Tech Forum

Our Ward was moved to a different Stake about a year ago at which time I was released as Stake Tech Specialist. I primarily worked with the FHC computers while the Stake Clerk did the meeting house machines as he traveled for Ward Conferences.

Our Ward had a new PC show up about 6 months ago and it has just been sitting there as the new Stake doesn't have a Tech Specialist. I have been asked to help setting it up but it has been a while and I only upgraded a MLS system once about 3 years ago. I have 2 main questions:

1. Should I worry about MLS versions? The new PC has been sitting around for at least 6 months and will have an older version of MLS on it. We currently have dial up service so it will be slow to upgrade (from what I hear). Would it be better to move the PC to someone's home with broadband to do the upgrade so we can get new MLS versions? Would it be possible to download the MLS upgrade and put it on my flash drive to take to the building?

2. Can someone provide an outline of the upgrade process for the MLS or a link to a document with the instructions? (I just need the church specific software, I think it is all now MLS, I used to deal with REFIS etc)

A current phone number for the LDS help-desk would be good too.

Thanks

rogerscr wrote:Our Ward was moved to a different Stake about a year ago at which time I was released as Stake Tech Specialist. I primarily worked with the FHC computers while the Stake Clerk did the meeting house machines as he traveled for Ward Conferences.

Our Ward had a new PC show up about 6 months ago and it has just been sitting there as the new Stake doesn't have a Tech Specialist. I have been asked to help setting it up but it has been a while and I only upgraded a MLS system once about 3 years ago. I have 2 main questions:

1. Should I worry about MLS versions? The new PC has been sitting around for at least 6 months and will have an older version of MLS on it. We currently have dial up service so it will be slow to upgrade (from what I hear). Would it be better to move the PC to someone's home with broadband to do the upgrade so we can get new MLS versions? Would it be possible to download the MLS upgrade and put it on my flash drive to take to the building?

Yes you will want the latest version of MLS. See the answer to question 2 for how to download a complete install. It is best to download it and put it on a flash drive.

rogerscr wrote: 2. Can someone provide an outline of the upgrade process for the MLS or a link to a document with the instructions? (I just need the church specific software, I think it is all now MLS, I used to deal with REFIS etc)

This wiki page explains how to download the latest version of MLS.

Computers do not come with MLS pre-installed. You will have to download and install the latest version of MLS. Rather than provide the password here, for obvious reasons, please use the methods described on the wiki page to obtain the password legitimately.

Once you have logged in, navigate to the section "Local Unit Computer Instructions" and then download and print the "Dell 740 Computer Instructions". Follow these step-by-step to ensure you have set up the computer correctly.

You can also obtain the instructions (minus the passwords - different from above) here on the wiki. You will need to obtain the passwords from the stake clerk, as the wiki says (although I'd be surprised if he knew what they are both supposed to be) or by going to the download site once you get the login password and viewing the document there (the passwords are in that document).

rogerscr wrote:1. Should I worry about MLS versions?

2. Can someone provide an outline of the upgrade process for the MLS or a link to a document with the instructions?

A new PC normally does not have MLS on it at all. At the site where you will get the latest version of MLS, there will be a number of other programs. Your STS (or former STS) can give you the login and password to the MLS site.

On a flash drive:

Get the latest version of MLS.

Under Local Unit Security Software, get both the Comnputer Management program and the Anti-Virus Installer.

Under Additional Local Unit Software, you will want at least the Adobe Reader, CutePDF, and OpenOffice. But you do not need any of these to get them up and running in MLS.

Under Local Unit Computer Instructions, get (you guessed it) the instructions you will need to set up the PC.

Read through the instructions. Take the flash drive to the box, and have fun.

The help desk is at the main Church number, extension 23500. They are open days M-F and later in the evening on T and W.

While it's probably mentioned somewhere in the literature, plan the cut-over ahead of time. By changing machines, you'll trigger the security feature and will have to call Local Unit Support to reset the security before you can do a Send/Receive. But they are not open on weekends.

My suggestion:

• Set up the computer up to the point of restoring the database and put it back in the box.
• Call during the week and have security reset.
• Go back to the ward before anyone else gets into MLS and do a last backup on the old machine (no NOT do a Send/Receive), and restore it on the new.

RussellHltn wrote:While it's probably mentioned somewhere in the literature, plan the cut-over ahead of time.

Speaking of planning ahead, you might want to either get it swapped out this week, or wait until after August 22nd, if the 15th to the 22nd is the window for the CUBS transition in your area.

To Move/Transfer MLS and data from your old computer to your new computer.

Delete the folder LDS Church\MLS from your new computer C:\Program Files\
Delete the folder udx from your new computer C:\
Delete the folder AFARIA from your new computer C:\
Delete the folder mlsData-backup from your new computer C:\

Copy/Replace the whole folder LDS Church\MLS from your old computer to your new computer C:\Program Files\
Copy/Replace the whole folder udx from your old computer to your new computer C:\
Copy/Replace the whole folder AFARIA from your old computer to your new computer C:\
Copy/Replace the whole folder mlsData-backup from your old computer to your new computer C:\

We replaced our local units computer in June'10, this MLS and data transfer procedure worked great for us and the two other units in the building. One unit in the building did not even load MLS on their new computer, they just copied over the folders LDS Church\MLS udx AFARIA and mlsData-backup from their old computer to their new computer and it worked great for them.

.

The fact that the Global Service Desk can't reset the security on MLS seems very odd to me. With our Large Stake and the hours it takes, we're completing our new computer upgrades off hours, the Global Service Desk is the perfect group to be able to do this particularly on a Sunday. We did 3 of them on Wednesday night, but didn't finish until 9:30... a fairly reasonable hour, but MLS had gone home. GSD was still alive and couldn't help.... Why?

BTW, our STS created an image that boots from a Barts disk, then ghosts the machine. We've included all the software from mls.lds.org including LanDesk and AV, and a default MLS (not run for the first time yet). So far we've completed 5 upgrades with no issues. I was a bit worried about the AV particularly, but it is working great so far.

jshawut wrote:then ghosts the machine.

Is this for backup or for creating a new computer?

If you're creating a new computer, I'd advise against having MLS and LANDesk pre-loaded. You may not see a problem now, but that's not to say you won't have one down the road.

JohnShaw wrote:then ghosts the machine.

The following is just a suggestion to keep your desktops unique and if there is every an issue with a desktop (e.g., virus), then headquarters will be able locate the device

Start the cloned desktop (standalone, no network), logon with the Clerk account
1. Change the Computer Name (LU-nnnnn n=unit number)
2. Change the Computer Description, we enter Desktop Vendor name, model and serial number (SN)

Then we Connect to the church's network and install LANDesk and Sophos
1) mls.lds.org > Login > Local Unit Security Software then download and install (in this order)
2) Computer Management Software (LANDesk) and
3) Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware Software Installer (Sophos)

See other postings by aebrown, RussellHltn, subtlecoolness, and others about LANDesk and Sophos