Where's my downloaded file?

Where's my downloaded file?

After the file you downloaded is decompressed or unzipped (if the filename ends with ZIP, it will have to be unzipped, first), you will need a word processor such as Word for Windows, WordPerfect, Claris Works, etc., to read it. You will have to start up your word processing program, first. Then, you need to know what directory (folder) your file was downloaded to. If you click on Download Now for one file, the directory your files are going to will be displayed. Write this down so that you can find it, later.

Most Genealogy Forum files are in a text format after they are decompressed. Word can load in a "DOS text" file for reading and printing. A word processor can also do a "search" for certain words, so that you can scan through the downloaded file quickly for specific names or places. Other word processors can load in the file, as long as you make sure you are loading in a plain "text" or ASCII file - you may need to read your word processor's manual for instructions about how to load in such files. If you do not have a word processing program capable of handling large text files, you might want to download and use QREAD from the Genealogy Forum's DOS & Windows Files & Utilities Library or an equivalent program from the Mac Library. QREAD is found under the heading of "Read BIG, LONG Text Files" in the DOS & Windows Library and works under Windows.

If the text file is short, the AOL software can read it (IF you have AOL). Click on the word "File" at the top of your screen and then the word "Open" and find the name of the file after it was decompressed. You can also read short files with the Windows Notepad or import longer ones into the Windows Write or Windows 95 WordPad programs. Macintosh owners will probably have Claris Works that does the same thing. Remember, if the file was "zipped," you will not be able to read it until it has been decompressed and another file written (such as a .TXT file). You will then need to load in the newly-created .TXT file and NOT the original .ZIP file. The AOL program can unzip files, if you set your downloading preferences to do so.

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