Copyright: Help by Jill Studholme for File Productions


Opening screen


Getting Started

Welcome to the Music File, the complete reference to all UK Rock and Pop releases. The Music File is designed to be easy and entertaining to use, but if you need help at anytime just press F1 or click the Help Button in the upper left hand corner of the screen.The following topics will help to get you started.

•	Searching for an artist, album or track

•	Building "My Collection"

•	Adding to a shopping list

•	Ordering recordings

•	Connecting to a music web site

Use the Help How To menu to find other ways of using Music File, and the Help Screen Pictures for information on particular features. Click the Contents button to call up the opening screen picture, and browse through the rest from there. Use the Help Search feature to find specific topics.

REMEMBER, you must back up your collections on a regular basis using the Utility Tools. See Back-Up A Collection in the How To menu.


Music File has four main sections: Search, Collections, Shopping and Connections. Click one of these buttons to jump to a new screen.


Jumps to the previous, or opening, Music File screen.


Jumps back to the opening Music File screen.


Jumps to the Search screen where you can find entries in the Music File and build a collection.


Jumps to the Collections screen where you can manage your shopping list and collections.


Jumps to the Shopping screen where you can order recordings from a comprehensive directory of shops.


Jumps to the Connections screen where you can launch a World Wide Web browser and load music related pages (providing you have an internet connection).


Closes Music File


Opens this Help window


Tells you about the makers of Music File, and lets you send them your thoughts on future CD-ROMs.


Lets you choose how Music File runs.  You can turn off the opening animation, set search methods and turn off delete confirmations.


A sample of Mojo Magazine.


Search screen


Use the Search screen to find information in the Music File. You can:

•	Search for artists and show all their recordings

•	Search for album, CD, single, cassette and video titles

•	Search for individual tracks and show all the albums etc that feature them

Once you've found what you're looking for you can add it to your collection, and see track and release information. Click the recording in the right hand Recordings list and then click the details button.

To jump to this screen click the search button.


Tells Music File to search for artists.


Tells Music File to search for albums, compact discs, singles, cassettes and videos.


Tells Music File to search for tracks.


This is where you type search letters and phrases. How Music File searches depends on your choices in the Options dialogue. Initially it does:

•	A quick letter-by-letter search for artists, jumping to the first entry that begins with your search phrase

•	A word search for albums and tracks, showing a list of entries that contain your phrase.

Music File doesn't mind whether you type in capitals or lower case. For quick searches of artists you should look for surnames, not first names. For example type Presley, not Elvis.


This music list shows the results of your search, in alphabetical order. You can page through by clicking an item in the list and pressing the Page Up and Page Down keys on the keyboard, or step through by pressing the up and down arrow keys.


This area shows all recordings by the highlighted artist, or featuring the selected track. Select a recording from the list and click the details button to see the:

•	Release date, format, and catalogue number

•	Tracks and artists on the recording

•	Other recordings the artist has made


To see a recording's release date, format, track list and such like, click details. Music File jumps to the Details screen where you can include the recording in your collection, or add it to your shopping list.


The number of artists, albums or tracks found by the search. For quick searches this is the number of entries of this type in the Music File.


Matches gives the number of recordings made by the highlighted artist, or containing the highlighted track.


Click the up arrow to step up the list.


Click the down arrow to step down the list.


Depending on your settings in the Options dialogue, you may need to click go to start a search.


Details screen


Use the Details screen to:

•	See release information

•	See the tracks on the recording

•	See other recordings by the artist

•	Add the recording to one of your collections

•	Add the recording to your shopping list

To jump to this screen click the details button in the Search screen.


Shows the artist, album or track you picked in the Search screen. You can't change this information here. Go back to the Search screen when you want to choose a new item.


Shows the recordings by your selected artist, the album you've selected, or the recordings featuring your chosen track. You can step up and down this list.


A recording may have been released several times, on several formats. Click the down arrow for a list of all releases.


Click the down arrow to show all releases and formats of this recording.


Adds the recording to a collection. A smiley face shows you've got it.


Adds the recording to your shopping list. A basket shows you want to buy it.


Shows the tracks on the selected recording. Click an underlined artist for a list of all their recordings released in the UK, in chronological order. Display the details of one of these recordings double-clicking on it.


Jumps to the previous Search screen.


Click an underlined artist to show a chronological list of all their recordings.


Collections screen


Use the Collections screen to organise your collection and shopping lists. You can create as many collections as you like, and Music File has many features to help you find and review entries.

(To add recordings to a collection use the Search and Search Details screen)


Click here to choose a collection to review or print.


Lists the recordings in your collection. Click a recording to see its details. To add more recordings jump to the Search Details screen.


