This page was last updated on 25 April 2008.

What is Clooz?

Clooz is a database for systematically storing all of the clues to your ancestry that you've been collecting over the years. This is not another genealogy program! It is an electronic filing cabinet that assists you with search and retrieval of important facts you've found during the ancestor hunt. Forms available within the program are all U.S. Federal censuses population schedules 1790-1930 (1890 is the Special Veterans’ Schedule), Irish 1901 and 1911 censuses, 1841-1901 United Kingdom censuses, 1852-1911 Canadian censuses, French censuses, Norwegian censuses, Mecklenburg-Schwerin 1819 census, directories, photographs, miscellaneous documents, Irish valuations, correspondence, and people. 

Can I export data from Clooz to other programs?

You can export your data from Clooz in the following formats: Adobe Reader PDF format; Rich Text Format; MS-DOS Text; or Microsoft Excel.

Do you accept credit cards?

Yes! You can order Clooz using Visa, MasterCard, and Discover, as well as check or money order.

Can I purchase Clooz elsewhere?

Naturally, the program is available from Ancestor Detective^®, but it can also be purchased from the following vendors:

Is there a demo or trial version available for Clooz?

Yes. You can download Clooz 2.1 from here. It's the full version of the program, but is downloaded in demo mode. You can try the program for 30 days or 15 tries. After that, you'll have to purchase the program. You can purchase by clicking on the Buy Now selection on the left.

Can I use Clooz on more than one machine?

The license that comes with Clooz allows the user to put the program on more than one machine owned by the licensed user. Owners of laptops will especially appreciate this, as they will be able to take their databases with them to libraries and archives to avoid duplicate research. The program is only licensed to one user, though, and cannot be shared with other individuals. This is not shareware or freeware. You are purchasing a licensed copy for one user.

What is the customer support policy for Clooz?

Customer support will be provided free of charge to all registered Clooz users. Those who purchase the program from vendors need to mail in their registration card or register from within the program in order to receive support. If you purchase the program directly from Ancestor Detective, you do not need to return the registration card as you will automatically be eligible for customer support. E-mail to clooz@clooz.com is the primary and preferred method of contact for customer support. Customers should attempt to keep their e-mail address current with Ancestor Detective, as this is how announcements about the product are distributed. You can subscribe to either the List or Digest version of the Clooz Mailing List by  clicking on the appropriate link and only typing "subscribe" in the body of the message. Also, turn off any signatures. Questions can be faxed to (734) 354-6442 or mailed to P.O. Box 6386, Plymouth, MI 48170-8486 USA.

If you are having problems with Clooz, you should first check the Clooz Knowledge Base to see if the problem has been addressed. All aspects of Clooz and Ancestor Detective^® are a one-person show, so patience is appreciated. Remember, customer support is free and you will be supported! However, the customer support being provided free is for Clooz only, and not for answering questions specific to Microsoft Access, Windows, computers, other software, genealogical research, or how to organize your records. Any requests for help on topics other than Clooz will not be answered!

What if I purchase Clooz and don’t like it?

While Ancestor Detective^® is very excited about the capabilities and usefulness of Clooz, it is understood that the program will not satisfy everyone. Therefore, a 30-day money-back guarantee comes with the CD if you purchase it directly from Ancestor Detective. Simply return the program and ask for a refund of the purchase price. The shipping and handling fee will not be refunded. Vendors' refund policies may vary. If you purchased Clooz from a vendor, you need to return the program to the vendor, not Ancestor Detective. There is no refund on the download version of Clooz. Before purchasing the download, you should try the Clooz demo to see if you like the program.

Can I obtain a copy of Clooz for review in my publication?

Reviewers should send requests for review copies of Clooz to clooz@clooz.com. A courtesy copy of the review, when published, is requested.

What are future plans for Clooz?

While company secrets are being closely guarded, you can expect that over time other forms and reports will be made available. I depend on customer feedback to find out what items need to be added or enhanced in the program. Check back at this Web site for future announcements. Current owners can also check the Clooz Knowledge Base for updates to the program.

Do you take suggestions for future additions to Clooz?

Ideas are always welcome as long as they’re not too outrageous! Helpful suggestions include ways to make the program run more efficiently, items that should be included on forms but were not, and forms and reports that could be added to the program in the future. Send suggestions to clooz@clooz.com.

What is Ancestor Detective, LLC?

Ancestor Detective, LLC, is a limited-liability company owned by Elizabeth Kelley Kerstens, CG, CGL, and licensed since 1990. Liz was certified by the Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG) as a Certified Genealogical Records Specialist^SM (CGRS) in 1996, and as a Certified Genealogical Lecturer^SM in 2001. In 2005, BCG eliminated the CGRS category and Liz became a Certified Genealogist^SM. As the driving force behind Ancestor Detective, LLC, Liz specializes in Irish and Michigan research. She speaks on several topics at the national, regional, and local levels. Liz is the managing editor of Digital Genealogist, managing editor of the National Genealogical Society's NewsMagazine, and former editor of Genealogical Computing (an Ancestry.com publication), BCG's newsletter OnBoard and the BCG Certification Roster, and the Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly and both the 1997–98 and 1995–96 APG Directory of Professional Genealogists. She also manages the Ancestor Detective Speakers Bureau. She is co-director of Celtic Quest, LLC, a company that leads research trips to Ireland each year.