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InDesign won’t save files – says they’re damaged and shows “database error”

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Hi everyone,

Today on two different computers, both running the latest InDesign, I started getting this error every time I edit a file:

“InDesign is unable to save this file. We tried, but it appears to be damaged.”

Then, when I try to close the file, I get another message:

“Could not complete your request because of a database error. The file ‘InDesign Defaults’ is damaged (Error code: 1).”

I’ve tried uninstalling and reinstalling InDesign, resetting preferences, testing files saved locally, in the cloud, and on a USB stick, but nothing helps. I can open and save files as long as I don’t make any changes, but once I edit anything, the error appears.

Everything worked fine yesterday, and now both computers are affected. Is anyone else seeing this problem, or does anyone know how to fix it?

Bug

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DraxeiroCorrect answer

Participating Frequently

It wasn't fixed with the update mentioned in the message below for me. But it looks like that the most recent update -> KB5074105 does the trick.

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Robyn McC

Participant

I have had this error many times, the workaround is to save to your desktop, then drag the newly saved file back to its original location. It’s annoying to have to do this and that Adobe doesn’t seem to be work on a patch at all but it does work.

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avid_dynamism7384

Participant

I found that SAVE AS still works fine, with no errors. So I have two files that I work with. One file with XXXname.indd. Another file with XXXname-WORKING COPY.indd. Whichever one I am working in, I can SAVE as the other name. Then SAVE AS back to the other one. That way, I have two updated copies just in case. Whan I am all done with that InDesign Document, I use the XXXname.indd file for publishing. It’s not ideal, but so far it works until Windows fixes the bug. (I just got a new Windows 11 security Update today, but I haven’t tried to see if it is fixed.)

Hope this helps you - and others.

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MeeshBCOHRC

Participant

I did all the most recent updates, still to no avail. What a huge time waster, though I will say that the files aren’t actually damaged at all and they still do save. It’s just frustrating each time it crashes.

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leo.r

Community Expert

Can you share the exact Windows security update currently installed on your machine?

In any case, you’re correct, the files are not damaged. Most likely, a malfunction in a security mechanism triggers a “file damaged” message for no reason.

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Maine Course

Participant

I’m having the same issue. It is extremely frustrating. I’m losing time trying to deal with this issue.

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leo.r

Community Expert

Did you uninstall/install the appropriate Windows updates as described in this thread?

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Maine Course

Participant

Due to corporate security concerns, I cannot rollback an update.

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avid_dynamism7384

Participant

Will Adobe be coming out with an update to fix this bug? I’m not sure that corporate will allow a Windows security update to be rolled back - especially since I work remotely. It seems to me that Adobe should find a fix that allows their software to work properly with the latest operating system updates. Any chance that will happen soon?

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leo.r

Community Expert

As far as I understand, a newer Windows update has been released by now, and this new update fixes the problems of the faulty update:

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Mike Witherell

Community Expert

I had success patching forward to the latest Microsoft update (KB5074105) Others say to roll back the one update (KB5074109) that appears to be causing this. It turns out that this is a Microsoft bug; not an Adobe InDesign bug.

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Mike Witherell

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avid_dynamism7384

Participant

I’ve been having the same problems and I was thinking it was the latest Windows security update because the problems started shortly afterwards. I HAVE discovered that I can save my work by using SAVE AS a new name - I use WORKING COPY 1, 2, 3, etc. Then when done, SAVE AS the original file name. But this needs to be fixed. I have an appointment with our corporate computer tech on Monday morning, but not sure he will be able to roll back the security update. I hope he can, because this is a BIG pain!

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Christopher27462443k88y

Participant

This is infuriating. The idea that fixing the bug is to uninstall a windows update isn’t an actual solution. What am I going to do, just never update my computer from here on??

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Frans v.d. Geest

Community Expert

Blame Microsoft… it is their bug…

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ARIADS LLC

Participant

This issue has continued to arise despite having uninstalled that Windows update. Every single new file I build, and existing files that I open and update, are unable to be saved. This is HORRIBLE!!!!

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