Click details to show release and catalogue information, plus any personal details you've added. You can highlight these details and copy them to the clipboard.


Click tracks to show what's on the highlighted recording.


This area shows either:

•	Release details and any personal details you've added

or

•	Tracks on the recording


Lets you create new collections, rename collections, change icons and create categories for your own details.


Lets you add your own information to the recording's details.


Removes the highlighted recording from the collection.


Sorts the collection.


Finds a recording in the collection


Filters out recordings that don't match your criteria.


Prints the collection.


Each collection can have its own icon. To change the icon click ORGANISE.


Click the down arrow to step through the collection and shopping lists.


Shopping screen


Use the Shopping screen to:

•	Select the items on your shopping list that you're ready to order.

•	Jump to a comprehensive directory of music shops with address, phone, fax and e-mail details.


This area shows your shopping list. Select items you're ready to buy now by clicking the recording, then clicking the Order box to tick it. To remove the tick click it again.


Click a recording's order box to tick it for buying now.


Jumps to the Shop Directory screen. You should select at least one recording to order before clicking this button.


This button only appears if you tick a recording that has been deleted. RRC stands for the Record Research Centre, who may be able to locate deleted items for you.


Prints recordings that you have ticked for ordering.


Shopping Directory Screen


Use this screen to show a directory of shops. Click the Town down arrow to select a new list.

Some shops let you order by fax or e-mail, click ORDER DIRECT to place an order with these. Otherwise click the name of the shop and then click the phone button.

To jump to this screen click the Shop Directory button in the Shopping screen.


Displays shops that operate mail order or shops in a particular town. Click the down arrow to select a new list.


Lists addresses of shops operating mail order or shops in a particular town. Some shops let you order by fax or e-mail, click ORDER DIRECT to place an order with these. Otherwise click the name of the shop and then click the phone button.


Click FEATURE for an advert for the shop.


Click ORDER DIRECT for a choice of contacting the shop (phone, print/fax or e-mail).


Jumps to the previous shopping screen.


Connections screen


Use the Connections screen to launch a Web browser and manage a list of web sites.


Launches a World Wide Web browser and loads the highlighted web site. The browser should be associated with .htm files in Windows.


Lets you edit the highlighted web site entry.


Removes the highlighted web site from the list.


Sorts the web site list.


Finds a web site in the list


Filters out web sites that don't match your criteria.


Adds a new web site to the list.


Lists web sites with a music content. You can add to this list and edit the entries.


Gives details of the highlighted web site


Using Music File

Getting Started

Activating a World Wide Web browser

Adding to a collection

Adding to a shopping list

Adding to the web site list

Adding your details to a recording

Building "My Collection"

Closing Music File

Creating a new collection

Deleting a collection

Displaying the Shop Directory

Editing a web site entry

Filtering a collection

Filtering the web list

Finding a web site in the list

Finding an Album, Single or Video

Finding an artist

Finding an item in a collection

Finding release dates, catalogue numbers and formats

Finding the source of a track

Maintaining your system

Keyboard and mouse shortcuts

Letter-by-letter searches

Optimising Music File's performance

Ordering deleted recordings

Ordering recordings

Printing a collection or shopping list

Printing, faxing or e-mailing an order

Printing recordings you are ready to order

Removing a recording from your collection or shopping list

Removing a web site

Renaming and organising a collection

Selecting a collection to organise

Setting categories

Setting collection options

Showing all recordings by an artist in chronological order

Sorting a collection

Sorting the Web Site List

Turning off Music File's opening animation

Word searches


Keyboard shortcuts
Keyboard and Mouse Shortcuts

Moving Through Lists

Click an item in the list and then press the Page Up, Page Down, Up Arrow or Down Arrow keys.

Clicking Go to Search

Instead of clicking go to search you can press the Return (↵) or Enter key.

Jumping to Screens

You can press the Function keys to jump to different screens.

F5	Search screen

F6	Collections screen

F7	Shopping screen

F8	Connections screen

Right Mouse Button

Try clicking the right (or secondary) mouse button over Music File items for shortcuts.


Finding an Artist

1.	Jump to the Search screen by clicking search.

2.	Click the artist button. Click the dark grey box and type the surname of the artist, followed by a comma, followed by the first name. For example Presley, Elvis.

3.	For bands, leave any initial "the" out. For example type Beatles, not The Beatles.

4.	You don't have to type the entire name, the first few letters will do.

Tip:	Initially, Music File will jump to the first artist that begins with your search phrase. However, you can set Music File to show a list of artist names that contain your search words. Click the OPTIONS button to change your search method.


