Can't save if file is on a Google-sync'd drive

[neekolaus]

Hi elainecc , I'm getting the same issue (could not save the document), but I don't think I have complex characters in my username (unless a space is a complex character?). Which username is this? The Windows or Adobe CC one?

One interesting note: I can "Save As" if I save it as a different filename from the existing file e.g.

• I have a file abc.xd
• "Save" or "Save As" existing file -> "Could not save the document"
• "Save As" different filename e.g. abc1.xd -> works

Also, the document is in a local Google Drive folder. I tried saving to my Desktop and initially got the same error, but after closing and opening again it seems it might be ok if the file is not in GDrive. I'll check and edit this if there is any update.

[elainecc]

Hey neekolaus-

It sounds like a different issue, so I've branched your question off into a different one. We'll take a look at it to see if we can reproduce it!

-Elaine

[elainecc · Accepted solution]

Hey neekolaus​-

We weren't actually able to reproduce this on our side - we saved to a sync'd GDrive folder, and it worked fine. Can you let us know what the actual name of your file was?

Thanks,

-Elaine

[hamzaatvenuemob]

I'm still getting this error. Even after the Mar-2017 update on Windows 10.

If the file in on a Google Drive synced folder, sometimes it works but most of the time I get the below error message. So I have to save in another folder and move the file in Google Drive synced folder.

Another issue is that if I hit Ctrl+S and then lock my PC and walk off as I usually do before leaving my desk, and for the above reason it did not save, sometimes XD closes while in the PC is locked. When I come back all my unsaved work is gone. Lost 4 hours worth of work yesterday.

[elainecc]

Can you check to see which version of the GDrive connector you're using? Does this happen all the time, or does it happen occasionally? And are you on a corporate intranet?

Thanks,

-Elaine

[hamzaatvenuemob]

• I'm using Google Drive version 1.32.4066.7445
• Happens most of the time like 8/10 times. I checked if it happens only when the file is syncing but that is not the case.
• No. Open Internet.

[andrewfelix]

Why is this marked as the correct answer? It doesn't even offer a solution. This is an ongoing issue for a lot of users.

[diklaa83090001]

also for me. google sync lock the file, and I must "save As"

[DusanVr]

The bug is obviously very present, but notable on big files and slow connection especially. Google Drive is obviously locking file to prevent saving while it syncs. But if you do not save the file and just shut down Photoshop, it gets deleted. May be a Windows explorer error as well.

Here is a good description of the issue.

[marketing@bladium.com]

I had the same issue. I was able to "Pause" the desktop sync while I'm working and turn it off when I'm done. I right+click on the "Backup and Sync" icon in the bottom right tray on my PC. And select "Pause".

[Edo75]

This is a very annoying issue that is present for quite a while, the only solution right now is to quit Backup and Sync while I'm working on those files. I hope Google will finally soon address it.

[marketing@bladium.com]

I was able to "Pause" the Backup and Sync before I start working on any important (big) files. Then "Resume" once I'm done so the new files get synced w/ the drive. It's helped a lot, just have to remember to turn it on/off.

[cjshelby78]

I can confirm i also have to do this right now.  I can usually get one save in and then the file gets locked until i pause or quit (usually quit) to release the permissions.

[mfedder]

Same issue here. (Win 10 & Google Drive)

Logic seems to tell us this must be a problem with either Google Drive or File Explorer or both. I say this because I'm seeing the problem across applications and especially in File Explorer. For me, the problem shows as not being able to save a file that I just opened, not being able to change a filename in Explorer, not being able to open a file (other than read-only) after saving and closing the application. In Explorer, I frequently see a spinning "working" cursor and cannot perform any file maintenance operation during this time. Really annoying.

As DusanVr noted, the problem seems to be worse with larger files but this really shouldn't present an issue with well-designed sync software. For some time now, I've used the same solution as others here... pause Google Sync and restart only after I'm finished working. I've also created a local work folder and drag a copy to Drive when I'm done.

It's hard to say exactly when the problem started, but there was a clear point in time for me when all of the above problems appeared. I had experienced NONE of the problems before __ weeks ago. My gut tells me it was sometime in August but I didn't log anything so I can't trust my memory.

[johna73477996]

This has been going on for me for a few years now. It seems that Google fixed it one of the last versions in Google Drive sync before they revamped their software and changed to Backup and Sync, which appears to not have included that fix and so the problem continues again.

I would recommend that everyone also try using the "Send Feedback" function in Backup and Sync and report this problem to Google as well.

As a workaround, I created a script to shut down the Backup and Sync process before saving automatically every 15 minutes.

[TTDare]

Ah, glad I'm not same person having this issue.

Google Drive locks the PSD files so 'save' doesn't work, do 'save as' and it's fine. But original PSD has completely disappeared from my computer! Luckily have done a 'save as' so have new version - but have lost a couple of files when I haven't done a 'save as'. It's really bad.

Will try pausing sync as others have suggested - bit of a pain but hopefully it'll be fixed one day (although not likely seeing that I've seen some people have had the issue for about 2 years!!)

[tsenkov]

I am having the same issue. The problem is very easy to reproduce:

• copy and paste a large .psd file in your Google Drive folder. Make sure your sync is enabled and that you have selected a file that can't be uploaded before you get to the last point in this procedure (slow down your network, there are network debug tools you could use to do that, if you are on something like gigabit internet);
• Open the fresh copy from your Google Drive folder into Photoshop;
• Before it has finished uploading make a change and try to save.

The issue is simple - editing and saving within a PSD/PSB which is still being uploaded.

I don't know if you can fix this, but it is extremely annoying.

[tnabes]

Same problem here.

[tnabes]

Pausing sync doesn't seem to work for me.

[johna73477996]

I guess some of the bug reports to Google paid off:

"Fixed issues where files were locked when saving from Adobe and Microsoft Office applications on Windows."

Fixed in Backup & Sync version 3.39:

Backup and Sync release notes - G Suite Administrator Help

[Edo75]

I installed the 3.39 version but the issue is still permanent.

[johna73477996]

Yes, unfortunately, Google did not do a proper job fixing the issue.

Here is a thread where other users have reported the same issue and a Google employee responded:

Google Groups

[senors69405386]

This is ridiculous and stupid. No other app has this issue. I can save files onto my Google Drive JUST FINE. Don't try to put the blame on Google, and don't try to say you can't reproduce it. This isn't even a thing you need to "reproduce". It happens EVERY TIME. If you save a big file on G Drive, make changes, then save again, Adobe will say "SCREW YOU". NO OTHER APP DOES THIS. FIX IT FFS

[KevinRevan]

My AE file won't save unless I rename the file, very annoying.  The error message reads: After Effects error: reading from file "G:my drive file location" Error code (3::6)  Pausing the sync does not change anything. I have a new machine, new adobe suite and have a massive google drive account why is this happening?

[Đinh_Phúc_Lộc]

I switched to using onedrive and everything worked perfectly

Even my * .ai file automatically syncs images that have been connected to the file