When I try and import an EAD file I get a message saying the document failed to import and that "The system cannot find the file specified". What does this mean?

For EAD file conformant to the EAD DTD version 2002 (rather than the schema) the AT must be able to access the DTD.

The header of the EAD should include a doctype statement something like the following:

The last bit of text in quotations (above "ead.dtd") indicates where the AT should look for the DTD, this can be a url or file path. The example above indicates that the DTD is in the same folder as the EAD file. If the file is not in the location indicated you will be unable to import the file and get a message like this:

The document failed to import
C:\Documents and Settings\ahutt\Desktop\AT\AT Imports\ead\ead.dtd (The system cannot find the file specified)

If you are having problems with this, the easiest solution is to use the notation above ("ead.dtd") and place the DTD in the same folder as your EAD. The DTD can be accessed from the EAD web site. It is the first link in the list of files. Right click on the link and select "Save Link As…" to download.