Are there any hidden side effects of switching between project and folder

We have several folders in our DOORS structure that in most cases should be folders, but periodically we want to archive the modules in the folders. Our plans are to switch the folders to projects, run the archive, and then switch them back to folders. From an execution standpoint, switching back and forth between folders and projects is straightforward and easy, but I was wondering if there are any underlying negative side effects of switching between projects and folders that I am unaware of that would indicate our plan of periodically switching is not a good idea?
mtmccor - Wed Nov 03 06:47:09 EDT 2010

Re: Are there any hidden side effects of switching between project and folder
SystemAdmin - Wed Nov 03 17:33:36 EDT 2010

Have used this approach many times myself just for archiving purposes, have never experienced any side effects. Occasionally I've experienced the situation where there is an existing project that has the same name as the folder that is about to be converted to a project, but DOORS will alert you to that. Should be fine.

Paul Miller

Re: Are there any hidden side effects of switching between project and folder
mtmccor - Thu Nov 04 08:16:08 EDT 2010

SystemAdmin - Wed Nov 03 17:33:36 EDT 2010
Have used this approach many times myself just for archiving purposes, have never experienced any side effects. Occasionally I've experienced the situation where there is an existing project that has the same name as the folder that is about to be converted to a project, but DOORS will alert you to that. Should be fine.

Paul Miller

Thank you for your response. I'm glad to hear from someone who has used the approach.

Re: Are there any hidden side effects of switching between project and folder
llandale - Fri Nov 05 14:27:31 EDT 2010

Somewhat routine here, never had a problem either.

The real trick is to make sure you switch it BACK to a folder when you are done. Also, the folks getting the archive need to know that they restore the 'project' and should switch it to a folder as well.

The OCD Twit in me is encouraged to rename the target folder with suffix "_ConvertBackToFolder", e.g. rename "MyReqs" to "MyReqs_ConvertBackToFolder", then convert to Project, then archive, then convert back, then rename removing the suffix. that stops someone else from slipping in there and resolves the coordination issue, such as if DOORS crashes.

  • Louie