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<< Click to Display Table of Contents >> Navigation: MLS 2026 Installation and System Setup > Installation - Server and Client > Installing the Server |
The Server is the computer that stores the primary MLS 2026 data files.
It may be:
•a dedicated server computer
•or one workstation within a small business network
All client workstations will connect to this computer to access the MLS 2026 system.
The server installation must always be completed first.
If your system already has:
•MLS12s
installed and operating properly, then:
👉 you do NOT need to reinstall the server software.
MLS 2026 client workstations will operate correctly against:
•the existing MLS12s database structure
•the existing auto updater service
This allows existing installations to transition smoothly to MLS 2026 without rebuilding the server.
In these cases:
•only the MLS 2026 client software may need to be installed or updated
•existing data and processing remain intact
MLS 2026 server software is installed using:
MLS2026s.exe
This installation creates:
•the main MLS2026s folder
•database folders
•support folders
•server utilities
•the automatic updater service
The server installation itself does NOT create your operational data.
It installs the system structure necessary for operation.
Download:
MLS2026s.exe
to the computer that will function as the server.
You may temporarily place the file:
•on the desktop
•in Downloads
•or any convenient location
Double click:
MLS2026s.exe
to begin installation.
Windows security may ask for confirmation before continuing.
The installer will guide you through the process automatically.
Answer the displayed questions as prompted.
For support and compatibility purposes, we strongly recommend accepting:
•the default installation folders
•the default installation structure
The normal installation folder is:
\MLS2026s
When installation completes, the server software will have created:
•the primary program folders
•database structure
•update services
•support utilities
The automatic updater service will also be installed into Windows.
This service performs:
•automated updates
•background processing
•scheduled maintenance activities
•communication with approved third-party integrations
If you are starting a completely new installation and do not have previous MasterLink data to import, you may choose to use the supplied pre-configured data.
This may include:
•automotive labor glossary information
•general ledger defaults
•payroll tax tables
•standard accounting structures
•predefined operational settings
This can greatly simplify initial setup.
MLS 2026 can import data from current versions of:
MasterLink Shop Writer
Your existing data should already reside:
•on the current server
•or in a known backup location
You should know the path to the current data folder before beginning.
After the server software installation completes:
Open:
DataManager
Your initial login credentials are:
User:
LINK
Password:
MASTER
From the menu:
Files → Create New Databases
From the Import menu:
•select the version you are currently using
•select the path to the existing data folder
The system will then import your information directly into the MLS 2026 database structure.
After importing:
Files → Index
Select:
Select All
Then begin the indexing process.
This rebuilds all indexes for the imported data.
From the menu:
Edit → Authorize
You will be prompted for your serial number.
Use:
•the original 5-digit serial number assigned to your business
⚠️ Do NOT perform authorization using an incorrect serial number.
At this point:
•the server installation is complete
•the databases are ready
•the updater service is installed
•workstations may now be configured
If you are starting with new empty databases:
•omit the Import step
•omit the Index rebuild step after import
The system will already contain clean database structures.
If you make a mistake during installation:
❌ DO NOT uninstall and reinstall the software.
Unnecessary uninstall/reinstall procedures often create:
•additional configuration issues
•broken paths
•permissions problems
•update conflicts
Most installation issues can be corrected quickly without reinstalling the software.
If you encounter difficulties:
•contact MasterLink Software support
•or request remote assistance
MasterLink Software is always happy to assist with:
•new installations
•workstation additions
•server replacements
•recovered systems
•data imports
•migration to new hardware
Most installations can be completed quickly through a secure remote internet connection.