As previously answered the AFN stands for Ancestral File Number. It is a unique number used to identify an individual in the Ancestral File database which is a lineage linked database. Searching by AFN just gets you to a particular individual quicker. Errors run about 25 percent. You can access the AF database at local Family History Centers (FHC) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or online at FamilySearch.org and use the Search tab, or <http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Search/frameset_search.asp>. There choose Ancestral File in the left column menu. In the next search window you can search by name, but also by AFN by keying in the number in the lower left box named "File Number". The dash is not used in the search box. The letter "O" was never used and I think the letter "I" was not used because of confusion with the numbers 0 and 1. After selecting a search result, an Individual Record screen appears. Choose a family link at the right side of the screen. Then you get a Family Group Record with a "Download Gedcom" link that can save the group as a gedcom which you can import into any genealogy database. Choosing "Pedigree" gives you a bigger gedcom sometimes. If you have trouble importing gedcom files, see if you can import them as ANSEL format or PAF type gedcom files. Otherwise I'd switch to RootsMagic which never has any problems importing files. The AF database at the FHC works differently because it is a DOS based program and librarians there can show you how to use it. Both versions of AF can show you the submitters of the data and that can be worth checking out. Vern Taylor I have 2 questions to ask if any know. l. Some of my relation have (AFN: and a series of numbers and letters following) How can these be brought up on my computer? I also have trouble bringing up Family Search Ancestral Files (ex. v4.19). Again how can these be raised on my computer? In my case, ignoramnce is not Bliss. Many thanks to whoever can supply me with answers. ===== IBSSG, Editor of the Stockton CA Family History newsletter. Free subs. <FHCnews-subscribe@yahoogroups.com> There once was a researcher named Vern He found many ancestors, but learned For every one you find It's really unkind There's still two more to discern __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com