FactoryTalk .mer File Deprotection

This article will examine what FactoryTalk .mer file protection is and how to overcome it.

The extension “.mer” stands for Machine Edition Runtime. Accordingly, this type of file is used by Allen Bradley PanelView HMI’s for runtime graphics.

FactoryTalk View Studio is used to create and configure FactoryTalk projects. Once all configurations have been made, the project is saved as a “.mer” file.

FactoryTalk runtime save dialog showing the .mer file type and conversion options, with Never allow conversion outlined in red.

Once the project has been saved as a “.mer” file, the “.mer” file can be downloaded to and used by the PanelView HMI.

When trying to run “Restore runtime application” with a “.mer” file that has had “Never allow conversion” applied during the compilation process, the conversion will fail and the following error will result:

FactoryTalk View ME Application Manager with Restore runtime application selected.

FactoryTalk View ME Application Manager error stating that the runtime application was saved in a protected format that does not allow conversion to a development application.

Infra has developed a tool to automatically deprotect your “.mer” file, which can be downloaded below. To use the tool, drag and drop your protected .mer file into the application tool:

Infra Engineering .mer File Deprotection tool showing the Drop .mer Here area and empty project information fields.

Once the file has been imported into the tool, the FactoryTalk project file’s Project Name, Version, FactoryTalk Platform, and File Deprotection Status will be displayed:

Imported .mer file showing the Century Tanks project, version v13.0, FactoryTalk View Studio ME platform, and a red Never allow conversion protection status.

After clicking the “Deprotect File” button, the .mer file will effectively be deprotected:

File Protection Status showing 0 (Always allow conversion) in yellow after clicking Deprotect File.

The tool window can now be closed. The “.mer” file can be successfully imported into the FactoryTalk ME View Application Manager and the restore function will now function.