How to convert a VS 2010 solution back to 2008

Question

We started using VS 2010 and were very happy with it, so we converted our project into a 2010 solution (still .net 3.5) and continued our development in 2010. However, we ar

Answer 1

Depending on if they kept the solution file structure similar between 2008 and 2010, you just need to create an empty solution file in 2008 and look at the top identifier line in it, and copy it into the other solution file.

I however doubt they kept it the same since they were integrating a number of features into solution files.

You would be better off to create a new blank solution in 2008 and use "Add existing project" to reimport them. As long as you dont have any custom "solution" wide references this will work (no solution folders, server setups, etc).

It is probably the fastest and most direct route.

Answer 2

Please try the following (find first line and replace to second line to convert 2010 solution to 2008):

TargetFrameworkMoniker = ".NETFramework,Version=v2.0"
TargetFramework = "3.5"

# Visual Studio 10
# Visual Studio 2008

Microsoft Visual Studio Solution File, Format Version 11.00
Microsoft Visual Studio Solution File, Format Version 10.00

<Project ToolsVersion="4.0"
<Project ToolsVersion="3.5"

<ProductVersion>10.0.20506</ProductVersion>
<ProductVersion>9.0.30729</ProductVersion>

\VisualStudio\v10.0\
\VisualStudio\v9.0\

<Import Project="$(MSBuildToolsPath)\Workflow.Targets" />
<Import Project="$(MSBuildExtensionsPath)\Microsoft\Windows Workflow Foundation\v3.5\Workflow.Targets" />

This worked on my solutions, you can try to see if it fit to your cases.