Knowledge Base

Problem

Users want to know whether experiment files created in an older version of EthoVision XT (e.g., 17.1, 17.5) can be opened in a newer version (e.g., 17.5, 19), and whether they can still access those files in the older version afterward.

Details

EthoVision XT supports opening and upgrading experiment files from older versions in newer versions of the software. However, once an experiment is opened and upgraded in a newer version, it can no longer be opened in the older version. This is a one-way conversion.

Solution

1. **Yes** – EthoVision XT can open experiment files created in older versions. When you open an older experiment, EthoVision upgrades it to the current version format.
2. **Important:** Once upgraded, the experiment **cannot be opened in the older version** of EthoVision.
3. **Recommended:** Before opening an old experiment in a newer version, create a **backup** of the experiment from within the older version (File > Save As or Backup function). Store the backup somewhere safe in case you need to access it in the original version later.
4. The upgraded experiment will have full access to all features and parameters of the newer version.