Monday, September 11, 2023

How to Search Databases That Are Not Indexed

The internet is packed full of information-most of what genealogist are looking for is in databases.  It is so exiting to find a potential connection, then realize that you are looking at a 545-page digital book! Looking everywhere there is not a search box! What - no search box!

Using the following method will pick up the parts where the surname is mentioned and help quickly determine if it is the specific line or not you are searching.

Searching  databases (or a digital books or websites) will be easy if indexed, if not it is not, try the steps below to search the item. Just remember, if the site is not indexed and this does not work, reading each page may be the only option. But most digital documents, books, articles, register reports can be searched even if not indexed.

In Windows:

1.   Hold down the “ctrl” key, then click the “f” key, release

2.   The “find” command will appear (either in a left side menu or top right of the page; look for a box to appear)

3.   Type in the word (surname, place, date, thing) you wish to search

4.   Enter

5.   All incidences of the item will appear, allowing you to review them to determine if it will help in your research.

6.   Clicking through and reviewing each one is a lot quicker than reading the 545-page document.

Have fun searching!

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