Participant

Answered

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

Forum|Forum|3 months ago
October 23, 2025
13 replies
2461 views

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

Correct answer Draxeiro

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.

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!!!!

J

JL Lafayette

Participant

I uninstalled windows update KB5074109 and that seemed to fix the issues I was having with saving files.

Senne.Bernaerts

Participant

Exporting to IDML and opening it and saving as a new project file seems to work, but only as a temporary solution to not lose your progress.

leo.r

Community Expert

Exporting to IDML and opening it and saving as a new project file seems to work, but only as a temporary solution to not lose your progress.

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

D

Draxeiro

Participating Frequently

I have the same problem, since 2 weeks. It is horrible. All my files give the ‘damaged’ error message. I will try the link from Peter Spier.

D

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.

Muriel5E7E

Participant

My computer has NOT been updated for KB5074105 and I am experiencing these issues. I hope a fix is coming soon from Adobe.

jacob_4375

Participant

This looks like a corrupted InDesign Defaults file or a bad recent update. Quit InDesign, delete the InDesign Defaults and InDesign SavedData files manually, then restart. If it started after an update, rolling back to the previous InDesign version usually fixes it until Adobe patches the bug.

leo.r

Community Expert

This particular problem is caused by a Windows update, see this post below:

Peter Spier

Community Expert

There’s a link to to the microsoft path that is supposed to fix this at

Mike Witherell

Community Expert

Just a reminder to everyone: this bug is a Windows patch bug. Roll it back.

And while you are tinkering with things, be sure to patch InDesign up to 21.2 for some other issues and the introduction of improved alt-tagging.

Mike Witherell

J

Jason Adam

Participating Frequently

Many threads on this issue. It’s caused by Windows security update KB5074109. I’m sure Adobe is working on it but for now I've reverted the Windows update until there’s a fix either from MS or Adobe.

Gary276381019p5f

Participant

Bump. I’ve done the same thing for my clients with this issue. Not the best answer, but allows people to work. Adobe and Microsoft need to address this.

N

Nicholas27760560prsh

Participant

I’ve gotten this unable to save error with all two .INDD files I’ve made in Indesign 2026. However, I have not recieved the database error. My first attempt to solve was by making a new file and copying all the assets into a new document. This promptly crashed InDesign.

Today I tried the save as .IDML fix which did work but on the second attempt. The first still crashed the entire program. However, when I reopened the program it restored the document so I didn’t lose any saved data.

I don’t know why this is happening but I would like a long-term fix. Is it related to OneDrive? The first file that broke down was uploaded and then downloaded from my account, and I’ve had it screw up things in the pasdt, though not with Adobe softwares.

Whatever the reason, I use InDesign constantly for presentations in my major and I CANNOT be dealing with this problem every week.

S

sc92458557

Participating Frequently

Hi Noki, as I've said I have had the same problem on two computers.

Are you using DropBox and working on files on the cloud?

S

smart_innovator7912

Participant

I'm having exactly the same issue! Every time I use a file it damages when I go to Save it! On both my desktop (local) and also when working from my Dropbox account! Its INCREDIBLY frustrating. Come on Adobe - We pay through the nose for this software and you can't even get the basics right - and NOW theres a fee increase AS WELL!?

leo.r

Community Expert

I'm having exactly the same issue! Every time I use a file it damages when I go to Save it! On both my desktop (local) and also when working from my Dropbox account! Its INCREDIBLY frustrating.

By @smart_innovator7912

What are your versions of InDesign and the operating system? Did the problem start after the recent InDesign 2026 update, and if so, then do you have the same issue when working with InDesign 2025 (you can reinstall it from the Creative Cloud app)? Also, have you tried the troubleshooting suggestions listed in earlier posts?

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