Knowledge Base

Problem

When attempting to open an existing EthoVision experiment, the software displays an error stating the file is 'read-only' and refuses to open it. The file appears intact but cannot be accessed for editing or acquisition.

Details

Symptom: 'Read-only' error on opening an EthoVision .evxt (or equivalent) experiment file. EthoVision requires write access to the experiment folder to function. Affected: Any EthoVision XT version. Common causes: File stored on a network drive, external drive, DVD, or a folder where the Windows user account lacks write permissions; file may also have the read-only attribute set in Windows file properties.

Solution

1. Check the file location: if the experiment folder is on a network drive, shared server, external USB drive, or DVD, copy the entire experiment folder (including all subfolders and associated video files) to a local drive location such as the Desktop or Documents folder.
2. Right-click the experiment folder in Windows Explorer, select Properties, and uncheck the 'Read-only' attribute if it is checked. Apply to all subfolders and files.
3. Ensure the Windows user account running EthoVision has full read/write permissions on the experiment folder. Check this via folder Properties > Security tab.
4. If EthoVision is installed for multiple users, ensure the experiment is being opened by an account with appropriate permissions.
5. Try opening the experiment again from the new local location.
6. If the file still cannot be opened, check whether a .vtl lock file is present in the experiment folder (indicating the experiment was not closed cleanly). Remove the .vtl file and retry.
7. Contact Noldus Support if the error persists after addressing permissions and location.