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A
Alessandro21888829pfpr
Participant
November 22, 2021
Question

ERROR MESSSAGE: The "name.ai" file is in an unknown format and cannot be opened

  • November 22, 2021
  • 3 replies
  • 550 views

Goodmorning everyone,
After several days of working on this file, I reopen it to continue working on it but when I open Illustrator I get this message [The file "name.ai" is in an unknown format and cannot be opened]. This is the first time this has happened to me and unfortunately I have not created a recovery pdf.
As a precaution I have already checked memory disks, tried to convert it and open it on a different PC but nothing to do.
I sincerely hope someone can help me
Attached is a photo of the error message (In Italian, in the text translated into English)
Thanks in advance

This topic has been closed for replies.

3 replies

Anshul_Saini
Community Manager
Anshul_SainiCommunity Manager
Community Manager
November 28, 2021

Hi there,

 

Sorry to hear about the trouble you are facing. There are multiple factors that can lead to file corruption. However, we can take a look and see if the file can be repaired. You may upload the file to the Creative Cloud (https://helpx.adobe.com/in/creative-cloud/help/share.html) and send us the download link here or via DM. We will take a look at the file.

I must also inform you that file recovery can't be guaranteed with 100% success. However, we'll surely try our best.

 

Regards,

Anshul Saini

Met1
Met1
Legend
November 23, 2021

Make a copy of the file, rename it, try opening (voodoo sometimes works).

Change the file type to .pdf, see if it will open in Illy or Acrobat.

Do you have an earlier version of Illy? Try using that.

Try running it through Distiller.

    A
    Alessandro21888829pfprAuthor
    Participant
    November 23, 2021

    I also thank you for your attention to my problem.
    Also tried to do AI version downgrade but it doesn't fix anything. Renamed, changed extension, turned it over and over, tried to open with other programs but nothing.
    So I assume it is fatally corrupt. Sigh

    Monika Gause
    Community Expert
    Monika GauseCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    November 23, 2021

    Which version, which system?

    Where did you save the file?

     

    You can try if someone else is able to open it on their system, but probably your file is corrupt.

    Maybe staff can help you @Ashutosh_Mishra 

     

    Basically:

    Illustrator has issues saving to networks. So don't do it. Move your file to a networked server after saving, but don't save directly if you want to play safe.

    Saving directly to USB drives is not a good thing either. And sometimes Dropbox, Google Drive and iCloud (as well as their competition) don't work for some people.

    Turn on Time Machine if you're on a Mac

    Make backups regularly

    Save early, save often, save multiple versions.

      A
      Alessandro21888829pfprAuthor
      Participant
      November 23, 2021

      I thank you for the answer. Windows 10 system (with all updates), MSI Apache pro device with dedicated gpu and GTX 1060 video card (all drivers installed correctly), Ram abundantly available.

      It is not a device issue as it also does not work on other devices and other versions of Illustrator. (I currently use the latest updated version, I think 26 !?)
      I actually saved it directly to an external hard drive and didn't make any more copies.

      As you said unfortunately I assume the file got corrupted while saving.

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