What the IMPORT directory is for

The default installation of IMW does not create the IMPORT directory.  It must be added manually using the file manager or DOS shell.   The IMPORT directory must be created as a sub-directory of the active DATA directory (i.e. C:\MAGIC\DATA\IMPORT).

Each time the program starts up, it scans the IMPORT directory for any files.  For every file found in the IMPORT directory, the program offers the user the option of importing that file immediately.  After the user chooses to import, or not to import, the program provides the option of deleting the found file.

Placing new data files in the IMPORT directory helps the user remember to import the new data.  Rather than having to find the source data file, the program already sets the found file as the current import source file.

If a user chooses not to erase the file after importing or not importing, the program will remind the user that the file exists each time the program starts.

For the most convenient use of this feature, be sure that the import definition files are already set up and working.  The best way to do this is to perform one import manually before using the automatic processing of the IMPORT directory.