCOM file extension may refer to a data file formatted using the GEDCOM standard. GEDCOM stands for GEnealogical Data COMmunication. The GEDCOM file stores genealogy data including a family tree as well as information about the individuals of a family tree. This data is stored in a text format. GEDCOM files usually use the GED extension.

Author:	Open Source
Function:	Data Files
Subkey:	HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.gedcom

Software Programs That Open The GEDCOM Genealogy File:

Ancestral Author by Ancestral Softworks

Windows

Lifelines by Open Source

Windows

Mac

Debian

FreeBSD

GeneWeb by Open Source

Windows

Mac

Unix

Gramps by Open Source

Windows

Linux

Solaris

BSD

OS X El Capitan

GEDitCOM II by geditcom.com

Mac

AGES by Open Source

Windows

Optional Offer for FileViewPro by Solvusoft | EULA | Privacy Policy | Terms | Uninstall

Understanding GEDCOM Issues

Frequent GEDCOM Opening Issues

Ancestral Author Removed

If you attempt to load your GEDCOM file, you experience a message such as "Can't Open GEDCOM Files". When this happens, it is commonly due to Ancestral Author missing in %%os%%. You won't be able to double-click to open your GEDCOM because your OS doesn't know what to do with it.

Tip: When you have another program installed that you know will open your GEDCOM, you can select it from the other programs listed (see "Show Apps").

Incorrect Ancestral Author Version

Your GEDCOM Genealogy File file is incompatible with Ancestral Author because you might have the wrong version installed. Visit the Ancestral Softworks website to download (or purchase) the latest version of Ancestral Author. This problem is predominately due to having a GEDCOM Genealogy File file version that was created by a newer version of Ancestral Author than what you have installed on your PC.

Tip: Find clues on the correct software version by right-clicking your GEDCOM file and clicking "Properties".

Summary: In either case, the majority of problems opening GEDCOM files are related to not having the correct software application installed on your computer.

Other GEDCOM File Issues

You can still experience errors opening GEDCOM files even with the latest version of Ancestral Author installed on your PC. If you are continuing to have errors with loading GEDCOM files, other external issues might be to blame. These issues include:

• GEDCOM file references in the Windows Registry are broken
• Corruption of the GEDCOM file description inside the Registry
• Ancestral Author or another GEDCOM application experienced a flawed installation
• GEDCOM file corruption
• Past or present virus infection has affected your GEDCOM
• GEDCOM-related hardware has device drivers that obsolete
• Your PC doesn’t have enough available resources to open the GEDCOM Genealogy File file