FMS initial setup

Narration transcript for Windows 1.0.2. Field guides use fictional examples; screenshots may use another theme.

1. Your first FMS setup

Welcome to Firearms Management System. This guide walks through your first Windows setup, from installing the current version to saving a record and checking a backup. Pause after each step and follow along in FMS. The field examples are fictional. Some screenshots use a different theme; follow the button names shown in the guide.

2. Install the current version

If you are an approved beta tester, open the private resource link in your approval email and download the Windows installer. If FMS already contains records, create and verify a backup before updating. Close FMS, run the installer, and reopen the application. Confirm version one point zero point two in FMS. Updating uses your existing installation; you do not need to reset your database.

3. Activate beta access

Open Settings, then expand License and edition. For beta access, choose Install offline entitlement and select the dot F M S license file attached to your approval email. Check the current edition and beta access details afterward. If you purchased a license key instead, use Activate license. If an existing beta installation already shows the correct access, you can continue without importing it again.

4. Start with one record

Open Firearms from the left navigation, then choose Add firearm. Start with one record so you can check the result before entering the rest of your collection. Have the identifying details available. You can add photos, attachments, maintenance, and other history later. The example values in the next steps are only teaching examples; use the actual details for your own record.

5. Add your first caliber

Beside the Caliber field, choose Add caliber. Enter the caliber name, such as nine millimeter. Aliases and cartridge type are optional. Choose Add and select. FMS adds the caliber to your reusable catalog and selects it on the form. If that name already exists and is active, FMS selects the existing entry. Archived calibers must first be reactivated in Caliber lifecycle.

6. Type the model directly

Choose or enter the manufacturer, then type the model directly into the Model field. You can also choose an existing suggestion. The update saves the text you type, including a model that is new to the catalog. Enter the actual serial number and select the caliber you just added. Models are associated with their manufacturer, so suggestions can change when you change the manufacturer.

7. Review, save, and check

Complete the category, action, condition, and other details you know. Add acquisition information and a storage location if useful. Review the form, then choose Save changes. Confirm that the record appears in Firearms and that the model and caliber are correct. If a validation message appears, follow the named field, correct the entry, and save again. A new typed model should no longer be reported as missing.

8. Add ammunition if included

With Regular or Pro access, open Ammunition and expand Add ammunition lot. Select your caliber, or use Add caliber there. Choose the source and intended use, then enter the manufacturer, product, lot information, quantity, and price paid per round. Review the fields and choose Add lot. For ammunition produced with components tracked in FMS, use a Reloading session so component quantities are deducted correctly.

9. Keep catalog choices tidy

You do not need to prepare a complete catalog before starting. Reuse existing names where possible, and add new calibers as you need them. Catalog searches now leave the entry lists available. Use Caliber lifecycle when you need to manage an archived caliber. In Settings, also review Beta usage sharing and choose your preference. That setting is separate from submitting a problem report.

10. Create a backup

Open Backup and data, then choose Create backup. Review the saved backup location shown by FMS and choose Verify latest backup. Wait for a successful verification result. Keep a protected backup copy separate from the computer when practical. The automatic backup settings let you choose a frequency and number of retained copies; choose Save policy after changing those settings.

11. Rehearse recovery

Expand Recovery rehearsal and choose Run rehearsal. This checks the latest encrypted backup in a temporary, isolated location instead of replacing your active database. Read the result and resolve any reported problem before relying on that backup. Restore database is a different action that replaces current data; it is not needed for this setup exercise. Repeat backup verification and rehearsal periodically.

12. You are ready to continue

Your initial setup is complete when you have the expected edition, a saved firearm with the correct model and caliber, any first ammunition lot you need, and a verified backup. Continue building your records at your own pace. If something does not work, use Report a problem, describe what you tried, include the FMS version, and provide a contact email if you would like a reply.