Request for functionality
Abstract:
Please pop up a warning message box if the map document (MXD) was created by an earlier version of software so that appropriate action can be taken.
Please include an attribute visible in ArcCatalog that lists the MXD version; e.g. – ArcGIS 9.2
Description:
I've formally requested this product enhancement but was advised to post it here so as to determine its popularity.
Many vendors sell software applications (sub_apps) that work in conjunction with ESRI software. These sub apps are version specific and often require version specific ESRI software, i.e. – Hawth's Analysis tools version 3.xx requires ArcMap 9.2 and will not work correctly with ArcMap 10.1. As such many schools and offices maintain a few older machines that run prior versions of ESRI software.
The problem is that if a 9.2 MXD is opened on a 10.1 machine and saved that MXD is no longer readable by the 9.2 machine. The "save a copy" can restore the MXD, usually, but it would be more helpful to be warned ahead of time so that this issue could be avoided. Since ArcMap already knows what version of software created the map a warning should be provided before saving is allowed. A simple pop-up message box would suffice. Further, in the interest of better planning, an attribute should be included in ArcCatalog that lists the versions of every MXD.
