Can't finish previewing. There isn't enough memory. ID = -108

[Autumn N]

We run CS5.

One of our clients sent us a file that they would like printed.  The file is 1MB in size, and in PDF format - nothing unusual about any of this.  As usual, I saved the file and tried to open it in Illustrator to set up a proof for our customer, and to check and make sure the file is print-ready.  I received the error: "Can't finish previewing.  There isn't enough memory. ID = -108".  I press OK and it opens up a blank file with some crop marks on it.

I've tried finding a solution online, but everyone who has this problem seems to have next to no RAM.  I'm running on a brand new computer with Windows 7, 16GB of RAM and the Intel Core i7 processor.  I didn't think my RAM or cache were the problem, but just to be sure, I shut off the computer, let it sit for a few minutes, and started it up again.  Same problem.

I am able to open the file in Photoshop and Acrobat - but even when I save the file at a lower resolution, and turn it into a jpeg, it still won't open.  I get the same error.

I need to be able to work with this file.  How can I resolve this?

Thanks!

[Jacob Bugge · Accepted solution]

Josh,

What happens if you create a new document and then try to File>Place the troublesome file in it?

[Autumn N]

I tried to File>Place, and it seems like that got it done.  I'm curious to find out why this was happening though.  I'll post a link as soon as I have the opportunity.

[Jacob Bugge]

Josh,

I'm curious to find out why this was happening though.

File corruption may be the cause. Placing the file strips it of some wrapping which may be the corrupt part.

When I click the link, I get what seems to be just an HTML page in the browser.

[Autumn N]

Interesting.  I've never heard of placing a file until today. I'll have to keep that in mind.  I'm not sure why it's just coming up as an HTML page. Like I said... first time using dropbox.  I'll check it out tomorrow and see if I can figure out what I'm doing wrong.

[MW Design]

Hi Josh--I was out the remainder of the day and evening.

I don't know whether you have gotten to the bottom of the problem yet. The PDF seems to just consist of an image. It opens and places fine here in everything I have that can do so.

There doesn't seem to be anything extrodinary about the file. It included crop marks, but as far as I can see, there's nothing way out on the artboard, etc., that could indicate there was something weird.

If you would like a file, I can ZIP an AI file and the extracted image--which you can also do from Acrobat as well.

Take care, Mike

[Autumn N]

Thanks Mike,

I was able to get it set up in an AI file after I placed the file like Jacob recommended - so I don't think I'll need anything.

Yeah - I didn't see anything extraordinary about the file either, which is why I was so confused.  But I'm glad we got this resolved.

I appreciate it, everyone!

[Kurt Gold]

Can you provide that file for inspection?

[MW Design]

Josh,

Can you share the file publically? If so, upload it to dropbox.com and provide a link.

If it cannot be shared publically, and you would still like someone to look at the file, you can contact me through the PM and I can provide my email.

Take care, Mike

[Autumn N]

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/72971928/2012_04-11__LCHC%20Construction%20Sign.pdf

My first time using dropbox, so I hope this works.

[leonardov82703954]

this happens to me as well. still couldnt find a solution. these adobe products are killing me.

[ambitious_Fireball5C05]

Same here man :'')
Just Disgusting

[Jacob Bugge]

Samiul, Leonardo,

Have you tried the File>Place suggestion?

Or you can try the kind suggestions given by Ashutosh here:

https://community.adobe.com/t5/illustrator/corrupted-file/m-p/12111732#M279416

[Dan24534147j3mh]

Same here.

A user from our company is having constant issues with this error. It's not specific files, but seems random.

"Can't finish previewing.  There isn't enough memory. ID = -108". 

She's using a Core i7-9700 with 12 gb ram, a Quadro P400 GFX on Windows11 pro.

We tried updating everything, but this keeps happening.

Can someone help?