In order to work with a dashboard's Form XML using Microsoft Visual Studio, first you have to export the existing Dashboard using a Solution Package in Dynamics CRM. This recipe will cover exporting the Dashboard and then accessing the Form XML. An in-depth review of importing and exporting Solution Packages is outside the scope of this book, but this section covers the necessary steps to complete the recipe.
This recipe will be exporting the standard Dynamics CRM Overview dashboard that comes pre-installed with Dynamics CRM 2011. Navigate to the Solutions section in the Dynamics CRM 2011 Settings area.
Carry out the following steps in order to complete this recipe:
Once you have navigated to the Solutions section in the Settings area, click on the New button to create a blank solution for this recipe, as shown in the following screenshot:
A screen will open for the new solution, as shown in the following screenshot. Fill in...