Any Index is not always a complete record and only as good as the human that enters the data. It is my understanding that the CA Death Index that is searchable "free" on the Internet (also available at Rootsweb) is taken from the data that appears on "Fiche" which is not complete data. The data that appears on "microfilm" is complete. This probably is the "Fiche" version. Ancestry.com has the rights to the complete data, which of course if paid subscription. Or the LDS and some Genealogy Libraries/Societies have copies of the film. When searching, although I have not tried this search engine, sometimes it is better if you just place the first three letter and a "*" or "?" after those three letters. ie Smi* or Smi? If the name is completely misspelled on the Index it then can have a totally different Soundex. Either way it can still be a good tool for locating your ancestors even though they are not always reliable. Chyrl Lawrence-Bulger Clermont County Coordinator In a message dated 10/9/2005 6:29:44 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [email protected] writes: I have a death certificate tucked away deep into a box so I thought I'd check the CA Death Index out. I have the correct spelling and correct death and birth date. I did the search on soundex and no matter which way I entered it nothing was to be found. Makes you wonder if it was proof read??????? Barb