ECW is a proprietary Wavelet compression format optimized for aerial and satellite images developed by Earth Resource Mapping, but now owned by ERDAS. ECW file can hold data gathered with satellite or aerial cameras and georadars located in space.
After converting the file to the new format, you will be able to use other programs to support it. Keep in mind, however, that the MXD file after converting to ECW may differ slightly from the original. The most important information should be kept, but if you want the file after conversion from MXD to ECW to be the same, you have to do this carefully and choose the proper application from the list below.
There is no guarantee, of course, that the conversion will come up to all your expectations, but it will certainly help you. If, after all, the effect of converting MXD to ECW does not meet your expectations, you can simply try to find on the Internet a different version of your file in MXD format, properly converted to a ECW file by someone else. If this fails, use the information provided in the further part of the website.
Unfortunately, if after performing the two previously described steps (trying to find your MXD file converted by someone else, and the attempt to convert it to ECW on your own) you still have a problem with your file, then there are only a few solutions left. You can once again try to find and install an application that can open the MXD file in its original format (without conversion to ECW file). Such a solution will be difficult to implement, but it certainly will give the best result.