Finding an album
Finding an Album, Single or Video

1.	Jump to the Search screen by clicking search.

2.	Click the album button (album finds not only albums but singles, videos, cassettes and so on). Click the dark grey box and type a phrase from the recording's title. Click go or press the Return key (↵) on the keyboard.

3.	For track and release information click details, or double-click the album in the Recordings list, to jump to the Details screen.

Tip:	You can change your search method to look for the first entry that begins with your search phrase (a letter-by-letter search), or tell Music File to search as you type. Click the OPTIONS button to change your search method.


Finding the Source of a Track

You can find the source of a track even if you only know one or two words in the title.

1.	Jump to the Search screen by clicking search.

2.	Click the track button and type a phrase from the track title into the dark grey search box. Click go or press the Return (↵) key on the keyboard.

3.	If several tracks are shown, click the one you're interested in. Albums with the selected track are shown in the Recordings list.

4.	For more details of an album click details, or double-click the album in the Recordings list. Music File will jump to the Details screen.

Tip:	You may find it easier to find tracks with short titles using a letter-by-letter search, where Music File looks for the first track that begins with your search phrase. Otherwise, a search for a track such as My Way would find hundreds of entries, as many tracks have My and Way in their title. Click the OPTIONS button to change your search method.


Finding Release Dates, Catalogue Numbers and Formats

1.	Jump to the Search screen by clicking search.

2.	Find the recording you're interested in. For example: click the album button, type a phrase from its title into the dark grey search box and click go. (Album finds not only albums but singles, videos, cassettes and so on.)

3.	Click details, or double-click the album in the Recordings list, to jump to the Details screen.

4.	The release date, format and catalogue number are shown.

5.	Click the date and format box to see a list of other releases of this recording.

Tip:	You can change your search method to look for the first entry that begins with your search phrase (a letter-by-letter search), or tell Music File to search as you type. Click the OPTIONS button to change your search method.


Building "My Collection"

Each collection comprises a list of your choice of recordings, and information about those recordings. Music File has an empty collection, called "My Collection", to get you started. Supposing you wanted to include Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd, for example, you would:

1.	Move to the Search screen by clicking the search button in Music File.

2.	Click artist and type Pink Floyd into the dark grey search box. Don't worry about capitals or lower case letters; it's all the same to Music File. The music list jumps to Pink Floyd and their recordings are shown on the right.

3.	Click Dark Side of the Moon then click the details button. Music File jumps to the Details screen

4.	Click got it and choose My Collection.

5.	Dark Side of the Moon is added to your collection, and a smiley face appears to show you've got it. You can now:

•	add another recording by Pink Floyd,

•	click Pink Floyd for a chronological list of all their recordings, or

•	return to the Search screen (click Search or Back) and search for something else.

Tip:	If you wish you can add your own details to a recording when you add it to a collection. Click the OPTIONS button and disable Quick Add. You can also change your search method from the Options dialogue.


The information includes:

•	Release notes

•	Catalogue number

•	Your own information, such as age and location of your copy

•	Track names and order


Adding to a Collection

1.	Jump to the Search screen by clicking search.

2.	Find the recording you want to add. Search for an artist, album or track by typing a phrase into the dark grey search box.

3.	Click details, or double-click the album in the Recordings list, to jump to the Details screen.

4.	Click got it and choose a collection. A smiley face (or other icon) shows you've got it.

Tip:	If you wish you can add your own details to a recording when you add it to a collection. Click the OPTIONS button and disable Quick Add. You can also change your search method from the Options dialogue.


Adding to a Shopping List

You can list the recordings you want to buy.

1.	Jump to the Search screen by clicking search.

2.	Find the recording you want. Search for an artist, album or track by typing a phrase into the dark grey search box.

3.	Click details, or double-click an item in the Recordings list, to jump to the Details screen.

4.	Select the format of your recording. Click the down arrow in the release details.

5.	Click want it. A basket shows you're thinking of buying it.

Tip:	If you wish you can add your own details to a recording when you add it to your shopping list. Click the OPTIONS button and disable Quick Add. You can also change your search method from the Options dialogue.


Showing all Recordings by an Artist in Chronological Order

A useful feature of the Details screen is to show all recordings by an artist in chronological order. You can then click a recording and show its details.

1.	In the Details screen click an underlined artist. A complete list of their recordings appears.

2.	Click a recording. Its details are shown.

3.	To go back to the original recording click it in the left hand list. This remains unchanged no matter how many times you jump between artists.


Creating a New Collection

1.	Jump to the Collections screen by clicking collection.

2.	Click ORGANISE. A dialogue box appears with a list of existing collections.

3.	Click Add.

4.	Type the name of the new collection.

5.	Click Change to choose a different icon to symbolise this collection. There's a library of icons on the CD for you to choose from.

