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<< Click to Display Table of Contents >> Navigation: MLS 2026 Installation and System Setup > Datamanager - Your Installation and Data Management Tool |
DataManager 2026 is the primary administrative utility for MLS 2026.
It is used for:
•creating and initializing databases
•importing data from older systems
•rebuilding indexes
•configuring interfaces
•performing backups and restores
•maintaining licensing and authorization
•viewing and editing raw data files
This utility is extremely powerful and should only be used by:
the system administrator
or
qualified support personnel
⚠️ DataManager is installed ONLY on the server computer.
Do NOT:
•install it on workstations
•run it from client computers
•allow normal employees access to it
Because DataManager works directly with the database structure itself, improper use can:
•damage data
•overwrite files
•destroy indexes
•interrupt operations
•affect all workstations simultaneously
Always use caution.
DataManager handles five major areas of operation:
•File Management
•Data Importing
•System Setup
•Database Utilities
•Administrative Tools
The main menu is divided into the following sections.
The Files menu handles creation and maintenance of the database structure itself.
Creates new, empty database files.
This option is normally used:
•during first installation
•when rebuilding a completely new system
•when instructed by support personnel
⚠️ Creating new databases without understanding the consequences may overwrite existing data.
Builds or rebuilds database indexes.
Indexes are used by MLS 2026 to:
•organize information
•accelerate searches
•maintain browse order
•improve performance
Reindexing is often the first troubleshooting step if:
•records appear missing
•searches behave incorrectly
•data seems out of order
All users should exit MLS 2026 before rebuilding indexes.
Creates a local backup of the MLS 2026 data files.
Regular backups are essential protection against:
•hardware failures
•malware
•accidental deletion
•data corruption
Restores data from a previously created backup.
⚠️ Restoring backups can overwrite current data.
Always confirm:
•the backup source
•the date of the backup
•the intended target
before proceeding.
The Import section transfers data from older MasterLink products into MLS 2026 databases.
Supported imports include:
Imports data from:
Auto Shop Writer 5 DOS versions
Imports data from:
Executive Management System versions
Imports data from:
Auto Shop Writer versions 8 through 11
These import tools allow long-term users to retain:
•client histories
•vehicle records
•workorders
•accounting data
•inventory
•glossary entries
•historical information
during upgrades.
The Setup menu handles core system configuration.
Displays company information associated with the license and allows editing of selected business information.
Updates authorization and licensing information.
This may include:
•subscription validation
•renewal processing
•version authorization
•activation updates
Authorization files may be received:
•automatically through internet updates
•directly from MasterLink Software
Configures communication paths for:
•third-party vendors
•integrated services
•external interfaces
•automation systems
Allows specification of:
•alternate backup locations
•secondary drives
•network backup paths
Using separate backup destinations is strongly recommended.
The DBMS section provides advanced database conversion utilities.
These tools can create alternate database formats by copying the existing DBF data into another database structure.
Legacy options include:
•ADT
•SQL
⚠️ These options should only be used under direct guidance from MasterLink Software or qualified database administrators.
The File Editor is a powerful administrative utility.
It allows:
•viewing raw database records
•modifying records directly
•importing data
•exporting data
•repairing damaged information
•advanced troubleshooting
⚠️ Improper use of the File Editor can permanently damage your data.
Only experienced administrators should use this feature.
Displays current system information including:
•licensing status
•version information
•workstation statistics
•Windows operating data
•memory usage
•server utilization
This information is often requested by technical support during troubleshooting.
The Help menu provides quick access to support resources.
Opens the complete MLS 2026 documentation system.
Allows remote support connections with:
MasterLink Software
This feature may be used by support personnel during:
•installations
•troubleshooting
•repairs
•training
•updates
Displays:
•DataManager version information
•build numbers
•release dates
•program identification data
Access to DataManager should be tightly controlled.
Most employees should never need to use this utility.
A good policy is:
•limit access to ownership or management
•maintain administrator passwords securely
•perform backups regularly
•avoid experimental changes
•contact support before performing unfamiliar operations
Used properly, DataManager provides the administrative foundation that keeps MLS 2026 operating efficiently and reliably.