Knowledge Base

Problem

A user attempts to open an Observer XT project that was created in an older version of the software, but the project cannot be opened because the project file format is incompatible with the currently installed version.

Details

Observer XT project files are version-specific. A project saved in an older version (e.g., v10, v12) may not open in a newer version, and vice versa. A license is only required to acquire new data; existing projects can be reviewed and exported without an active license using Analysis Mode.

Solution

1. To open a project created in an older version of Observer XT, you must use **the same version of Observer XT in which the project was originally saved**.
2. Obtain the matching older version installer. Contact Noldus Support to request the installer for the required version (e.g., v12.5) if it is not available in your MyNoldus account.
3. Install the older version alongside or instead of the current version as needed.
4. **A license is not required to review and export existing data**. Open Observer XT in **Analysis Mode** to access your data without an active license key.
5. If you need to migrate data to a newer version, export your data from the old version and re-import or re-create the project in the new version where possible.