6.	Type any notes about the collection.

7.	You can also set up categories of information you'd like to store in the collection. Click the User Defined Categories tab. Click a white space and type a category name. Click the enabled box.

8.	Click Ok to return to the list of collections dialogue and then click Close to return to the main Collections screen.


Selecting a Collection to Organise

When you move to the Collections screen and the collection shown is not the one you want:

1.	Click the Collection name box (top left) and select the one you do want.


Removing a Recording from your Collection or Shopping List

1.	Jump to the Collections screen by clicking collection.

2.	Click the collection name box (top left) and select a collection or shopping list.

3.	Click the recording, so it's highlighted.

4.	Now either click remove and choose Yes when you're asked if you're sure, or click the right mouse button and select remove.

You can also remove recordings in the Details screen.

1.	Jump to the Search screen by clicking search.

2.	Find and select the recording.

3.	Click details to jump to the Details screen.

4.	Click the smiley face, or other collection list icon.

5.	Click remove and choose Yes when you're asked if you're sure. The smiley face will disappear and Music File will delete the recording from your collection.


The format could be album, compact disc, compact disc single, music cassette, VHS video, 7" single, 12" single or EP.


Adding your details to a recording in your collection
Adding Your Details to a Recording

You can add your own details to a recording as you add it to your collection, or later in the Collections or Search Details screen.

Collections Screen

1.	Jump to the Collections screen by clicking collection.

2.	Highlight a recording by clicking on it.

3.	Click edit or click the right mouse button over the recording list and select properties.

4.	Click the My Details tab. Click over a white box and type information unique to your copy. Your data is shown in the Collections screen the next time you select that recording.

5.	Click the Notes tab to add extra notes. You'll only be able to see these by re-opening this dialogue box.

Details Screen

1.	Jump to the Details screen by clicking search, selecting the recording, and clicking details.

2.	Click the collection icon and select Properties

3.	Click the My Details tab.

Tip:	To change the categories stored with the collection click the ORGANISE button.


Printing a Collection or Shopping List

You can print the collection or shopping list directly from the Music File. Alternatively you can save the details in a file and later open this in, say, a word processor or spreadsheet.

1.	Jump to the Collections screen by clicking collection.

2.	Click the collection name box (top left) and choose a collection or shopping list.

3.	Click print.

4.	Select whether to print details of the highlighted item or the entire collection.

5.	Select what to print. (The title of the recording and the artist will always be printed.)

6.	Click Print to file if you wish to save the details in a text file, and not print them from Music File.

7.	Click Ok to print or save.

Related topics: Printing Recordings you are Ready to Order


Renaming and Organising a Collection

1.	Jump to the Collections screen by clicking collection.

2.	Click ORGANISE. A dialogue box appears with a list of collections.

3.	Click the collection you want to rename and then click Edit.

4.	Type a new name for the new collection.

5.	Click Change if you'd prefer a different icon to symbolise this collection. There's a library of icons on the CD for you to choose from.

6.	Type any notes about the collection. You can also set up categories of information you'd like to store with the collection.

7.	Click Ok to return to the previous dialogue. Click Close to return to the main Collections screen.


Setting Categories

To set or change categories storing your personal details:

1.	Jump to the Collections screen by clicking collection.

2.	Click ORGANISE. A dialogue box appears with a list of collections.

3.	Click a collection and click Edit.

4.	Click the User Defined Categories tab.

5.	Erase the categories you don't like and type in new ones.

6.	Make sure the enabled box is checked (click to mark with a tick or cross).

7.	Click Ok to return to the previous dialogue. Click Close to return to the main Collections screen. Any entries you made under the old categories will be shown under the new.

Tip:	You can use the categories to filter the list. So if you chose a category called, say, Type of Music, you could list all entries of a particular genre.


Sorting a Collection

1.	Jump to the Collections screen by clicking collection.

2.	Click sort.

3.	Select how the collection is sorted from the Sort by list and choose the Direction of the sort. (Ascending for A-Z, descending for Z-A.)

4.	Click Apply Sort to re-arrange the list.

5.	To return the list to how it was click Clear.

6.	Click Cancel to close the dialogue box and keep the new sort order.

Tip:	You can find items, or filter the collection, immediately after sorting without closing the Sort dialogue box. Just click the find or filter buttons in the Collections screen. Make sure you close the dialogue before moving to a new screen though.

Related topics: Selecting a collection to organise


Finding an Item in a Collection

1.	Jump to the Collections screen by clicking collection.

2.	Click find.

3.	Select a category to search from the Find in list.

4.	Type a phrase to find into the Find What box. You can use * to represent any group of characters.

5.	From the Match list select whether to search the whole of an entry for your phrase (Any Part of Field), to search the beginning of an entry for your phrase (Start of Field), or to search for an exact match of your phrase (Whole Field).

