Macro File Management
- Natalie Sommerville
Scope: Outlines how to link to, migrate, and backup macros commonly used for cataloging and processing.
Contact:Â Natalie Sommerville
Unit:Â Resource Description
Date last reviewed:Â January 17, 2023
Date of next review:Â January 17, 2024
Introduction
MacroExpress links to a file of macros that each user configures in order to run macros that Collections Services staff use for daily work in Aleph and OCLC.
The best practice for saving the user-configured macro files is to choose a cloud location since it will be accessible on your computer from any internet network. Duke University provides 1 terabyte of OneDrive storage per staff member, making OneDrive an ideal place to store the user-configured macro file. OneDrive is accessible through a web browser or via the OneDrive app that is installed on staff computers. The computer app is accessible via the Windows File Explorer app.
Figure 1: View of User-configured Macro File in OneDrive via the Windows File Explorer App
Figure 2: View of Link from MacroExpress to User-configured Macro File
Special Note on the CID Macro
The CID macro is a three-part, macro that also generates a configuration file, named CID.ini, which is stored in the directory for MacroExpress on the local computer C:\drive. The CID.ini file must reside in this directory in order for the macro to work.
The best way to back up current CID settings in anticipation of migrating to a new computer is to copy the CID.ini file from your C:\drive to OneDrive. When the new computer is deployed, copy the CID.ini file from OneDrive back into the MacroExpress directory on the new computer’s C:\drive. You will need local administrator rights to be able to copy the file back into the MacroExpress directory on the C:\ drive.
It is a good idea to keep a version of the CID.ini file saved to OneDrive. Although this file will not include any new, updated, or deleted CID profiles made to the configuration file in the MacroExpress directory on the local computer, it will restore the file back to a previous version, which can avoid having to recreate every profile.
Figure 3: View of MacroExpress Directory on C:\ Drive, with CID.ini File