Ancestry DNA advice

[Lynn the Forest Fan]

Yesterday, I sent off my DNA sample to Ancestry and I want to use the time until I receive the results constructively. Currently I don't have a tree on Ancestry, would it be helpful to put one one? If so is a Public or Private tree the best to have? I would be interested to hear what type of tree members here have. Any other advice would be appreciated. Thanks

[kiterunner]

Yes, you should put a tree on Ancestry with at least your direct ancestors on, ready for you to link your DNA test to. It won't make much difference to you whether it is public or private (as long as you make it searchable) but it will be helpful to your DNA matches if it is public. Mine is public.

[Phoenix]

I have a public tree on Ancestry, but I suspect it would be more useful were it private. Nobody ever contacts me, but I have noticed that unique, recent research is copied mercilessly. It would be so much more interesting if there were discussions and genuine collaboration.

[Phoenix]

btw I posted a test on 16 December. It has yet to be logged as arrived, and they are saying that this may take five weeks, so a fortnight or so before I can panic.

[maggie_4_7]

I have a public tree on Ancestry, but I suspect it would be more useful were it private. Nobody ever contacts me, but I have noticed that unique, recent research is copied mercilessly. It would be so much more interesting if there were discussions and genuine collaboration.

Yes that's why mine is private but searchable, it encourages people to contact me if they are really interested. I then check, if I can, if they are really connected before I reply. 8 times out of 10 I then invite them to my tree.

[Lynn the Forest Fan]

Thanks for your replies. I have my tree on FTM, is it easy to transfer it to Ancestry, whilst removing my husband's side of the family?

Pheonix, that is depressing, I hope yours shows up as having arrived soon

[ElizabethHerts]

I sent off my daughter's DNA kit on Thursday 5th January.

The kit is showing as activated and the little line has reached half-way between Kit activated Jan 4 and Sample received, but under Sample received it says "in progress". So does that mean they have it or not?

[kiterunner]

Thanks for your replies. I have my tree on FTM, is it easy to transfer it to Ancestry, whilst removing my husband's side of the family?


You can download your tree from FTM by clicking on Family Tree > View all trees then when it shows your tree click on the second icon on the right (Export tree). And you can then upload the file to Ancestry. But you would need to use a family tree program on your computer in between to remove your husband's side.

[Phoenix]

I sent off my daughter's DNA kit on Thursday 5th January.

The kit is showing as activated and the little line has reached half-way between Kit activated Jan 4 and Sample received, but under Sample received it says "in progress". So does that mean they have it or not?


Pass. I cannot remember if the activation key is on the outside of the packet. If it isn't, there is no way Ancestry could know the packet was on its way, and I can't think it your daughter's kit would have actually arrived by now.

[ElizabethHerts]

Phoenix, does your kit show something similar?

At least we know we have set everything up correctly as my daughter's kit is showing in my account with "1 Order in process" showing at the top left-hand corner. It also displays her name.

[Phoenix]

Yes, identical.

[Lynn the Forest Fan]

I sent off my daughter's DNA kit on Thursday 5th January.

The kit is showing as activated and the little line has reached half-way between Kit activated Jan 4 and Sample received, but under Sample received it says "in progress". So does that mean they have it or not?

My kit was activated and posted on 7th andit says the same as yours.

[Lynn the Forest Fan]

You can download your tree from FTM by clicking on Family Tree > View all trees then when it shows your tree click on the second icon on the right (Export tree). And you can then upload the file to Ancestry. But you would need to use a family tree program on your computer in between to remove your husband's side.

Thanks

[AngelaF]

I sent my DNA test on 2 Dec and I got my results about a week ago. I think when you activate the test on Ancestry it shows as being sent. They email you once they receive the test and a couple more times with updates plus your results are ready.

My tree is currently viewable but I’m thinking of setting it to private but searchable for the same reason as previously mentioned, people just wait for you to add information then come along and copy it without getting in touch. It would be nice to chat with possible family. However if changing my tree to private will block my DNA matches I’m not sure I want to do that.

Once I added my DNA to my tree I was contacted on the same day by a 4th-5th cousin which is brilliant, others I’ve contacted are yet to reply, fingers crossed they will reply at some point. I have a possible 405 relations from my DNA test, fascinating ????

[kiterunner]

Changing your tree to private won't block your DNA matches, but it will stop them from being able to see your tree.

[Lynn the Forest Fan]

I downloaded my tree and it is public at the moment. Nobody has contacted me yet but I am finding the hints interesting, particularly as they all seem to match with 3 other trees. My test has yet to be received by Ancestry.