How to install EDS files and eliminate yellow question marks in RSLinx

March 9, 2017

It’s not uncommon for new products to show up in RSLinx’s RSWho as “yellow question marks.”

And in most cases to connect to the device in question you’ll need to install the appropriate EDS file.

With that in mind, in today’s article I’ll cover how to install EDS Files to enable communications and eliminate “yellow question marks” in RSLinx.

NOTE: If you try to use a very old version of RSLinx Classic with new hardware, the below procedure may not work.

But, since all versions of RSLinx Classic Lite are free (link: how to download Rockwell Software updates) there’s typically no reason to use an old version with new hardware.

Step 1) The first step is to right click on the device in question to see if it has it’s EDS file embedded and ready to be uploaded.

If it does, you’ll see the below option to upload the EDS file from the device which you’ll want to select:

Note: If you don’t see this option, skip to the next section of this article.

Step 2) If prompted by Windows select Yes to allow the program to run:

Step 3) When the EDS Wizard runs select Next:

Step 4) Then select Next:

Step 5) Review the EDS files listed and then click on Next:

Step 6) If you would like to change the default icons do so on this screen. When done click on Next:

Step 7) On the next screen click on Next:

Step 8) And now click on Finish:

Step 9) Now in RSLinx you should see the “yellow question mark” replaced with a picture of the device.

If the device also supports browsing through to it’s backplane (like the L1 used in this example) you should now be able to do so:

Download and Install EDS files from Rockwell’s Website

Step 1) If you don’t get the option to upload the EDS file from the device when you right click on it, instead click on the Device Properties option:

Step 2) Next, note the product information including the EDS file name so you can get the correct EDS file from the vendor:

Step 3) If it’s a Rockwell product, head up to http://www.ab.com and from the Downloads link choose Electronic Data Sheets:

Step 4) On this page enter in the Network, Device Type, and the first four characters of the catalog number:

Step 5) From the resulting list find your product.

Then hover over the download link to insure the EDS file it links to matches the EDS file from the device properties in Step 2 above.

If it does, go ahead and download the EDS file to your PC:

Step 6) Once you’ve downloaded the EDS file, launch the EDS Hardware Installation Tool which is installed by default when you install RSLinx Classic:

Step 7) Once the tool launches, select Add:

Step 8) Next select “Register A Single File,” then browse and select the EDS file you just downloaded, and click on Next:

Step 9) Review the information in the next window and then click on Next:

Step 10) Review the default image for the device and make any changes you wish to make, then click on Next:

Step 11) Review the summary information and then click on Next:

Step 12) Once the wizard finishes click on Finish:

Step 13) Now in RSlinx’s RSWho you should see the devices picture in place of the “yellow question mark:”

If you’ve found today’s article helpful and would like to help up publish more articles please consider making a small pledge at Automation.Locals.com.

You can also take our affordable training courses on PLCs and HMIs at TheAutomationSchool.com.

Until next time, Peace ✌️

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Shawn M Tierney
Technology Enthusiast & Content Creator

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Shawn Tierney

I'm a lifelong Technology Enthusiast who started programing in the early 80's on the new Apple II and VIC-20 personal computers. After earning a degree in Electronics, I worked as a Certified Automation Specialist for 25 years before leaving to focus on teaching at The Automation School, as well as publishing industry news and product how-to’s at The Automation Blog.

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It’s not uncommon for new products to show up in RSLinx’s RSWho as “yellow question marks.”

And in most cases to connect to the device in question you’ll need to install the appropriate EDS file.

With that in mind, in today’s article I’ll cover how to install EDS Files to enable communications and eliminate “yellow question marks” in RSLinx.

Step 1) The first step is to right click on the device in question to see if it has it’s EDS file embedded and ready to be uploaded.

If it does, you’ll see the below option to upload the EDS file from the device which you’ll want to select:

Note: If you don’t see this option, skip to the next section of this article.

Step 2) If prompted by Windows select Yes to allow the program to run:

Step 3) When the EDS Wizard runs select Next:

Step 4) Then select Next:

Step 5) Review the EDS files listed and then click on Next:

Step 6) If you would like to change the default icons do so on this screen. When done click on Next:

Step 7) On the next screen click on Next:

Step 8) And now click on Finish:

Step 9) Now in RSLinx you should see the “yellow question mark” replaced with a picture of the device.

If the device also supports browsing through to it’s backplane (like the L1 used in this example) you should now be able to do so:

Download and Install EDS files from Rockwell’s Website

Step 1) If you don’t get the option to upload the EDS file from the device when you right click on it, instead click on the Device Properties option:

Step 2) Next, note the product information including the EDS file name so you can get the correct EDS file from the vendor:

Step 3) If it’s a Rockwell product, head up to http://www.ab.com and from the Downloads link choose Electronic Data Sheets:

Step 4) On this page enter in the Network, Device Type, and the first four characters of the catalog number:

Step 5) From the resulting list find your product.

Then hover over the download link to insure the EDS file it links to matches the EDS file from the device properties in Step 2 above.

If it does, go ahead and download the EDS file to your PC:

Step 6) Once you’ve downloaded the EDS file, launch the EDS Hardware Installation Tool which is installed by default when you install RSLinx Classic:

Step 7) Once the tool launches, select Add:

Step 8) Next select “Register A Single File,” then browse and select the EDS file you just downloaded, and click on Next:

Step 9) Review the information in the next window and then click on Next:

Step 10) Review the default image for the device and make any changes you wish to make, then click on Next:

Step 11) Review the summary information and then click on Next:

Step 12) Once the wizard finishes click on Finish:

Step 13) Now in RSlinx’s RSWho you should see the devices picture in place of the “yellow question mark:”

If you’ve found today’s article helpful and would like to help up publish more articles please consider making a small pledge at Automation.Locals.com.

You can also take our affordable training courses on PLCs and HMIs at TheAutomationSchool.com.

Like this:

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