6.	From the Direction list select whether to search the entire collection (All), or to search entries after or before the selected recording.

7.	Click Find to locate an entry and Cancel to close the dialogue box.

Related topics: Selecting a collection to organise


Filtering a collection: finding recordings from a specific era
Filtering a Collection: Finding Recordings of a Specific Type

An extremely useful feature of Music File is the filter. This lets you screen out recordings in your collection that don't match your criteria. For example, you can choose to show only recordings released this year, to show all recordings from the seventies, or to show only compact discs.

For instance, to find the recordings in your collection released in the nineties:

1.	Jump to the Collections screen by clicking collection.

2.	Click filter.

3.	In the Filter What box type 199*

4.	From the Filter in list select Release Date.

5.	From the Match list select Any Part of Field.

6.	Click Apply Filter.

7.	To clear the filter, and re-display all recordings in your collection, click Clear.

8.	Click Cancel to close the dialogue box.

You can sort, find and print items in a filtered list.


Deleting a Collection

1.	Jump to the Collections screen by clicking collection.

2.	Click ORGANISE.

3.	Select the collection you want to delete, then click Delete.

4.	Click Yes when you're asked if you're sure.


Printing Recordings you are Ready to Order

You may not wish to order all the recordings on your shopping list at once. To select and print those you are ready to order:

1.	Jump to the Shopping screen by clicking shopping.

2.	Select those recordings you want to order now. Click a recording then click the order box so a tick appears. (To remove the tick just click it again.)

3.	Click print.

4.	Click Selected to print details of the currently highlighted recording, or Ordered Items to print all recordings to be ordered now.

5.	Click Print to file if you wish to save the details in a text file rather than print them now.

6.	Click Ok to print or save.


Displaying the Shop Directory

1.	Jump to the Shopping screen by clicking shopping.

2.	Select at least one recording from your shopping list. Click the recording then click the order box so a tick appears.

3.	Click the Shop Directory button.


Ordering Recordings

1.	Jump to the Shopping screen by clicking shopping.

2.	Select at least one recording from your shopping list. Click the recording then click the order box so a tick appears.

3.	Click the Shop Directory button.

4.	Select from where you want to order the recording. You can order from mail order suppliers or from a shop in your locality. Click the Town down arrow. Now either scroll through the list or type the name of a town so the list jumps to it, then click the town.

5.	Some shops let you order directly. Click ORDER DIRECT and then choose to a) order over the phone, b) to print the order and maybe fax it, or c) to e-mail the order. Click the relevant button. Otherwise click the shop name and choose the phone button.

6.	Phone: A screen appears with the recording details and the phone number of your selected outlet.
Print/Fax: A screen appears with the recording details. Click your details to enter your name, address and, optionally, your credit card details. Click send to print or fax the order.
E-mail: A screen appears with the recording details. Click your details to enter your name, address and, optionally, your credit card details. Click send to launch your e-mail application.

Once you've ordered a collection you may like to remove it from your shopping list.

Tip:	Make sure the recording is in the right format and you're not ordering a single when what you wanted was a CD.

Related topics: Ordering Deleted Recordings


With some internet connections you will not be able to open your e-mail facilities from the Music File. Contact your internet service provider for advice.


Ordering Deleted Recordings

In the Shopping screen, if you tick a recording that is deleted Music File warns you and displays an RRC button. RRC stands for Record Research Centre, who specialise is finding deleted recordings and may be able to help you.


Printing, Faxing or E-Mailing an Order

Some shops let you post, fax or e-mail a list of recordings you want to order. These will have an ORDER DIRECT option.

1.	Jump to the Shopping screen by clicking shopping, select recordings to order and click the Shop Directory button.

2.	Choose a shop to order from, click ORDER DIRECT and then click print/fax or e-mail. Make a note of the fax number or e-mail address.

3.	Select either to have the recording sent to you, or for them to hold it until you collect it.

4.	Click your details and enter your name and address. You can also enter your credit card details.

5.	Click send. A dialogue box appears for you to choose a printer or e-mail application. With a fax modem connected to your computer you can fax the order directly. Click Setup and choose your fax modem. Otherwise you can print the order and then post or fax it.

For non Order Direct shops, you can print the order from the Shopping screen.


Activating a World Wide Web Browser

With an internet connection you can launch a web browser, and load web pages, directly from the Music File.

