altera_avalon_sgdma.h not found during BSP build

During the process of debugging this problem, I had a suggestion from Altera support that somewhat helped. They suggested that I add a custom search path in BSP editor so that the drivers could be found. Here's the text of their message:

I think that this is caused by the driver list is not updated, please try the method as below:

- Open BSP Editor, go to ‘Tools’ -> ‘Options’

- Click at ‘Custom Component Search Paths…’, click at ‘Add…’ button, and add the SGDMA path, click at ‘OK’ button.

- Go to ‘File’ -> select ‘New BSP Settings File’ to open the ‘New BSP Settings File’ window

- At ‘Software’ part, click at ‘…’ to select the path of ‘BSP Settings File name’

- At ‘Hardware’ part, click at ‘…’ to select the path of your .sopcinfo file and ‘Convert SOPC Information File Path’ menu pop up, select ‘Yes’

- Click at ‘OK’ button. Please see attachment for screenshot/ example.

- The new BSP settings file will regenerate.

If the above method cannot help, please be suggested to upgrade the SOPC component in order to get synchronize the drivers with the components. I have upgrading my project which build in version 8.0 and upgrade the project by re-generate the SOPC Builder project, then recompile the Quartus II project.

I used the .sopcinfo file and create a project in Nios II and the driver is appearing in the list. Please see attachment.

When I did this, I was able to see the "missing" drivers. However, there were several other build problems that I kept chasing after that.

When I reverted to older software, it worked without a hitch.

There should be a trivial way to port a design from one software version to the next. Or at least a tool that can identify where potential problems might exist when using a project built with an older version.