TF248013: The WorkItemTypeFilters and WorkItemLinkFilters links control elements are not compatible

Question

I am getting the same issue as raised previously, but no one seems to have responded or provided a solution to this issue.

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https://connect.microsoft.com/VisualStudio/feedback/details/644529/tfs-power-tools-process-editor-support-linkcontrol-with-only-external-links

This limitation is found in TFS Power Tools Sept. 2010.

A LinkControl in a WIT can be configured to allow only external links and no work item links using this ruleset: (not possible using Process Editor)

<Control Type="LinksControl" Name="UniqueName">
<LinksControlOptions>
     <WorkItemLinkFilters FilterType="excludeAll" />
     <ExternalLinkFilters FilterType="includeAll" />
</LinksControlOptions>
</Control>

Work with the WIT xml file in Process Editor and it will change this to

<Control Type="LinksControl" Name="UniqueName">
<LinksControlOptions>
     <WorkItemLinkFilters FilterType="excludeAll" />
     <ExternalLinkFilters FilterType="includeAll" />
     <WorkItemTypeFilters FilterType="includeAll" />
</LinksControlOptions>
</Control>

If you try to import this to TFS you get this error message:

Error importing work item type definition:
TF248013: The WorkItemTypeFilters and WorkItemLinkFilters links control elements are not compatible. Either do not set the FilterType attribute of the WorkItemLinkFilters element to ExcludeAll, or else remove the WorkItemTypeFilters element.


So, the process editor adds (without telling the user) the WorkItemTypeFilters element which TFS then tells the user to remove...

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Answer 1

I've stoppped using the process editor for process templates where I know rules like this exists. Having a tool that repeatedly stabs you in the back is frustrating beyond belief...

Only time I will start up the editor now is to learn the XML-syntax for whatever it is I want to do (which is actually a good way to learn). But any changes I do to the WIT I do it with a proper XML editor. Takes a bit longer but it doesnt drive me insane :P

I'm hoping the issue will be fixed in the August 2011 release... I really like the tool, when it doesnt stab me in the back :)

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Jesper Fernström
QWise Software engineering – refactored!

Answer 2

I know.. this is so annoying. I use XML Spy and it is the best. I can move/copy and paste fields...etc. This is very useful as well when i need to add all the form to web. it is COPY AND PASTE