1.	Jump to the Connections screen by clicking connection.

2.	Click ACTIVATE. Your web browser is launched and the highlighted web page loaded.

Should your browser fail to launch, try the following procedures:

Windows 3.1

1.	Open File Manager and choose Associate from the File Menu.

2.	Check htm files are associated with your browser by typing htm and selecting your browser.

Windows 95

1.	Re-install your browser.

2.	If this does not work, check the Internet Shortcut (ACTIVATE works by activating the Internet Shortcut). Open My Computer and choose Options from the File Menu. Click the File Types tab and select Internet Shortcut.  Press Edit and change appropriately. If you do not know the precise settings, refer to your Browser supplier.

Should your browser launch, but fail to connect to the internet, contact your Internet Service Provider for advice.


Web page files usually end with the extension .htm or .html.


Editing a Web Site Entry

You can change web site entries ensuring they always remain current.

1.	Jump to the Connections screen by clicking connection.

2.	Click edit.

3.	Change the name, description and URL as appropriate. Make sure you enter the URL precisely, with the correct upper and lower case.

4.	Click the Notes tab if you want to add some extra notes.


Removing a Web Site

1.	Jump to the Connections screen by clicking connection.

2.	Click a web site.

3.	Click remove and choose Yes when you're asked if you're sure. Alternatively click the right mouse button and select remove.


Sorting the Web Site List

1.	Jump to the Connections screen by clicking connection.

2.	Click sort.

3.	Select how the web list is sorted from the Sort by list, and choose the Direction of the sort. (Ascending for A-Z, descending for Z-A.)

4.	Click Apply Sort to re-arrange the list.

5.	To return the list to how it was click Clear.

6.	Click Cancel to close the dialogue box and keep the new sort order.

Tip:	You can find items, or filter the list, immediately after sorting without closing the Sort dialogue box. Just click the find or filter buttons in the Connections screen. Make sure you close the dialogue before moving to a new screen though.


Finding a Web Site in the List

1.	Jump to the Connections screen by clicking connection.

2.	Click find.

3.	From the Find in list select Connection Name, Connection Description or Connection URL

4.	Type a phrase to find into the Find What box. You can use * to represent any group of characters.

5.	Select whether to search the whole of an item for your phrase (Any Part of Field), to search the beginning of an item for your phrase (Start of Field), or to search for an exact match of your phrase (Whole Field).

6.	Use the Direction list to select whether to search the entire collection (All), or to search entries after or before the selected recording.

7.	Click Find to locate an entry and Cancel to close the dialogue box.


Filtering the Web Site List

You can filter out web sites that don't match your criteria.

1.	Jump to the Connections screen by clicking connection.

2.	Click filter.

3.	In the Filter What box type the phrase that you want to match.

4.	From the Filter in list select Connection Name, Connection Description or Connection URL.

5.	From the Match list select Any Part of Field to search the whole of an item for your phrase, Start of Field to search the beginning of an item for your phrase, or Whole Field to search for an exact match of your phrase.

6.	Click Apply Filter.

7.	To clear the filter, and re-display all web sites, click Clear.


Adding to the Web Site List

1.	Jump to the Connections screen by clicking connection.

2.	Click new.

3.	Type a name for the web site, a description of the web site and the site's URL. The URL you type must exactly match the site's URL on the World Wide Web, with the appropriate upper and lower case.

4.	Click the Notes tab if you want to add some extra notes, then click Ok.


Turning Off Music File's Opening Animation

You can turn off Music File's opening sequence.

1.	Click OPTIONS.

2.	Click the General tab.

3.	Click Run intro Animation to remove the tick or cross.

Related topics:
Letter-by-Letter Searches
Word Searches
Setting Collection Options


Letter-by-Letter Searches: Quick Searches

There are two methods of searching the Music File: letter-by-letter searches and word searches. In a letter-by-letter search, Music File checks just the first few letters of items and compares these with the letters you type in the Search screen. It then jumps to the first item starting with your search phrase. If you type Under in an artist search, for example, you can page down to the Undertones but will not find Velvet Underground.

1.	Click OPTIONS.

2.	Click the Searching tab.

3.	Click Quick Search so it's marked with a tick or a cross.

You may prefer Music File to search the entire item and produce a list of those entries that include your search words. This may take longer but you don't need to know the exact title.

Initially Music File performs a letter-by-letter search for artists, and a word search for albums and tracks.

Related topics:
Turning Off Music File's Opening Animation
Word Searches

Setting Collection Options


Word Searches

There are two methods of searching the Music File: letter-by-letter searches and word searches. In a word search Music File looks for entries containing all your search words, in any order, and produces a list of matches. This means you can easily find items even if you only know one or two words in the title.

1.	Click OPTIONS.

2.	Click the Searching tab.

3.	Select Quick Search to remove the tick or cross.

4.	Select whether Music File should search as you type, or search when you click Go. (Note that instead of clicking Go you can press Return, ↵, or Enter on the keyboard.) Clicking Go is generally faster than searching as you type.

