force.com IDE access to custom validation rules in a managed package object

Question

I am currently in sync between my org sandbox and my Force.com IDE in eclipse and can access custom/Standard objects and managed package objects in the Force.com IDE, we have created multiple custom validation rules for each managed package object, however in eclipse I can only access managed package validation rules wihtin a managed package object, same thing goes with Field sets. I access a managed package object from "Referenced Packages" Folder and then drill down to the object subfolder. is this a salesforce limitation when refreshing managed package metadata from Salesforce server, and is there a way to bypass that, I have red some articles about using package.xml - but I am not sure how to do that, can you please help.

Answer 1

Yes, looks like Eclipse IDE's limitation.

In your project's folder you should see package.xml. You'll have to edit it manually. Try force adding the managed objects you need (including namespace) into the "Custom Object" section, like that:

Afterwards refresh "objects" directory from server, should bring in your object nicely.