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MLS backup command missing on STS menu

Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2015 4:55 pm
by michaelfish
I have been the STS in our stake for 5 years now.

We received a new PC today (for the Stake clerk's office) and I prepared to set it up. When I looked for Back Up under File, there is no command, not grayed out, it just isn't there. I looked under every option and still could not find it.

I have been assigned the appropriate Stake Assistant Clerk - Technology calling in MLS.

I am going to have the stake clerk or executive secretary meet me in the morning and have them back up the computer but does anyone know why is isn't listed for me?

Re: MLS backup command missing on STS menu

Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2015 5:27 pm
by russellhltn
You may need additional rights in MLS to do a backup. MLS is only partially using callings to assign rights. It's primary source is how your MLS login is set up.

Re: MLS backup command missing on STS menu

Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2015 5:31 pm
by jdlessley
Certain MLS functions are only available to those with specific (administrator?) access rights. Backup and restore from the menu may be one of those requiring specific access rights. A calling does not grant you any rights in MLS. You must be given specific rights explicitly within your user account. For stake STS positions one of the "Out of Unit Administrator" positions are generally used. See Maintain MLS User Access for more information about MLS user accounts and the "Out of Unit Administrator" user account.

The STS should create an out of unit administrator user account in each unit's MLS to provide maintenance support. It may be possible that an over zealous unit clerk removed or deactivated the stake out of unit administrator user account thinking it was not needed. One of the two unit administrators can add it back in. But I know that does not solve your immediate dilemma.

Re: MLS backup command missing on STS menu

Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2015 4:00 pm
by sbradshaw
Note that the original poster is logged into the stake MLS (to replace the stake computer). I think "out of unit administrator" accounts are only needed in the ward MLS installations.

I'd be surprised if you couldn't back up the stake MLS – maybe it needs to be the stake clerk himself. But backing up is something that happens all the time, no matter who is logged in (for example if anything financial changes), so I don't know why you couldn't manually back up.

Re: MLS backup command missing on STS menu

Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2015 4:14 pm
by michaelfish
The stake clerk HAD removed me as an administrator since I am a Stake Assistant Clerk - Technology and shouldn't have access to financial or membership editing.

We looked into it and there was no way to granting only backing up privileges.

Thanks for the input.

Re: MLS backup command missing on STS menu

Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2015 1:30 am
by johnshaw
That is one of the flaws of the new policy, IMHO, it seems to indicate that the STS is not really the specialist of MLS, and that does get into a small problem at times like these.

Re: MLS backup command missing on STS menu

Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2015 11:44 am
by russellhltn
johnshaw wrote:it seems to indicate that the STS is not really the specialist of MLS,
Yes, that seems to be exactly what Meetinghouse Technology Roles and Responsibilities is saying. For the STS, it says nothing about MLS (other than no access). But for the Stake Clerk, it specifically mentions "Trains clerks and priesthood leaders on Church applications such as MLS and those available on LDS.org".

Long-term, that makes since. The STS has no significant access to LCR, so he can't do anything there. So once MLS goes away, so does anything the STS can do on that front.

Re: MLS backup command missing on STS menu

Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2015 7:53 pm
by sbradshaw
I don't understand why the position is called "Stake Assistant Clerk—Technology Specialist," yet the person is not considered to be an actual Stake Assistant Clerk. I wish they would change the name of the position, if they intend that the position not do clerk things.

Re: MLS backup command missing on STS menu

Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 9:03 am
by johnshaw
The issue is setting up a new computer or repairing an existing computer. That is the role of the STS, yet the most important content on the computer, MLS, is not something the STS can backup/restore.

As a person who chooses to work early hours / late hours for church because I'm tired of being away from my family so much for a calling that I can and should be able to perform when it is most convenient for me I find that this just adds a layer of complication of coordination between schedules and extreme frustration.

Re: MLS backup command missing on STS menu

Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 10:35 am
by russellhltn
johnshaw wrote:That is the role of the STS, yet the most important content on the computer, MLS, is not something the STS can backup/restore.
Not though the published methods. <grin>

But it does prevent him from testing send/receive which could be any number issues which does fall into the STS's area.