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<< Click to Display Table of Contents >> Navigation: MLS 2026 Installation and System Setup > Datamanager - Your Installation and Data Management Tool > Setup Menu |
The Setup menu in DataManager 2026 contains the primary administrative configuration options for MLS 2026.
These functions control:
•company identification
•authorization and licensing
•interface paths
•backup locations
•and other system-wide settings
⚠️ Access to these options should normally be limited to the system administrator.
The major Setup options include:
•Company Data
•Authorize
•Interfaces
•Backup Drive
The Company Data section contains the primary information identifying your business within MLS 2026.
This information is stored:
•on the server
•and shared automatically with all workstations
Much of the information is supplied through your:
authorization key file
which is maintained by MasterLink Software and periodically updated through the automatic update system.
The authorization file includes:
•Company Name
•Address
•City, State, Zip
•Phone Number
•Serial Number
•Authorization / Key File information
This data is used throughout MLS 2026 for:
•invoices
•estimates
•reports
•registration validation
•update eligibility
•and licensing verification
The following fields may be edited locally by your business:
Many states require repair facilities to display their business license number on:
•invoices
•estimates
•customer documentation
This number is often issued by:
•a Department of Consumer Affairs
•Automotive Repair Bureau
•or similar regulatory agency
Enter the appropriate license information exactly as issued.
Invoices and estimates contain an area near the top of the form where your company slogan may be printed.
Examples include:
•“Quality Service You Can Trust”
•“Serving Our Community Since 1983”
•“Professional Automotive Care”
For best appearance:
•keep slogans brief
•limit entries to approximately 75 characters
The slogan prints above the client information area on invoices and estimates.
The Authorize utility updates your system licensing and access rights.
This process:
•validates your installation
•updates company registration information
•enables newer program versions
•activates licensed features
•and updates subscription eligibility
In most cases:
•authorization only needs to be performed during initial installation
or
•when specifically instructed by MasterLink Software
The first time you run the Authorize utility:
•you will be prompted for your 5-digit serial number
This serial number:
•was assigned when your original license was purchased
•remains permanently associated with your business
•does NOT change between versions
Once entered:
•the number is stored automatically
•you normally will not be prompted again
⚠️ Do NOT guess at the serial number.
If you do not know it:
contact support@MasterLinkSoftware.com
and the information can usually be provided quickly.
MLS 2026 includes an automatic updating system that periodically refreshes:
•authorization files
•feature eligibility
•licensing status
•version access rights
This is especially important for:
•subscription clients
•monthly licensing plans
•Developer Partnership Program members
•legacy quarterly licensing accounts
These automatic updates ensure:
•continued program operation
•proper feature activation
•compatibility with newer builds
•and access to supported enhancements
In most cases:
•no manual action is required after initial setup
The system handles authorization maintenance automatically in the background.