The MLS 2026 File Editor contains a powerful set of tools for viewing, editing, maintaining, importing, exporting, and analyzing data files.
The editor is divided into:
•Main File Editor controls
•Individual File controls
The following descriptions explain the purpose of each control button.
( In the printed and electronic manuals, the actual icons are displayed beside each description. )
Main File Editor Controls
These controls apply to the overall File Editor system.
Create a New File
Creates a brand new database file structure.
⚠️ This is an advanced administrative function and should only be used when instructed by MasterLink Software support personnel or by experienced database administrators.
Open an Existing File
Opens an existing database file for viewing or editing.
Modify File Structure
Allows modification of:
•field names
•field sizes
•field types
•indexes
•and overall file structure
⚠️ EXTREME CAUTION
Changing a file structure improperly can permanently damage data relationships throughout the system.
Do not use this feature unless specifically instructed by MasterLink Software support personnel.
Open Help / Manual
Opens the MLS 2026 manual and File Editor help documentation.
Exit the File Editor
Closes:
•the File Editor program itself
•or the currently opened file editor window
depending on the current location within the editor.
Individual File Controls
These controls apply to the currently opened data file.
Add Record
Creates a new record in the currently opened file.
Edit Record
Allows modification of the currently highlighted record.
Delete Record
Marks the highlighted record as deleted.
⚠️ Deleted records are not permanently removed until the file is packed.
Move to First Record
Jumps instantly to the first record in the file.
Move to Last Record
Jumps instantly to the last record in the file.
Import Records
Imports records from another file.
⚠️ The source file structure MUST exactly match the destination structure.
Incorrect imports may corrupt data.
Export Records
Exports displayed records into a new database file for:
•reporting
•analysis
•spreadsheet usage
•or archival purposes
Set Filter
Displays only records matching selected criteria.
This is extremely useful when working with:
•large files
•troubleshooting
•or targeted data analysis
Select Index
Allows selection of the index used to organize and browse the file.
Different indexes may sort records by:
•account number
•name
•workorder
•date
•license
•or other field values
View File Structure
Displays:
•field names
•field types
•field sizes
•and file layout information
for the currently opened file.
File Utilities
Provides special maintenance tools including:
•viewing deleted records
•recalling deleted records
•packing files
•and emptying files
⚠️ Packing permanently removes deleted records and cannot be undone except through backup restoration.
Global Replace Utility
Replaces a specified field value:
•across all records
•or only records matching selected criteria
⚠️ This utility is extremely powerful and potentially dangerous.
Always verify your selection criteria carefully before processing.
Print Report
Sends the currently displayed records to a printed report.
Export to Excel
Creates a spreadsheet from the currently displayed data.
This is especially useful for:
•research
•reporting
•analysis
•and management summaries
The generated spreadsheet may then be opened in:
•Microsoft Excel
•LibreOffice Calc
•or similar spreadsheet applications.
Final Caution
The File Editor provides direct access to the internal structure of MLS 2026 databases.
⚠️ Improper use can:
•damage relationships
•corrupt indexes
•destroy links between files
•or permanently alter critical business information
Always:
•create backups first
•work carefully
•and consult MasterLink Software if uncertain about any operation.