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How do I import/export/copy a protocol?

You may want to bring new files into the Microlab Prep or export a copy of a file to share with a coworker. Actions like importing, exporting, and copying files are all done through the File Manager. This article describes how to access the File Manager and perform these common actions.

Requirements

  • USB drive for importing or exporting a protocol
  • Programmer permissions or higher

Procedure

Turn on the Prep and tap Browse to open the File Manager. You can also access the File Manager by tapping the settings button, then selecting File Manager. The steps from here differ for each action.

Importing a Protocol

  • Version 2.1 or newer

    1. Tap the options button next to the search bar, then tap Import.
    2. If you have not plugged in the USB drive with the desired files, do so now. The USB ports are located on the left side of the Prep. Tap Try Again in the import dialog to open the drive.
    3. Navigate to the folder with the desired protocol(s).
    4. Select the protocol(s) you want, then tap Import. Keep in mind that if the protocol you want was created on a Prep with a different software version or configuration (such as a different pipetting tool), the protocol may not be able to be imported. The Prep will let you know if the protocol is incompatible and cannot be imported.
    5. Review any duplicate files. Select files and tap OK to replace the current files with the imported versions. You may also rename the imported protocol to prevent overwriting any existing protocols on your Prep.

  • Version 2.0 or older

    1. Tap the options button next to the search bar, then tap Import.
    2. If you have not plugged in the USB drive with the desired files, do so now. The USB ports are located on the left side of the Prep. Tap Try Again in the import dialog to open the drive.
    3. Navigate to the folder with the desired protocol(s).
    4. Select the protocol(s) you want, then tap Import. Keep in mind that if the protocol you want was created on a Prep with a different software version or configuration (such as a different pipetting tool), the protocol may not be able to be imported. The Prep will let you know if the protocol is incompatible and cannot be imported.
    5. Review any duplicate files. Select the files and tap OK to replace your files with the imported versions.

Exporting a Protocol

  1. Tap the protocol(s) you want to export.
  2. Tap the options button next to the search bar, then tap Export.
  3. If you have not plugged in a USB drive, do so now. The USB ports are located on the left side of the Prep. Tap Try Again in the export dialog to open the drive.
  4. Navigate to the folder where you want to save the exported protocol(s).
  5. If you are exporting a single protocol, rename it by tapping the filename field below the directory (optional). If you are exporting multiple protocols, you can also rename the zip file containing the protocols.
  6. Tap Save.

Copying a Protocol

  1. Tap the protocols you want to copy.
  2. Tap the options button next to the search bar, then tap Duplicate.
  3. Enter a new name for the duplicate protocol (optional). If you save the duplicate without renaming it, the Prep will add “-1” to the end of the first duplicate’s name, “-2” to the second, and so on.
  4. Tap Save.

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