You may prefer Music File to only check the beginning of items and jump to the first matching item. This is especially useful if the title is short. For example hundreds of tracks contain the words My and Way, but typing My Way in a letter-by-letter search would jump straight to it.

Initially Music File performs a letter-by-letter search for artists, and a word search for albums and tracks.

Related topics:
Turning Off Music File's Opening Animation
Letter-by-Letter Searches

Setting Collection Options


Including Compilations in the Search

You can choose whether or not to include compilations in your search.

1.	Click OPTIONS.

2.	Click the Searching tab.

3.	To include compilations check the relevant box.

Related topics:
Turning Off Music File's Opening Animation
Letter-by-Letter Searches
Word Searches
Setting Collection Options


Setting Collection Options

1.	Click OPTIONS.

2.	Click the Collections tab.

3.	Click Quick Add to be given the opportunity to add your details to a recording when you add it to a collection. The tick or cross will disappear.

4.	Music File will ask if you're sure before deleting items in a collection, to turn this off click Confirm Delete.

5.	When you move the mouse pointer over a collection icon, the name of that collection pops up. To turn off this feature click Show collection name.

Related topics:
Turning Off Music File's Opening Animation
Letter-by-Letter Searches

Word Searches


Trouble Shooting

Have you received an error message? Check below for what to do next. If you still have problems phone the Technical Help Message Line: 01624 825278 (+44 1624 825278 for outside the UK).

Could not locate File :Music.M14.

•	Make sure the Music File CD is in the CD-ROM drive.

•	If it is, type the CD's drive letter and click Browse to look for the file.

•	If Music File still can not find the file, make sure that Windows can read the CD-ROM. Look for the CD-ROM drive using File Manager (Windows 3.1) or My Computer (Windows 95). If Windows can't find the CD-ROM drive shut down Windows and re-start your computer.

Error loading title file

•	Turn off 32-bit access in Windows 3.1. From Control Panel choose 386 Enhanced. Click Virtual Memory then Change. Shut down Windows and re-start your computer.

This program has performed an illegal operation and will be shut down.

If the problem persists, contact the program vendor

•	You may have tried to close the program whilst one of its dialogue boxes was still open. Close all dialogues before closing Music File.

Your browser hasn't opened when you click the ACTIVATE button in the Connections screen

•	Windows 3.1: Check that .htm files are associated with your browser. To do this:

1. 	Open File Manager and choose Associate from the File menu.

2. 	Type htm and select your browser.

•	Windows 95:

1.	Re-install your browser.

2.	If this does not work, check the Internet Shortcut (ACTIVATE works by activating the Internet Shortcut). Open My Computer and choose Options from the View menu. Click the File Types tab and select Internet Shortcut. Press Edit and change appropriately. If you do not know the precise settings, refer to your Browser supplier.

Your browser has opened but failed to connect to the internet

•	Contact your Internet Service Provider for advice.

Problems with the Collection or Connection lists, or the Database

Use the Compact option of Utility program. You'll find this in the Music File group.

If all else fails

Shut down Windows and re-start your computer. Make sure you are starting Music File from your hard disk and not from the CD-ROM. If you've tried everything you may have to re-install Music File. However, you will lose all your collections unless you have backed up your data. To re-install:

1.	Un-install Music File. Windows 3.1: Use the Un-Install program in the Music File group. Windows 95: Select Start, Settings, Control Panel, Add/Remove programs.

2.	Re-install Music File.


Optimising Music File's Performance

For increased performance from Music File close all other applications.

Music File is a graphics-rich program. For optimum performance we recommend it is run on a Windows 95 operating system with 16 Mbytes of RAM.

For maximum performance and if you have the available hard disk space (375 Mbytes), the Music File database can be copied on to your hard disk.  To do this, copy the file Music.M14 from the CD on to your hard disk.  Start Music File without the CD in the CD-ROM drive and when prompted for the location of Music.M14, point the locator to the file on your hard disk.  Music File will now run with maximum speed.


Maintaining Your System

Use the Utility tools to back-up, repair and compact your collections. This is a separate program which you'll find in the Music File program group.

Music File will automatically save all your collections whenever you close it but you also need to back-up your collections on a regular basis.  If you have to re-install Music File for any reason, you will lose all your collections unless you have backed up your data. The Back-Up feature lets you save extra copies of collections in a different directory.

The Repair and Compact features of the Utility program can be used to repair problems with a collection and remove deleted records respectively.

The Utility program is simple to use and contains its own comprehensive help.


Closing Music File

Click the Close button (top left of the screen). All your entries are automatically saved.

