I have Metastock 9.1 EOD and use Datalink and have noticed that not all symbols are being accounted for or downloaded by the Downloader. Whenever I update my data, I regularly perform an "Update Symbols Database" just to make sure I have the lastest symbols info, however this doesn't appear to make a difference. Example. UAL Corp. (UAUA) has been listed on NASDAQ since February 6th. However I noticed tonight that I didn't have it locally and therefore none of its data had ever downloaded to my computer. I verified that the symbol existed on Datalink, but not locally. I was able to add the symbol manually and quotecenter then downloaded the data locally. My question/concern is that if I'm missing symbols (and who knows what and how many until I discover them) then my explorations are obviously missing potential signals since those symbols/data don't exist on my computer. Am I doing something wrong? Is there something else I need to do to update the symbols on my computer? I know I can just work off of Datalink directly (without downloading) but that runs a lot slower than working with local data. I know I must be missing something. I appreciate any insight. Thanks.

As hayseed says, the Update Symbol Database only updates the symbol database. The symbol database is that list of symbols in Lookup Symbol in the DownLoader and in the online vendor button in the New and Open dialogs in MetaStock. It doesn't have any effect on local securities. There are many reasons for it to work this way, one already mentioned by hayseed is that many users don't want this. Another reason (and the reason why some users don't want this) is that people store the symbols in certain groups or sets on their drive or don't include certain symbols for certain reasons. It would be very difficult for the DownLoader to organize your securties for you in a way that would make everyone happy. I believe the Equis support has ways to help you out with keeping your local database up to date and organized how you want. There may even be posts about it on this forum. Do as hayseed suggests and post into the wish list with detailed information on what you expect to happen. The more detail the better. It helps us to understand what users want and how they want it to work. You never know, it may just end up in a future release.

If someone else knows them. I said "I believe" because I think I remember there being something, but it has been a few years since I was in support and no longer remember if there is.

Hopefully. It would be nice to have it posted if there is something to post.