Difference between revisions of "Refine your search"
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You may need to refine your search if you have difficulties finding a relative in the census.<br> | You may need to refine your search if you have difficulties finding a relative in the census.<br> | ||
To refine a search is simplicity itself. There are several options available. The easiest way is to use a "less is more" approach. Just because you can enter information in every search criteria doesn't mean you have to.<br> | To refine a search is simplicity itself. There are several options available. The easiest way is to use a "less is more" approach. Just because you can enter information in every search criteria doesn't mean you have to.<br> | ||
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Experient with leaving different boxes blank, include (or exclude) the name of a spouse or parent for example or perhaps the place of birth. <br> | Experient with leaving different boxes blank, include (or exclude) the name of a spouse or parent for example or perhaps the place of birth. <br> | ||
| − | There is an illustrated guide below and also a case study with illustrated search and results screens at [http://www.familytreeforum.com/wiki/index.php/Finding_Martha Finding Martha] | + | There is an illustrated guide below and also a case study with illustrated search and results screens and an example of a wildcard search at [http://www.familytreeforum.com/wiki/index.php/Finding_Martha Finding Martha] |
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Back to [[Census Search]] | Back to [[Census Search]] | ||
Revision as of 20:18, 24 April 2007
Refining Search Options
You may need to refine your search if you have difficulties finding a relative in the census.
To refine a search is simplicity itself. There are several options available. The easiest way is to use a "less is more" approach. Just because you can enter information in every search criteria doesn't mean you have to.
Suggested search criteria
Experient with leaving different boxes blank, include (or exclude) the name of a spouse or parent for example or perhaps the place of birth.
There is an illustrated guide below and also a case study with illustrated search and results screens and an example of a wildcard search at Finding Martha
Wildcard Searches
To use a wildcard search there must be at least three characters before any wildcard
Use more characters before the wildcard. For example, use Able* instead of Abl*.
Specify both a first and last name or a partial first and last name.
Try using the single-character wildcard "?" rather than the multiple-character wildcard "*".
(e.g., using "Hans?n" matches both "Hansen" and "Hanson" rather than using "Hans*").
Back to Census Search
