Are MassLynx data forward and backward compatible across versions of the software? - WKB80088

ENVIRONMENT

• MassLynx
• TargetLynx

ANSWER

MassLynx is backward compatible, for a specific instrument.
Raw data created with older releases of MassLynx can be reviewed and processed, and method files and processed datasets can be opened and used in later releases.

However, to be on the safe side, Waters recommends opening each MS Method file in the MS method editor and saving each file with a new name. This ensures that the content is up to date for the current instrument software. One of the functions that has been changed in recent releases is the way traces are sorted.

However, new data may not be compatible with older software, in particular newer TOF instrument data.
MassLynx data files are not guaranteed to be forwards compatible.

TargetLynx datasets and methods are sometimes not forward compatible. For example see article: Can I process data using desktop versions of TargetLynx XS, such as SCN 909 or SCN 950, and then open the dataset in an older SCN? - WKB20887

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION