Frequently Asked Questions
The MDR utility converts MODFLOW files into ArcView® GIS Software shape files.
Most questions on this application and its functionality are easily answered by reviewing
the 19 pages of documentation and figures designed to assist you in the use of the MDR.
The PDF format is also searchable. If you can't find your answers there, check here for some
of the more commonly asked questions regarding the MDR.
Installation MODFLOW Input Data Reader
Q: I clicked "install.exe" and I get an error message.
A: Click "setup.exe". "Setup.exe" will install the files necessary
to launch the "install.exe" installation program.
Q: When installing the MDR on a Microsoft WindowsNT® 4.0 system, I get
an error about insufficient rights to install files. Now what do I do?
A: Microsoft WindowsNT® 4.0 requires an Administrator or equivalent
account be used to over-write any system file that it has open at that time. Please log out
and log in as an administrator or equivalent account. If you need help with this, contact
your local systems administrator or PC Support group for assistance.
Q: I get an OCX or DLL-related error when running the install (demo or full version). What do I do now?
A: Since software developers put their own versions of DLLs and OCX files into your
system, we cannot predict what version you might have installed. If the demo won't
install on your PC in this situation, please run "tmpinst.exe", which is located in
the same directory as the MDR demo file (C:\MDRDEMO) or on your installation CDROM. This
alternate method of installation displays less information to the user during install.
To start using MDR, you must now start the MDR extension from inside ArcView.
Q: The install program did not install the software in the correct location.
A: "Double click" the folder "AV_GIS30". A single click will not select
the appropriate folder.
Q: My model is not very large (100 columns by 90 rows and 2 stress periods).
Why is it taking 30 minutes to import?
A: If you are importing files across a network, network speed, number of users,
and traffic will greatly affect the time to import a model. Copy the files to the
local disk and re-import the model. It should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
Q: I get an error message indicating there is a problem with the Basic (*.bas) package.
A: MDR cannot read an externally referenced file. All matrix data must be contained
within the appropriate MODFLOW package (consult documentation).
Q: Can I read a MODFLOW data set that is formatted for MODFLOW-96?
A: The MDR will only read MODFLOW data sets written in MODFLOW-88 format.
Q: I have a specially modified version of MODFLOW-88. Will the MDR read the data sets?
A: As long as the data sets can read by a standard version of MODFLOW-88. It will
not read, for example, an additional field in the Well or River package.
MODFLOW Output Data Reader
Q: When I contour a head save file (*.hds), I get an error message indicating there is a
problem reading the save file.
A: The file must be written out in either free ASCII format or true binary.
Q: When I am contouring, I get an error message indicating there is a problem with the
level (*.lvl) file.
A: You probably have inadvertently entered a character somewhere in the file.
The file is read using a free ASCII format.
