FAQ - Frequently asked questions...
Display
Securing data, backup
Internet connection
Data exchange
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Please contact our hotline for further questions:
Tel. +44 (0)207 580 0126
e-mail: catalogue@mpaonline.org.uk
Display
| When I click sort buttons, why is the data shown in some but not all columns? |
For fields that have a sort index in the database, the sorted data can be displayed
right after the sort button has been clicked. For fields without a sort index, a search must be done, during which the data can be sorted.
Therefore, an entry must be made into the search fields before data can be displayed. However, the immediate
display works only for less than 5000 items of data. For more than 5000, a search is always necessary.
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| Why does the screen build up more slowly in the lists Own items, Single titles and Single prices? |
In these lists, the column "Error" is shown by default. Here you can see whether there are
incorrect entries in a data record or whether values are present twice in fields containing unique numbers (e.g. ISMN).
The error status is displayed dynamically during the search. This process is quite complex, so that you may notice
a delay in the display, especially with older computers. With newer computers (from ca. 400 MHz pulse frequency) this
should be barely noticeable. If the screen build-up is too slow, hide the "Error" column (right mouse click on the sort button
or menu "View->Select columns"). If an error occurs, it is displayed in red in the corresponding mask.
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Securing data, backup
| How do I save my data with IDNV/MPA-Master? |
All modifications and entries are written into the hard drive while you work.
Therefore you do not have to save your steps manually as in other programs. We do, however, recommend
backing up modified databases regularly, especially before you import or modify data on a large scale (see next question).
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| How do I back up my data? |
Your entries are saved into the following files:
NW_Ar.db (Own items)
NW_Ti.db (Own single titles)
NW_Pr.db (Own prices)
Unless set up differently, these are in the installation folder with the IDNV/MPA-Master program (IDNV_Sta.exe).
Make copies of these databases regularly, preferably onto an external medium.
The program makes a backup copy of the above-mentioned databases before
sending data. In order for this to happen, the option "Create backup of own databases"
in the section "1. Before data exchange..." must be activated. Thereby, an additional database backup
is made in the folder DBBak that is in the program folder. The backup databases themselves are in folders with a
time stamp. You can also activate this function independently of the data exchange (simply untick the further steps of the
data exchange).
You can back up databases "manually" as follows:
- Close IDNV/MPA-Master
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Set up a different folder / medium for backups. Create for example a new folder. Noting the date is advisable (e.g. 020722_DB_MPA).
- Make a copy of the above-mentioned databases into the backup folder through the operating system.
Of course you can also include the files into your current backup system.
Tip: Before performing large "automatic" tasks, e.g. imports, you should make a copy of your own
databases. Therefore, you can always return to the status before the task.
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| How can I reverse modifications? |
Modifications to a data record can be cancelled when you are working on them.
The former status is restored.
Once the data has been changed, the former status is no longer available.
You can always restore the status that is present in the MPA server by using Reset. This function
can be used for individual data records or for your entire catalogue.
With the data exchange, the server serves as a data backup for your entries.
You can also resort to a backup of the databases by replacing the databases mentioned above with backup copies.
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Internet connection
| The data exchange fails while connecting. What could be the reason? |
IDNV/MPA-Master requires a direct connection to the Internet. The connection
is initiated by the client (i.e., IDNV/MPA-Master) to our central server via TCP port 2222. (A connection from outside,
as with active FTP, is not required)
If the connection cannot be established, it may be due to one of the following reasons:
- No Internet connection is established.
This may be the case if you do not have a permanent internet connection but a modem or ISDN card.
If so, establish a connection as you do when you surf the web or send e-mails.
If the connection is set up as a Windows remote access service, the program
can open it automatically and close it after having sent the data. For this option,
choose the desired connection from the pop-up menu in the "Data exchange" dialog box.
Otherwise, open the connection manually before clicking "Start". This is especially true
for AOL or T-Online dial-up software. Once the completion message appears ("Data exchange and processing have been carried out successfully."),
you can close the connection.
- No gateway has been set up.
If you usually use a proxy server in your own network, your computer may not have
a direct connection to the Internet. A gateway is a computer or external device that
transmits or receives IP data packages to or from the Internet. A proxy, on the other hand,
transmits only specific protocols, e.g. HTTP for web browsers.
The local gateway address must be set up in the network interface card's TCP/IP properties, and
the gateway must allow connections on port 2222 (see next point).
- The connection is blocked by a firewall.
This may be the case if you have firewall software installed on your computer or
if you are connected to the Internet through a firewall in your network. If so, the firewall must be
cleared for outbound connections via TCP port 2222.
You may want to contact your network administrator. Please call the MPA for further questions.
- Our server or network is out of order
Our server is normally online 24/7. Should there be a failure, please try again later.
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| Why can't I run the data exchange through a proxy, as with a web browser? |
The IDNV software uses a particular secure protocol for the data exchange, which transmits the data in
a compressed and encrypted form. This is not supported by proxies.
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| Can viruses or worms enter through the port 2222? |
No, because incoming connections are not accepted in this port. Therefore your firewall can block incoming
connections if you want.
When the data exchange is initiated, our program sets up a connection only with our central server. There is no
direct data exchange with other computers. Because we use only our own software, no known security breaches
of standard software can be exploited.
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| The data exchange seems to proceed normally at first but then it suddenly stops and a message
says that the connection has been interrupted or closed by the server. |
Some routers may be configured to automatically cut the connection after a certain time
when there is no traffic on the line ("time out"). If the router only monitors certain ports,
like the typical browser ports 80 (HTTP) and 443 (HTTPS) it will cut the connection even if
there is still traffic on our port 2222. In that case configure the router to monitor port
2222 as well.
Another method to solve this problem is to "surf" a little while the MPA is doing it's data
exchange. Doing this the router will see traffic on port 80.
But you must be active by clicking on links etc. Just viewing a page will not be sufficient.
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Data exchange
When I set up a connection to the central server, the following message appears:
"Logon failed because of an invalid username and/or password."
What can I do? |
You need a different key for your program. Please call the MPA (Tel. +44 (0)207 580 0126 or catalogue@mpaonline.org.uk).
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| I would like to update my databases automatically when I start my computer or when I log on to windows. How does it work? |
Please open the windows autostart folder. You will find this for example in the start menu under
Programs (Right-click and then click on Open). Then, you can create a shortcut for
IDNV_Sta.exe in the IDNV/MPA-Master installation folder.
Please now right-click on the shortcut, and then go to Properties.
In the field "Target", the path to IDNV_Sta.exe should be indicated. Please add a space behind it and then
-OnlineUpdate. Close the window by clicking on OK. Next time you log on, the update should be carried out.
After that, the program closes again.
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The sending statuses of modified records were deleted after the data exchange was started, but the
exchange failed.
Are my modifications lost? |
No. IDNV/MPA-Master writes the modifications to a file before setting up the connection. This remains in the outbox until it
has been successfully transmitted to the central server. Correct the problem that prevented the data from being sent and repeat
the process.
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| Why does it take a while for my sent updates to appear in the main databases? |
The IDNV/MPA central editorial office collects the received changes and inspects these for
possible discrepancies. The entries of all publishers are pooled and made available as an update.
This takes place every day.
If you have very urgent modifications that must be made available immediately, please call the MPA (Tel. +44 (0)207 580 0126 or catalogue@mpaonline.org.uk).
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