Changing the custom entity prefix in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011

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This article describes how to change the custom entity prefix in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011.

Applies to:   Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011
Original KB number:   2500602

The prefix that will be used when new attributes are created can be changed by updating the default publisher. This can be done by following the steps below:

  1. Navigate to Settings > Customizations > Publishers.
  2. Select the default publisher from the list.
  3. Modify the prefix, changing it from new to the desired custom prefix, and click Save and Close.
  4. Publish customizations by going to Settings > Solutions, and clicking Publish All Customizations.

Additionally, if you would like to create some fields with the new_ prefix, and some fields with the custom prefix, you can create a custom solution that utilizes the new prefix. You can also utilize multiple different custom prefixes by creating separate solutions that utilize these prefixes. This can be done by following the steps below:

  1. Create a new Publisher:

    1. Navigate to Settings > Customizations, and select Publishers from the list.
    2. Click the New button.
    3. Provide a display name, and specify the prefix you would like to use. Note that the Option Value Prefix number will be generated automatically.
    4. Click Save and Close.

  2. Create a new Solution:

    1. Navigate to Settings > Solutions, and click the New button.
    2. Provide values for Display Name and Version.
    3. In the Publisher lookup field, select the publisher you created in step 1 above.
    4. Click Save and Close.

  3. Add the entities to the solution that you want to add custom attributes to using the new prefix:

    1. Open the solution from step 2, and click the Add Existing button.
    2. Select the entities you would like to include, and click OK.
    3. Expand Entities, expand the entity you want to modify, and click Fields.
    4. Click New. You will notice here that your new prefix is now being used.
    5. Create your custom fields and click Save and Close.
    6. Click Save and Close to save the Solution. Note that you may need to click the Information tab in the upper-left corner so the Save and Close button becomes visible.

  4. Publish customizations by going to Settings > Solutions, and click Publish All Customizations.