How to delete components from managed solution in Dynamics CRM?

Scenario Overview:

Imagine you have a custom field, an Option Set named "new_FieldToBeDeleted," in the Account entity within your source environment (let's call it Env X). This field is a local Option Set and has been added to the Account form. You then export the solution containing this field as a managed solution and deploy it to the target environment (Env Y).

Later on, due to a change in requirements, you need to replace this local Option Set with a global Option Set and subsequently delete the original local Option Set field from the source environment. The challenge arises when you try to delete the corresponding field from the target environment, as it’s part of a managed solution. Deleting the field directly is not possible, and simply importing the updated managed solution from the source won’t resolve the issue.

The Solution:

Thankfully, Dynamics CRM offers a way to tackle this problem using the Clone Solution feature. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Update the Solution in the Source Environment:

   • In Env X, carry out the necessary changes: remove dependencies, delete the local Option Set field, create the global Option Set, and then add a new field to the Account entity linked to this global Option Set.

2. Cloning the Solution:

   • Select the updated solution in the source environment and click on the "Clone Solution" option.

   • Assign a new version number as prompted.

3. Export the Cloned Solution:

   • Export this cloned solution as a managed solution.

4. Importing the Solution to the Target Environment:

   • When importing the solution into Env Y, ensure you check the "Stage for Upgrade" box and select the "Maintain customizations" option.

5. Applying the Solution Upgrade:

   • After the solution is imported, click the "Apply Solution Upgrade" button. This process will delete the old field in the target environment and introduce the new field associated with the global Option Set.

Conclusion:

This method provides a seamless way to manage such scenarios in Dynamics CRM, ensuring that your target environment remains in sync with the source, even when dealing with managed solutions. Next time you face a similar challenge in solution management, this approach should help you navigate it successfully.