have an external e stop request that wont clear. tried all the solutions presented in previous threads (ex. going to inputs and modifying the condition), and the problem persists. any ideas?

Either you have a pin set wrong or you are getting noise on that pin.
If you attach your xml I can check your config to eliminate that.
Hood

i just tried it said i could not attach it becouse the file name has already been uploaded or something. i could email it i suppose

Just make a copy and rename it - most people add their name or some identifier to it, Doesn't really matter, it just has to be unique.

ok here is my xml

Do you have an E-Stop button fitted?
If you do is it normally closed type?
Hood

noexternal buttons or switches have been fitted. i dont believe the controller has one. it has two switches only, a power switch and a green switch. its a gecko g540

Ok then go to config menu then ports and pins then inputs, scroll down and change the active state of the E-Stop to active low.
Hood

i tried this already. however i just tried it again to the same effect. it allows me to uncheck the green check mark and clear the active state of the e stop. then when i click apply, and ok and exit out of pins and ports the error is still flashing. down on the message bar it reads "reconfiguration estop". if i click reset. it then reads "external e stop" again and continues flashing...

The green should be chosen if setting active low, in the xml you attached  it was not, it was a red cross.
What kind of hardware do you have (drive, breakout etc)
Hood