How to correct a circle's outer edge on a compound path?

rubes,

To add a bit to post #3, I believe other more direct cut/removal ways such as Object>Path>Divide Objects Below or Pathfinders may invoke unwanted Anchor Points.

Hi show us full design so i can tell you possible...Thanks

rubes,

Presuming everything shown is one Compound Path, you may:

1) Create a circle on top of it with the same size, with the centre Reference Point selected in the Transform palette, select the Compouns Path, then create a circle with the same W and H values as shown;

2) Select the Compound Path again and copy the X value from the Transform palette, then select the circle and insert it, then repeat for the Y value;

Now your circle should have the same size and position;

3) Select everything and Ctrl/Cmd+7 to create a Clipping Mask which will hide the outlying irregular parts;

To get rid of the unwanted parts there is the dirty destructive deed, with the Clipping Mask selected:

4) Object/Edit>Flatten Transparency, just keep the defaults including 100% Vector;

5) Shudder (optional, unless unavoidable).

This will crop everything to the Clipping Path which is the circle created.

Hi, See this video it will explain problem's answer.

Compound Path Problems in Adobe Illustrator - YouTube

Is the otuer circle one complete circle?

In that case: Select it with the group selection tool by clicking exactly on that path (preferably on one of its points)

Then delete the outer circle

Draw a new circle with the ellipse tool.

Center it on the other part(s)

Select all

Make new compound path (please don't call that "compound it", because there are compound shapes as well, which is something different)