Resolving Multiproject Archive and Retrieve Errors in SIMATIC PCS 7

Archive and retrieve errors in SIMATIC PCS 7—such as missing cross-project links, broken Plant Hierarchy folders, or corrupted archive warnings upon retrieval—occur when an engineer archives an individual sub-project from the 'User projects' tab instead of archiving the complete multiproject container from the 'Multiprojects' tab. Multiprojects contain cross-project subnets, Master Data Libraries, S7 fault-tolerant connection tables, and OS server assignments. To ensure complete archives, close all active editors (CFC, WinCC, HW Config), select 'File -> Archive...' in SIMATIC Manager, choose the 'Multiprojects' tab, and save to a local directory with a short file path (under 260 characters).

Multiproject Architecture and Cross-Project Link Dependencies

In SIMATIC PCS 7, large-scale plant automation is engineered using Multiprojects. A multiproject is not a single database; it is an umbrella container linking multiple distinct project folders:

AS Controller Projects: Separate projects containing automation controllers and CFC charts.
OS Projects: Operator station and server projects containing WinCC databases and graphics.
Master Data Library: The centralized repository containing project-standard block types, CMT templates, and SFC types.
Cross-Project Subnets and NetPro Connections: Shared Industrial Ethernet and PROFIBUS network definitions and inter-AS fault-tolerant S7 connections.

The multiproject file (*.s7p / *.s7h) maintains relational pointers across all constituent directories.

Root Cause Analysis - Sub-Project Archiving vs Multiproject Archiving

When an engineer selects File -> Archive... in SIMATIC Manager, the dialog presents three separate tabs: User projects, Libraries, and Multiprojects.

If the engineer selects a project from the User projects tab (such as Plant_AS01), PKZip compresses only that isolated sub-folder. When this archive is subsequently retrieved on another workstation, SIMATIC Manager displays warning dialogs:
- 'The project contains cross-project links that cannot be resolved.'
- Master Data Library blocks appear disconnected, and AS-OS compilation fails because target OS stations are missing.
Additionally, if WinCC Explorer or CFC charts remain open during archiving, open file handles block PKZip from compressing *.mdf, *.dbf, or temporary lock files, producing archive warnings.

Diagnostic Matrix for Archive and Retrieval Failures

The table below details archive errors, underlying causes, and corrective engineering solutions:

Error / Warning MessageOperationRoot CauseCorrective Engineering ActionBroken cross-project linksRetrieveSub-project archived instead of Multiproject container.Archive exclusively from the Multiprojects tab in SIMATIC Manager.File cannot be read / lockedArchiveWinCC Explorer or background SQL processes open.Close all editors; run CCResetProject.exe if handles persist.Path length exceeded (> 260 chars)RetrieveProject extracted into deeply nested folder structure.Retrieve into short root directory (e.g., D:\PCS7_Proj\).CRC Checksum FailureRetrieveArchive corrupted during USB transfer or network transfer.Use certified USB media; verify file hashes before transfer.Missing Master Data LibraryCompileLibrary omitted from archive.Ensure Master Data Library is linked to Multiproject before archiving.

Step-by-Step Procedure for Clean Multiproject Archiving and Retrieval

Close All Open Editors and Background Services:
- Save and close all CFC charts, SFC editors, and HW Config windows.
- Close WinCC Explorer and ensure WinCC Runtime is deactivated on the ES.
Execute Multiproject Archiving:
- In SIMATIC Manager, select File -> Archive....
- Click the Multiprojects tab.
- Select the target multiproject from the list.
- In the destination prompt, select a local hard drive folder (e.g., D:\Backups\Plant_20180528.zip).
- Allow PKZip to compress all constituent sub-projects, libraries, and multiproject definition files cleanly.
Execute Clean Retrieval on Destination Station:
- On the target Engineering Station, open SIMATIC Manager.
- Select File -> Retrieve....
- Browse to the .zip archive file.
- When prompted for the extraction directory, select a short base path (e.g., C:\Program Files (x86)\Siemens\Step7\s7proj or D:\PCS7_Projects).
- Click OK: PKZip extracts all sub-folders and SIMATIC Manager automatically re-establishes cross-project pointers.
Re-link Cross-Project References (If Prompted):
- If SIMATIC Manager asks to open the retrieved multiproject, select Yes.
- Select File -> Multiproject -> Reorganize... to verify database consistency across all sub-projects.

Verification

Verify archive integrity through the following checks:
1. Confirm that retrieval completes with zero warning popups and opens the multiproject view displaying all AS and OS objects.
2. In NetPro, verify that cross-project subnets and S7 connections show active interconnections without broken red link lines.
3. In the Master Data Library, verify that block types and CMT templates are accessible and properly linked to the AS offline folders.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Never use third-party archiving utilities (such as WinRAR, 7-Zip, or Windows Explorer Send to Compressed Folder) to zip or unzip PCS 7 project directories directly. Third-party compression tools do not respect S7 database file locking rules, omit hidden system files, and often alter file timestamps required by AS-OS compilation change tracking. Always use the internal SIMATIC Manager Archive and Retrieve functions.

Engineer FAQ

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Related Tags

Multiproject
Archive
Retrieve
Cross-Project Links
Master Data Library
SIMATIC Manager

Multiproject

Resolving Multiproject Archive and Retrieve Errors in SIMATIC PCS 7