I have my DNA results - what can I do next?

[C-A]

I have been wanting to do a DNA test for a long time, but have had problems finding a company who would let me from Italy.  I keep my main tree on Ancestry, but unfortunately they won’t do tests for people in Italy without a U.K. address/bank account. Finally I’ve managed to get one done via My Heritage.

I already subscribe to Ancestry & FindMyPast and so don’t want to pay for My Heritage as well. Plus I don’t really want to start and maintain my tree there as well. It also looks like I need to pay to get any useful info from them.

So, in theory I have the results from my kit, but don’t know how to start using them or the best way forward. I know I can download the raw data, but am not quite sure what to do next.

Help!

C-A

[rlw254]

I would suggest uploading your raw data to GEDmatch and FTDNA and get started using dnapainter.com. Start with your strongest matches, look through their trees, if available, to find common ancestors. If they don't have a tree, try to contact them or sleuth your way through the internet to find information to get you started and make it yourself.

[diplodicus]

Hello,

Brace yourself: DNA results lead you in a different way of research. With traditional tree-building you are usually asking questions and seeking a specific answer; a census form, a BMD reg. etc. DNA results flips this completely about. You now have answers to questions you may not have realised you were asking. You have been given results - a haystack full of needles you didn't know you were missing and won't recognise when you found them.  Before, you might have been seeking great aunt Gertie but now here is Clarice Millicent Arbuthnot of Kentucky. Gulp? What on earth could you, should you, will you do about her?

Once you have linked your results to your tree, Ancestry does present the matches in descending order of "strength" so you can maintain some sense priority.

Start very slowly. I charged in and regretted it, especially when I had to return and do it all thoroughly for a second time. Take one promising match and take just that one for a spin. I strongly recommend taking the effort to note down everything with dates. Each match has a place for notes.

There are some excellent web pages out there providing  easily-understandable explanations of the most oft-repeated DNAspeak.

As and when you reach out to a DNA match, try not to be disappointed by a lack of a reply. This is more common than not. Remember that others may not test for the same reasons as us.

I have really, really enjoyed my DNA adventures. DNA matches have led me to encounter about ten distant cousins but that has been over the past six years. I have some sixty shared matches with the descendants of Mormon Evan Jones (b1836, Brechfa, Wales). Still can't find a slot for him amongst all my other Jones.

Treat your DNA interests as separate but related to your traditional research.

[Craclyn]

It would be worth putting up a tree on MyHeritage, even if only your direct lines. This will enable the system to do comparisons of surnames and locations with your matches which will give you a better starting point for analysis. You can transfer your tree using a gedcom file, but be aware that there is a limit on the number of profiles you can have on your tree there if you are not a subscriber. I think it may be 250 profiles.

[C-A]

Thanks everyone for such quick replies!

So I have now registered with GEDMatch & uploaded my kit.  I now have some serious studying to do to understand hoot approach this!

C-A

[Craclyn]

Today is the final day of the Rootstech conference in London. At 1 p.m. there will be a live stream of the talk by Debbie Kennet entitled "Getting Started with DNA". You might find it will give you some good pointers.
https://www.rootstech.org

[C-A]

Today is the final day of the Rootstech conference in London. At 1 p.m. there will be a live stream of the talk by Debbie Kennet entitled "Getting Started with DNA". You might find it will give you some good pointers.
https://www.rootstech.org

Thank you!

[midlandslass]

You could also consider uploading them to Promethease
https://www.promethease.com/

Mine are on Gedmatch, FTDNA and MyHeritage and the greater the spread the better chance of finding your relative.

[sugarfizzle]

It would be worth putting up a tree on MyHeritage, even if only your direct lines. This will enable the system to do comparisons of surnames and locations with your matches which will give you a better starting point for analysis. You can transfer your tree using a gedcom file, but be aware that there is a limit on the number of profiles you can have on your tree there if you are not a subscriber. I think it may be 250 profiles.

Importing a tree by gedcom overrides the 250 limitation completely. I have a large tree (4000+) at myheritagedna without a subscription.
They occasionally ask me to upgrade, but so far it hasn't been compulsory. If it were to become do, I would remove my full tree and add a smaller one.

Regards Margaret