Multiple indexes (six) in same Word document ? Possible?

by RobertResearch Feb 28, 2007 12:29AM PST

I am using Word 2000 in Windows XP Pro. I am -trying- to write my family's family history, and would be grateful for the ability to create and use six different indexes in the same doument.

Example (I will keep it super short):
Name index
ANDERSON:
Byran----23
George---44
BROWN:
Kathy----82

Locations mentioned (Birth, marriages, jobs, death, burial):
NEW YORK:
Albany---33
Cooksburg--93

Pictures:
BROWN:
Richard---12
Travis---105
DOE:
James----147

Causes of Death
HEART ATTACK:
Brown:
Richard, Jr. ---183
Travis --------- 83

Mentioned on the following FGSes (Genealogist term)
OAKEY:
Carrie---74
TERBOCKS:
Chad-----58

Other pictures:
WORLD WAR I DRAFT CARD:
BOARD,
Bill----77

Ok, that is a total of SIX indexes. I do not mind going through the document and doing it by hand (Word won't know archaic causes of deaths), but I am hoping there is a way to make several independent indexes, all automatically changing in page numbers as the document changes.

Is this possible please?

In my example, I tried to indent to help readability, and also tried to line up page numbers but I guess this won't preserve the format. I hope I was clear nonetheless.

Thank you.

RobertResearch

Discussion is locked

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What you need to look into are Genealogy programs.

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Feb 28, 2007 12:35AM PST

Some are free. Such as http://www.kindredtrails.com/free_genealogy_stuff.html

Such an index could be made but it's not automatic until you write VBA CODE to generate it. I think most won't do this.

Bob

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Good idea using genealogy programs, however...

by RobertResearch Feb 28, 2007 4:47AM PST

I have three genealogy programs already. They will do one or both of two things:
1. Generate a name index,
2. Generate a RPT format document and you insert the index)es you want.

I am pretty much stuck, I guess, unless I find someone who knows VBA pretty well. I wonder, is there "indexing" software for Word that will allow the user to index this deep? I would hope so surely. I could do it by hand, but I am looking at months worth of work if I do.

Thank you.

Robert

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Or you use something else?

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Feb 28, 2007 4:57AM PST

I could whip something up in say a spreadsheet but that's spreadsheet abuse (it's not a database.) A database is the real solution where you put in your records and then create the report of your dreams. The output could be something Word could read.

But my point here is that Word looks to be a poor choice since it's not suited for such a task without some heavy programming.

Bob

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Reply to: Or you use something else?

by RobertResearch Feb 28, 2007 1:18PM PST

Ok, I give. <g> Thanks for saving me countless months of energy trying to do something that can't be done. I would have kept trying. Hmm, a few years ago the local college had courses in writing books. I think I will go ask if I can talk to the professor if s/he teaches how to do indexing (probably the same way I know how already for names) that is several indexes deep. If so, I just might take the course and be the oldest student in class. They had discounts for people our age. <g> Might as well as close this thread.

Thanks.

Robert

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How about cheating?

by entrecon Mar 1, 2007 3:31AM PST

Once the document is done, make 6 total copies and have an index in each. Print out the first one and then on each of the other 5, just print the index pages.

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That's cheating?

by RobertResearch Mar 1, 2007 4:29AM PST

Gosh, that is cheating? That sounds like a pretty good idea!!! That is best idea I have heard in months about how to accomplish this.

Thank you!

Robert

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Entrecon, ...

by Kees Bakker Mar 1, 2007 4:51AM PST

Nice to see you back here.

Kees

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Craziness...

by entrecon Mar 1, 2007 4:57AM PST

Sometimes work keeps me too busy...but then they pay the bills.

I have been lurking, but the time I get to a message it is either already answered...or it is way over my head.

Ever since the forum was updated I have noticed what seem to be more technical questions. I know the apps pretty well, but that back end stuff I leave to folks smarter than I.

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Brilliant

by tkhertel Mar 5, 2012 11:13PM PST

Awesome tip, thinking out of the word-box. Thanks

Multiple indexes (six) in same Word document ? Possible?

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