BuyLog In
KB Article AK2975
Visible to All Users

Troubleshooting design-time problems

Description:
I try to open a form in the Visual Studio Designer, but I get an error. How to fix it?

Answer:

  1. Please rebuild your project. If there are any compiler errors, they must be fixed prior to opening form designers.
  2. If your project contains inherited forms or UserControls with DevExpress components please refer to this article:
    How to enable visual inheritance for Developer Express controls.
  3. Please locate the licenses.licx file in your project and clear it. Rebuild your project and try to open the form in design mode.
  4. Follow the steps from the Upgrade Notes help article.

In addition to these steps, consider using solutions described in the following articles depending on a platform you are using.

WinForms:
DevExpress WinForms Troubleshooting - Visual Studio Design Time Issues

ASP.NET
How to resolve issues after updating DevExpress controls: Type 'X' exists in both assemblies vs Type 'X' is ambiguous in namespace 'Y'

WPF
Collecting a call stack to track down the cause of VS crash or freeze issues

eXpressApp Framework
Designers Troubleshooting Guide

If nothing of the above helps, please capture the error call stack as explained in the following article and send it to the Support Team. We will do our best to help you.

How to obtain a design-time exception call stack

Sign in to comment on this post

Disclaimer: The information provided on DevExpress.com and affiliated web properties (including the DevExpress Support Center) is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. Developer Express Inc disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, including the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Please refer to the DevExpress.com Website Terms of Use for more information in this regard.

Confidential Information: Developer Express Inc does not wish to receive, will not act to procure, nor will it solicit, confidential or proprietary materials and information from you through the DevExpress Support Center or its web properties. Any and all materials or information divulged during chats, email communications, online discussions, Support Center tickets, or made available to Developer Express Inc in any manner will be deemed NOT to be confidential by Developer Express Inc. Please refer to the DevExpress.com Website Terms of Use for more information in this regard.