diff --git a/tools/new_operations/operation_filter.py b/tools/new_operations/operation_filter.py
index 83ee1dd9b65..eb2c2128277 100644
--- a/tools/new_operations/operation_filter.py
+++ b/tools/new_operations/operation_filter.py
@@ -15,9 +15,19 @@ def validate_input( trans, error_map, param_values, page_param_map ):
     data_params = 0
     for name, param in page_param_map.iteritems():
         if isinstance( param, DataToolParameter ):
+            # for each dataset parameter
             if param_values.get(name, None) != None:
                 dbkeys.add( param_values[name].dbkey )
                 data_params += 1
+                # check meta data
+                try:
+                    param = param_values[name]
+                    startCol = int( param.metadata.startCol )
+                    endCol = int( param.metadata.endCol )
+                    chromCol = int( param.metadata.chromCol )
+                    strandCol = int ( param.metadata.strandCol )
+                except:
+                    error_map[name] = "The attributes of this dataset are not the correct format."
             data_param_names.add( name )
     if len( dbkeys ) > 1:
         for name in data_param_names:
@@ -25,7 +35,8 @@ def validate_input( trans, error_map, param_values, page_param_map ):
                 "this dataset is linked to build '%s'" % param_values[name].dbkey
     if data_params != len(data_param_names):
         for name in data_param_names:
-            error_map[name] = "A data of the appropriate type is required"
+            error_map[name] = "A dataset of the appropriate type is required"
+
 
 def exec_after_process(app, inp_data, out_data, param_dict, tool=None, stdout=None, stderr=None):
     """Verify the output data after each run"""