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<< Click to Display Table of Contents >> Navigation: MLS 2026 Installation and System Setup > Datamanager - Your Installation and Data Management Tool > Import Menu |
The Import menu in DataManager 2026 allows you to transfer existing data from earlier MasterLink Software products into MLS 2026.
This utility converts older database structures into the current MLS 2026 format while preserving your client, vehicle, workorder, accounting, and related business information.
⚠️ IMPORTANT
Imports should only be performed on:
•newly created empty databases
or
•systems specifically prepared for conversion
Running imports multiple times without rebuilding empty databases first will create duplicate records.
The following import options are available:
•EMS 2000
•ASW 8–11
(Early Windows Versions)
Selecting:
EMS
from the Import menu starts the conversion process for earlier versions of:
Executive Management System (EMS)
Before beginning the import:
1.Install MLS 2026 Server software
2.Create new empty MLS 2026 database files
3.Verify that your EMS data is intact
4.Ensure all users are out of the system
⚠️ If the MLS 2026 files are not empty:
•imported data will be added to existing records
•duplicate information may result
If necessary:
•rebuild fresh empty databases before repeating an import
For best reliability:
•the EMS data directory should reside on the SAME server being used for MLS 2026
Although network imports usually work properly:
•unstable connections
•wireless interruptions
•network drops
can corrupt transferred data during conversion.
After confirming the import:
1.A browse window will appear
2.Locate the EMS data directory
3.Double click the folder so it appears OPEN
4.Press OK to continue
The system will then:
•read the EMS files
•restructure the data
•create converted copies inside the MLS2026s database structure
Your original EMS files are NOT modified.
Older systems occasionally contain damaged or invalid records.
These may interrupt the conversion process.
This almost always means:
•the wrong directory was selected during browsing
Verify that you selected the actual EMS data folder.
EMS importing restructures the original data into the newer MLS 2026 database format.
The original EMS files remain unchanged.
The converted data is written into:
the MLS2026s database structure
Selecting:
ASW 8–11
from the Import menu starts the conversion process for:
•Auto Shop Writer 8
•Auto Shop Writer 9
•Auto Shop Writer 10
•Auto Shop Writer 11
Before beginning the import:
1.Install MLS 2026 Server software
2.Create new empty MLS 2026 database files
3.Verify your existing ASW data
4.Ensure all users are out of the system
⚠️ If the MLS 2026 files are not empty:
•imported records will be added to existing data
•duplicate entries will occur
Always begin with empty database files when performing a conversion.
For best reliability:
•the existing ASW data folder should reside on the SAME server as MLS 2026
Although network transfers generally work properly:
•unstable connections
•interrupted transfers
•wireless networking
can damage imported data.
After confirming the import:
1.A browse window will appear
2.Locate the:
ASW##s\DATA
directory
(where ## represents your earlier version number)
Examples:
•ASW8s\DATA
•ASW10s\DATA
•ASW11s\DATA
3.Double click the folder so it appears OPEN
4.Press OK
The system will then:
•convert the older structures
•restructure the information
•create converted copies inside the MLS2026s database structure
Your original ASW data remains unchanged.
Older databases may occasionally contain damaged or incomplete records.
This almost always means:
•the incorrect folder was selected during browsing
Verify you selected the actual:
DATA
folder from the earlier ASW installation.
ASW importing restructures older data into the MLS 2026 database format.
The original ASW files are NOT modified.
The converted data is written into:
the MLS2026s database structure
Data from:
MLS12
does NOT need to be imported.
Instead:
•MLS 2026 may continue using the existing MLS12s server database directly
This provides:
•a simpler upgrade process
•immediate access to existing data
•continuity for long-term installations
Legacy MLS12 systems remain fully supported by MLS 2026.