Managing Project Files
Original instructions
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Overview
Managing Control Expert project files that contain EtherNet/IP module settings includes:
NOTE: To transfer Control Expert project files, follow the steps set forth below.
Do not use the following Control Expert commands to transfer a Control Expert project file that contains EtherNet/IP settings:
  • project transfer command: PLC → Transfer Project from PLC
  • export project command: File → Export Project...
Creating Control Expert Archive (*.STA) Files
Control Expert project files, containing EtherNet/IP module settings, can be transferred within the Control Expert application only as Control Expert Archived Application Files (*.STA). To save a Control Expert project file as a Control Expert Archived Application File (*.STA) suitable for transfer and reuse, follow these steps:
Step
Action
1
Build the Control Expert project. Select:
Build → Rebuild All Project.
2
Download the rebuilt Control Expert project file to the PLC. Select:
PLC → Transfer Project to PLC.
The taskbar should indicate EQUAL.
3
Go offline. Select:
PLC → Disconnect.
4
Select File → Save Archive... The Save Archive window opens.
5
In the Save Archive window:
  • type a File name
  • navigate to a location to store the archived project file
  • click Save.
Control Expert creates a Control Expert Archived Application File (*.STA).
Opening a Control Expert Archive (*.STA) File
After a Control Expert Archived Application File has been saved, you can transfer it (like any file), then re-open it in the same version of Control Expert. To re-open an archived project file:
Step
Action
1
Select File → Open. The Open dialog opens.
2
In the Open dialog, select Control Expert Archived Application Files (*.STA) as the Files of type.
3
In the Look in drop down box, navigate to the location of the archived Control Expert archive file that you want to open.
4
Select the file and click Open.
Control Expert opens the archived Control Expert project file.
Transferring Control Expert Project (.STU) Files
You can copy, paste, and transfer a Control Expert project (*.STU) file as you would any file, using the tools and commands available in Windows Explorer.
A saved Control Expert project (*.STU) file can be re-opened only by the same version of Control Expert software that saved it.