Opening newer max files on older versions

[tricky]

For a number of reasons, but mainly, the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" one, we are still running Max 2009 x64. We see no reason to upgrade as everything at the moment is working well for us. However, occasionally, we are sent files that have been created in a newer version of Max which can't be opened in our version.

Does anyone know of any work arounds to this? Online file converters or similar? Does Max 2012 allow you to save as older versions?

It would be annoying to have to upgrade just for this reason.

[plastic_]

Beginning with max 2011 you can save to older versions, but the oldest supported is max 2010.

[Franx]

You might want to try BBF (Bobo's file format). Havent used it in a while but supposed to be still working with newer versions.
http://www.scriptspot.com/bobo/darkmoon/bff/
Or maybe exporting to FBX.

[tricky]

You might want to try BBF (Bobo's file format). Havent used it in a while but supposed to be still working with newer versions.
http://www.scriptspot.com/bobo/darkmoon/bff/
Or maybe exporting to FBX.

Will give this a try.

It would be nice if there was a way to create a vrayproxy from the max file without having to open it. Is this possible?

[vlado]

It would be nice if there was a way to create a vrayproxy from the max file without having to open it. Is this possible?

Hmm, you still need to know what's in the file I guess you can pass a pre-render MaxScript callback and use the vrayMeshExport command to export stuff (or call 3ds Max export commands to export to .obj or something else).

Best regards,
Vlado