Manually Import & Export MAX Information

[Allen_Rode]

Dear Readers,

Previously I've had problems transferring the MAX Configurations to different computers. The Configuration Export Wizard in MAX is not exporting a complete configDataDAQmx1.nce file. The Devices and Interfaces along with the Scales do not seem to transfer. To get around this problem there was a way to manually transfer the needed files from the C:\Program Files\National Instruments\MAX\Data to each computer. Attempting to maintain the calibration information on each computer has become a feat in itself. I was looking at keeping an updated master copy on our network and import it as required to each of the computers.

Thanks,

Allen

[Allen_Rode]

Sorry,

I guess I need to ask the question... Does anyone know how to transfer the MAX files manually?

Thanks,

Allen

[Mark_E]

Hi Allen,

I’m not quite sure what the reasons are that you might be experiencing difficulty exporting your configurations to different computers. Would you be able to list what version of MAX you’re using and what steps you are taking to do it? It’s possible that there are known issues depending on your version, method, etc.

You’re already aware of the folder where this type of information is saved, so I’m not sure what you want more than that in order to manually transfer the files. However, there is a way to do it through LabVIEW, that may be what you’re looking for.

If this doesn’t answer your question, please repost and clarify what you mean by wanting to “transfer the MAX files manually.

[JB]

Hi Allen,

Are you aware that you have to select the data that must be included in the configuration file ? The expected elements may not be selected by default when exporting/importing the configuration.




Message Edité par JB le 02-19-2008 10:38 AM

[Allen_Rode]

Hi,

Yes I do understand the selecting process. At a previous employer I didn’t encounter this issue. Max was updated to a network location and each of the computers was updated as required. My only concern then was the scales. Where I’m presently working the Import / Export only exports the basic MAX information, the scales and hardware are not transferring. I’m not sure if it’s network security issue or not. But the other reason I like performing it manually is that it make an image copy of the MAX configuration. You don’t run into the error window when you try and check hardware items that are not installed on the master computer. This has some advantages when writing code using hardware that is not present on the master computer.

I have yet to explore transferring the file through LabVIEW.

The Problem:

MAX is loaded when the computer is booted. There are files that MAX is accessing; therefore, when you attempt to copy the files into the Data folder you get an “Access Denied” because the files are in use. What I’m specifically looking for is what the process is for temporarily disabling MAX so these files can be copied?

Thanks,

Allen

[Allen_Rode]

Hi Mark,

The version I'm running is 4.2.1.3001. I’m using the Configuration Export Wizard in MAX. The problem I’m having is with the configDataDAQmx1.nce file. There is about a 10x difference in the file size between the config3.mxs and the configDataDAQmx1.nce that is exported. I’m not sure if this make a difference but there seems to be a correlation between the two files.

Thanks,

Allen

[Mark_E]

Hi Allen,

Again, I’m not sure why your devices & interfaces and scales are not exporting. Have you tried exporting to a .ini or .txt file? These will allow you to see what’s included and edit them if needed. That could also help you avoid seeing the error window when identical hardware is not present on both computers.

The reason the .mxs file is bigger than the .nce is because it contains everything MAX needs to configure itself, including all the software versions and other information that isn’t exported. It isn’t recommended to use the .mxs file because it contains extra information for that specific computer that you wouldn’t want to port to another computer.

You really shouldn’t be disabling MAX in order to copy files over, as the export really should be what you use. If there are problems using the supported method of exporting, we should address those. However, you may search the following KB for information about the services that are loaded at boot-up. They’re not intended to be used in the manner you want, so you may get unexpected (and undesired) results.

In summary, I would recommend trying one of the other exported files types (.ini or .txt) to see if you can export your scales and devices and interfaces. Below are some links that describe the process.

http://digital.ni.com/public.nsf/allkb/49994FD57AFB1C2A86256F5200063E41?OpenDocument
http://digital.ni.com/public.nsf/allkb/44128E1447FF1DB586257164005432A3?OpenDocument