Often times I need to alter my model in Inventor which import into 3ds max. Is there a way to update my model in 3ds with the updated file yet maintain my bitmap assignments?Thank you!

Why do you need to alter your model in Inventor? What are you building that can't be worked on in Max?Once you take your model out of Max and edit it in another program you will have to redo your UVW mapping and re-apply your materials when you bring the model back in.Just edit the model in Max. You're making things more difficult than they need to be.