GET won't load my Metastock 7.2 dat file

[Luwom]

I just got up and running on GET, but it doesn't seem to like my Metastock 7.2 dat files. All I get is a blank page trying all combinations of switches in the Data Paths config. It also will not open the dat files from my Metastock Developer's Kit CD, so I don't think there is a problem with my data. However, I did open the 5 year old sample data from the GET installation CD so I know it works on some data.
I believe "CompuTrac/Metastock" is the selection for 7.2 since "Metastock File Library" is only looking for a 6.5 or 7.0 dll file (mine is a 72.dll file).
Does the data need to be converted to text or something or should it be reading the dat files directly? It appears to read the symbol and name correctly with "Alternate Name 1" switch selected, but still get only a blank page.
I even upgraded my GET to 7.7 b324, but it didn't make a difference.
Thanks, Larry

[ACM]

Larry
FWIW I use the same data format and have Get EOD setup with Metastock File Library.
If you do want to use the CompuTrac/Metastock format then make sure that there are no more than 255 securities in that folder and that it also contains the relative *.dop files
Alex

[Luwom]

Hi Alex, thanks for the quick reply. I did have more than 255.
However, I created a separate folder with only one "JNJ" file (total in folder are Master, Emaster, F1.DAT) and it still does the same thing - blank screen when I select to load.
What are the *.dop files that you mentioned?
Thanks again, Larry

[ACM]

Larrt
In the Computrac/Metastock format each F*.DAT file must be paired with an F*.DOP file which contains some information on the security that the programs need to be able to read the files.
In your case the folder with JNJ should contain the following files Master, Emaster, F1.DAT and F1.DOP.
How did you copy the JNJ symbol to that folder?
Alex

[Luwom]

I'm only using the EOD data, not daily quotes. I go to the Metastock Downloader 8.01 to add a new security to the folder. I just added MSFT and it doesn't seem to add anything but the f2.dat file. When I open it in Metastock Pro (only using EOD), it opens just fine. But, there is no F2.dop file added. Strange. I suppose I'll play around with exporting data to different formats or something ??.

[ACM]

Larry
You need to do the following.
In the Downloader main menu select Tools->Application Options... Then at the dialog box select the General tab and put a check mark in Maintain F*.DOP files.
The next time you copy a security from one folder to another (or create a new security) the Downloader will automatically create the corresponding DOP files.
As to the securites you already have you will need to copy all of them to a temporary folder and then back to the original folder so as to force the creation of the DOP files.
Hope this helps
Alex

[Luwom]

Well, it's up and running. I found this just before reading your message. I should have looked closer at the Downloader options.
But, you were right on and I thank you.
Larry

[ACM]

Larry
You are most welcome.
Now that you can load the Computrac/Metastock files I would still try to see if the Metastock File Library works with the msfl72.dll (it does at my end). If it does not then let me know and I can post a copy of msfl70.dll to my group in FileShare for you to try.
Alex

[Luwom]

Hi - One more question on this topic.
The stocks are working fine with the .DOP files. However, i have a group of indices (QQQ, ^DJX, etc) and Mutual Funds (FFFDX, etc) that won't download a .DOP file. Do you know if I'm just out of luck in this regard or should I keep trying to reconfigure until it works on these as well?
Thanks again, Larry

[ACM]

Larry
AFAIK the DOP files have no relationship with the type of security or symbol used.
Were those symbol already existing in your database? If yes did you "convert" them to have a DOP file as I explained in a prior message?
Other than that I would try to create one from scratch in a separate folder to see if that changes anything
Alex

[Luwom]

Got it. I just recreated the folder with a new SYM file and now it comes with the .DOP files.
Thank you again. Larry

[ACM]

Larry
FYI someone else asked me for the msfl70.dll file so I have uploaded a copy to my ACM Test group in FileShare.
If you want to see if that will allow you to load metastock data using the Metastock File Library format download it and save it in c:\windows\system (or c:\winnt\system32) directory.
Alex

[Luwom]

Hi Alexis,
This seems to now work fine in the Metastock File Library format with the file that you posted. I'm not sure I know the benefit of this format over the Computrac/Metastock format. But, it's great to know I have options.
Thank you and best regards, Larry

[ACM]

Larry
The Metastock File Library has one main advantage over the Computrac/Metastock format and that is that you can have up to 2000 symbols in a directory. If you work with stocks that can make for easier file maintenance.
On the other hand, with certain securities like currencies (that have more than 2 decimals) Get seems to work better using the Computrac/Metastock format.
Irrespective you now have the option to work with both formats if you so wish
Alex

[Luwom]

This is great to know and the timing is perfect when I'm just about to set up the full database of stock symbols. Once again, Thank you.