The configuration of XML imports, for both imports of new items and imports to update existing items, is used by the XML Import view and the New Item: Import from XML option. The XML Import options can be configured in Configure the explorer, accessible from the File tab to support specific use cases. The name of the configuration is "UpdateFromXML2". 

When configured and set to "Active" in Configure the explorer, the XML Import view will only be available if the selected item is one of the items that the view is configured for. A proper configuration can prevent mistakes by users. When using the New Item: Import from XML option, users must select a configuration in order to proceed with their import.

If a configuration is not put in place for XML Import in Configure the explorer (see screenshot below), the option will be available for all item types in the View drop-down with the system default settings shown below. 

System Default Settings

MatchOnForeignId=True

MatchOnForeignIdEditable=True

MatchOnAncestor=False

MatchOnAncestorEditable=True

MatchOnPreviousVersions=False

MatchOnPreviousVersionsEditable=True

ImportVersionNumbers=True

ImportVersionNumbersEditable=True

CheckStatusReleased=False

ImportOwner=False

OwnerAttributeSID= ''

AllowErrors=False

AllowWarnings=True

ImportOwnerEditable=True

MatchItemsInLibrary=False

MatchItemsInLibraryEditable= True

CheckDescriptionChanges=False