You may like to back-up your collections to another directory. Use the separate Utility program to do this.


Options

General

You can turn off Music File's opening animation. Click the check box to remove the tick or cross.

Searching

You can set how Music File searches for an artist, album or track.

Quick Search	Music File looks at the first few letters of a name or title for your search term, and jumps to the first match it finds. It will automatically search as you type.

Search as you Type	Music File lists all names or titles that contain your search words. The search words can be in any order.

Click 'Go' to search	As "Search as you Type", but Music File will wait until you click Go, or press the Return (↵) key on the keyboard, before searching.

Include compilations in results

 	Check this box to include compilation albums in the search.

Collections

You can add your details to a recording when you add it to a collection, stop Music File asking if you're sure before deleting anything, and stop Music File showing the name of an icon's collection.

Quick Add	Stops the details dialogue box appearing when you add a recording to a collection.

Confirm Delete	Asks if you are sure before deleting items in a collection.

Show Collection Name	Shows the name of a collection when you move the mouse pointer over a collection icon.


Details In

Recording Details

The selected recording's details are shown. You can't change these but can copy and paste them to other applications if you wish.

My Details

Saves your own recording details. Click a white box and type your information. Your details are shown in the Collections screen along with the recording details.

Related topics: Setting Categories

Notes

Saves any extra notes with the recording. Click the white area and type your notes. You will only be able to see these in this dialogue box.


Collections

Add 	Lets you create a new collection, with new categories for your details.

Edit	Lets you change the name, the icon and the categories of the selected collection. Click a collection before clicking this button.

Delete	Deletes the selected collection. Click a collection before clicking this button.


Collection

General

Collection Name	Type a name for the collection here.

Collection Icon	Click Change to choose an icon for the collection. There's a library of icons on the CD for you to choose from.

Notes	Type any notes on the collection. You will only be able to see these in this dialogue box.

User Defined Categories

You can define your own categories to hold information about recordings in your collection.

User Category	Click a white box and type a category title. You can have up to 5 categories.

Enabled	Click enabled for each category you've specified.

Related topics: Adding your Details to a Recording


Sort By

Sorts the list.

Sort by	Select how the list is sorted.

Direction 	Select the direction of the sort. Ascending for A-Z, descending for Z-A.

Apply Sort 	Re-arranges the list.

Clear	Clears the last sort and returns the collection to how it was.

Cancel 	Closes the dialogue box, keeping the new sort order.


Find In

Finds an item in the collection.

Find What 	Type a phrase to search for. You can use * to represent any group of characters.

Find in	Select a category to search for your phrase.

Match 	Select Any Part of Field to search the whole of an item for your phrase.
Select Whole Field to search for an exact match of your phrase.
Select Start of Field to search the beginning of an item for your phrase.

Direction List	Select All to search the entire collection.
Select Up to find entries before the currently highlighted item.
Select Down to find entries after the currently highlighted item.

Find 	Searches for your phrase and highlights the first matching item.

Cancel 	Closes the dialogue box, keeping the found item highlighted.


Filter In

Filters out items that don't match your criteria.

Filter What 	Type the phrase that you want to match.

Filter in 	Select a category filter.

Match	Select Any Part of Field to filter items without your phrase.
Select Whole Field to filter items that aren't an exact match of your phrase.
Select Start of Field to filter items without your phrase at their beginning.

Apply Filter	Displays only those items matching your criteria.

Clear	Clears the filter and re-displays all items.

Cancel 	Closes the dialogue box, keeping the filtered list.


Print

You can print the collection or shopping list directly from the Music File. Alternatively you can save the details in a file and later open this in, say, a word processor or spreadsheet.

Range	Select whether to print details of the highlighted item or the entire collection.

Print What	Select what to print. (The title of the recording and the artist will always be printed.)

Print to file 	Saves the details in a text file rather than printing them from Music File.

Setup	Press Setup to choose a printer.

Ok 	Prints or saves.


User Details

Name & Address

Type your address details into the white boxes. Check Remember Details to save for the next session. (Music File automatically saves the details for the duration of this session.)

Card Details

Type your credit card details into the white boxes. Check Remember Details to save for the next session. (Music File automatically saves the details for the duration of this session.) If you have not chosen to pay by credit card in the Shopping screen, you can leave this section empty.


Print/Fax Order

Click the Setup button and choose a printer or fax modem.


Connection Item

Connection Details

You can edit and add web site entries, ensuring they always remain current. Change the details and click Ok. Make sure you type the site's URL precisely, with the correct upper and lower case.

Notes

Type any notes about the web site. These are shown in the Connections screen.


Music File Help
designed and written
by Jill Studholme

E-mail studholme@zetnet.co.uk
with your comments, or requests
for help files.