Bette, I saw all the comments about using Export, directly, to create both of the files you want. That is fine as a final step, but what I do first is create a list of those I want in each file using advanced features of search and the Focus feature of PAF. I use the Focus, like several have explained, to create my selection but then I save the list using that feature of the Advanced focus. When I create my export, instead of doing the search then, I use the saved list for the export. I then look at the exported file, in another PAF file, and if I don't like it I go back to the saved focus list and add or subtract from it to create what I want. I may do this several times before I am satisfied with my selection. I just delete the PAF files that didn't work out. You can also use the saved focus list to create reports, including custom reports. You can make these reports before you even create the first PAF file to see if got everyone into your new data base. Walt ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bette" <nobia@centurytel.net> To: <PAF-5-USERS-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Tuesday, July 05, 2005 11:06 AM Subject: [PAF-5] Dividing my PAF File > Good Morning, > > I would like to divide my PAF into two surname files. Can someone tell me > the best way to do this? I will still keep my original file intact. > Thank you for any help you can give me. > > Bette > > > ==== PAF-5-USERS Mailing List ==== > FreeBMD - Free Access to England and Wales Civil Registration Index > Volunteer as a Transcriber Today! > http://freebmd.rootsweb.com/ >