We’ve got a trick that will enable you to effortlessly convert your XER files across different Primavera versions in just 30 seconds. The days of complex and time-consuming conversion processes are gone.

With this simple approach, you’ll be able to navigate between Primavera versions smoothly and efficiently.

The method involves utilizing a not-so-obvious workaround that takes advantage of the file’s underlying structure. Here’s how you can make the magic happen:

1- Access the XER File: To begin, ensure you have the XER file from the source Primavera version that you wish to convert. This method is particularly handy when you’ve received an XER file created by a different version of Primavera, and you need it compatible with your current version.

2- Open the XER File with Notepad: Instead of launching Primavera, we’ll dive straight into the file using a simple text editor like Notepad. Right-click on the XER file, select “Open With”, and choose “Notepad” from the list. This action will expose the raw structure of the XER file, which might look daunting at first but holds the key to effortless conversion.

3- Locate the Primavera Version: As you scroll through the file, keep an eye out for the Primavera version identifier, typically positioned at the top. This version information is coded in a way that specifies the version of Primavera used to create the file.

4- Modify the Version: Now, comes the clever part. Once you’ve identified the version, simply edit the version identifier. For instance, if you’re converting from Primavera P6 Version 6.1 to Version 6.0, alter the version number accordingly. The same principle applies when converting between other versions – for instance, from Primavera P6 Version 7 to Primavera Release 8, or from P6 Version 6.7 to 6.8.

5- Save and Re-Import: Once you’ve made the necessary changes, save the file. Congratulations! You’ve just successfully manipulated the version information within the XER file. Now, you can import this modified XER file into your current version of Primavera without any hitches.

It’s important to note that while this method provides a quick fix for compatibility issues, it’s recommended to take a comprehensive approach for long-term efficiency. After converting the XER file using this technique, it’s advisable to re-export the file using the appropriate version of Primavera. This step ensures that the converted file aligns seamlessly with your current Primavera version, eliminating potential inconsistencies and discrepancies.

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If you want to update to a new version is the same as the old version

Open the XER with a notepad.

This is a 20.12 Version and will be updated  to 21.12 version

This is the same project after the update

There is one way to update the XER version whatever the XER file version was

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