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Participant
April 24, 2024
Answered

New computer- file already open errors and file doesn't exist errors

  • April 24, 2024
  • 4 replies
  • 2195 views

When I open a file that I was working on previously- I am either getting an error that says:
"This file is already open by another user or another application. This file may be stored on a network server and cannot be opened until the other user closes it." OR "either the file does not exist, you do not have permission, or the file may be in use by another application". These messages persist and I have to force quit the program.

The steps I have already taken
Cleared cache
Had another user create IDML file and try opening that
Deleted any erroneous lock files
Confirmed that no one else is in this file

How can I fix this?

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer chanda5FAC

So I was able to resolve this issue after thinking through all possibilities. I opened the file on the old computer where I was not getting the errors. Packaged the file. Reopened and re-linked to the local folder of links. That resolved it. Obviously the error was in the access to some of the linked files so I'm guessing somehow I had lost permissions to certain file locations on the server with the switch to the new computer. 

4 replies

Participant
May 14, 2024

I recently had the same problem and the thing that fixed it for me was relinking the graphics I had in my CC Library.

chanda5FACAuthorCorrect answer
Participant
May 2, 2024

So I was able to resolve this issue after thinking through all possibilities. I opened the file on the old computer where I was not getting the errors. Packaged the file. Reopened and re-linked to the local folder of links. That resolved it. Obviously the error was in the access to some of the linked files so I'm guessing somehow I had lost permissions to certain file locations on the server with the switch to the new computer. 

Community Expert
May 2, 2024

Great glad you are back. I posted the reason on 24th Apr. 

Participant
April 24, 2024

So I also tried having another person package the file but that gave me same errors---even when I downloaded to my hard drive.

I am able to open OTHER documents without a problem
I am able to open THIS file on my other computer... so it's something about THIS computer and that file. ARG

Community Expert
April 24, 2024

InDesign generates a temporary file called an .idlk file - which is hidden

Show your hidden files in the folder and see if it's there - if it is then you can delete it.

 

Check also your Caches and delete those folders and files

 

https://helpx.adobe.com/ie/indesign/kb/indesign-document-recovery.html



Could also be that you only have certain permissions for folders - so make sure you have full access to the folders

https://support.apple.com/en-ie/guide/mac-help/mchlp1203/mac

https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-ie/000137238/understanding-file-and-folder-permissions-in-windows

 

 

leo.r
Community Expert
Community Expert
April 24, 2024

Your versions of InDesign and operating system?

Participant
April 24, 2024

Latest InDesign version 2024
Windows 10 ver22H2