Participant

Answered

InDesign CC 2021 save as option keeps saying my files are damaged, for ALL my files.

Forum|Forum|5 years ago
December 11, 2020
4 replies
2205 views

Since I have updated to the latest version of InDesign (v16.0.1 x64), everytime I open an existing InDesign file (.indd), it comes up with this error: "InDesign is having difficulty reading some unsaved changes in "xxx.indd". It may damage the file. Would you like us to try and repair the file? Some unsaved changes may be lost." and then two options "Repair" or "Cancel". If you choose repair it loses all changes you may have made to the file, and then it asks you to save a file called "xxx_recovered.indd" somewhere.

I now know to save the file on opening up first, to do the repair, then do the changes. But I think this error happens to the newly repaired files too, when you come to alter those.

Is there any way to stop this from happening? It has never happened to me this frequently before?

This topic has been closed for replies.

Correct answer Eugene Tyson

It's very strange.

Try resetting your preferences

(Windows) Start InDesign, and then immediately press Shift+Ctrl+Alt. Click Yes when asked if you want to delete preference files. ...
(Mac OS) Start InDesign, and then immediately press Shift+Option+Command+Control. Click Yes when asked if you want to delete preference files.

If that isn't working try the CC Cleaner Tool

https://helpx.adobe.com/ie/creative-cloud/kb/cc-cleaner-tool-installation-problems.html

Other option

Try least one file and using File>Export and choose IDML - open that up and save it as your InDesign file.

See if it happens again.

There could be minor corruption in your files and IDML route is a good way to fix it.

If this does fix it, open your files in the version of InDesign they were created and export the IDML and try open the IDML file in the new version of InDesign.

Bothersome I know, but at least it might give an indication to what is going on.

granatdesign

Participant

I'm having similar issue. Mine is when I make changes to a file and then try to save it.

I get a message that the file is damaged and can't be saved. Then ID crashes. After it restarts, I see that the file was indeed saved correctly after all....

I spoke with a colleague who is having similar issues.

Never had these issues before. Very frustrating

L

laurac43443702

Participant

Hi! I'm getting the same error message, on every file that I open. I tried following the instructions to type "Shift+Option+Command+Control" after Indesign launches but nothing happened—I didn't see whatever preference window I was supposed to.

I'm on Mac OS Catalina 10.15.7 using InDesign 16.1.

interrobang letterpress

Participating Frequently

Hi (LauraC),

Quit out of InDesign, then, going to your applications folder, open the ID folder and hold down all four keys with your left hand as you double click the application icon. You'be presented with a dialog box asking if you want to reset prefs. Click yes, or whatever the option is to accept.

mjb

L

Liz6C2B

Participant

That worked perfectly for me by quitting my preferences. Thank you so much mjb! 🙂

L

Laubender

Community Expert

Hi David & Eugene!

The screenshot is showing a new feature of InDesign 16.0.

Don't know if that helps, but see:

Detect damaged documents and recover
You can save time in troubleshooting the damaged documents. InDesign detects the damaged documents and try to repair them on Adobe servers. When you open a document, if the document is damaged, a prompt appears to choose to repair the document

https://helpx.adobe.com/indesign/user-guide.html/indesign/using/whats-new/2021.ug.html

Also:

https://helpx.adobe.com/indesign/user-guide.html/indesign/using/recovery-undo.ug.html#recovery-as-service

Regards,
Uwe Laubender

( ACP )

E

Eugene Tyson

Community Expert

Ah! Thank you - i didn't even spot the attachment, the link in the posts are tiny, I skimmed over it.

Thanks for pointing that out.

E

Eugene Tyson

Correct answer

Community Expert

It's very strange.

Try resetting your preferences

(Windows) Start InDesign, and then immediately press Shift+Ctrl+Alt. Click Yes when asked if you want to delete preference files. ...
(Mac OS) Start InDesign, and then immediately press Shift+Option+Command+Control. Click Yes when asked if you want to delete preference files.

If that isn't working try the CC Cleaner Tool

https://helpx.adobe.com/ie/creative-cloud/kb/cc-cleaner-tool-installation-problems.html

Other option

Try least one file and using File>Export and choose IDML - open that up and save it as your InDesign file.

See if it happens again.

There could be minor corruption in your files and IDML route is a good way to fix it.

If this does fix it, open your files in the version of InDesign they were created and export the IDML and try open the IDML file in the new version of InDesign.

Bothersome I know, but at least it might give an indication to what is going on.

T

TypoglyphixDWAuthor

Participant

Thanks Eugene,

I did the first part of your solution:

Try resetting your preferences

(Windows) Start InDesign, and then immediately press Shift+Ctrl+Alt. Click Yes when asked if you want to delete preference files. ...

And it seems to have cleared up the error messages. However, should it come back I will try and use the rest of your guidance. I will report back if the problem returns.

Thanks again.

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