error message- variable cannot be saved use -v7.3 switch

Hi, I am running in fMRI analysis using matlab 2014a and SPM 12. I am able to estimate a model in SPM when I use just a few subjects with no error messages in Matlab, but when I run all subjects, I receive the message a couple times during the model estimation. "Warning: Variable 'SPM' cannot be saved to a MAT-file whose version is older than 7.3 Skipping...." To save this variable use the -v7.3" What does this mean? I am using matlab 2014a so I am not sure where the file with version 7.3 comes in? Or why it is only a problem when running some subjects but not others. Any help or suggestions are appreciated.

Best, Christy

Answer 1

[Walter Roberson]

I have not looked at the SPM source in at least 3 years, so I cannot tell you at the moment what circumstances would trigger the problem. But if you just want to fix the problem, then according to the documentation for save():

To view or set the default version for MAT-files, select a MAT-file save format option in the General Preferences.

Make sure you set that to v7.3 and then try again.

[christy olson]

Thanks for your help!

Best, Christy