How do I use MLF files

MLF files are just text files with hostname or IP addresses in them. The following screen shot illustrates example MLF hostname and IP address data.  Any editor can be used to create an MLF file. MLF files let you add (Import) groups of machines to UpdateEXPERT (avoiding repetitious "Add Machine" operations), or UpdateEXPERT can write (Export)   machines it already knows about.  

Exporting Machines to an MLF

You can export machine names by expanding the domains of interest prior to export to the MLF file. The exported machine data is determined by what is enumerated in the network pane.

UpdateEXPERT can create a list of machines in a file (MLF) by selecting "Network > Export machine list …"

When exporting to an MLF file from UpdateEXPERT, selecting groups, profiles, or Active Directory objects results in a blank MLF file. In other words, you can't export using these objects.

Adding Machines with MLF files

MLF files let you add many machines by name or IP address, and can serve as an audit trail of what you added. If you only need to add a few machines it may be less work to add them using the "Add Machine" command. Typically, you add machines yourself because Enumeration isn't picking up the hostnames, so you add machines by IP address. You may also want to install new machines on your network and simply add them without enumerating your network again.