How to edit work items in xml editor of Visual Studio 2008?

Question

I try to customize some TFS work items using the VS2008 xml editor, but every time I open the work item XML file, it goes to the graphic designer. All that gives me is the "View XML" button, which prevents you from directly editing the XML.

Answer 1

I don’t have TFS, but I know that in regular VS there is an Open With ... option in the context menu of most elements, which even allows you to change the default editor. Very useful when you are tired of opening a constructor instead of a code file in Windows forms.

Answer 2

And it looks like you need to go to File-> Open and click the down arrow next to the Open button to open "Open With" in the xml editor. If someone wants to copy and paste this, the free accepted answer is: P

Answer 3

According to Coincoin's answer, this feature is great for setting the default editor for ASPX. If you want to go to the code editor most often, then this is the default value that you want to change.

Answer 4

Reading this - I think you may not understand that there is no need to edit XML - in fact it is very difficult to do. The graphic designer will actually allow you to change the type of work item, add new fields, change workflow, rules, etc.

The only reason for changing XML is a bug in the process editor (a tool that a graphic designer provides). I made extensive changes to the types of work items and had only one instance where I had to change the XML.