*help* cannot open files

[kalon_m88]

i have a few files which when i try to open i get this "could not read because plug-in could not understand this file". It has happnened to all my illustrator files however my laptop corrupted and was unable to be used (it was brand new and only a week old) so i got it replaced but had all my files from the corrupt laptop put on a usb manually as it was only was i could get my weeks work, however the files on the usb now give this message when trying to open them. Any chance i can get them back as theyre important uni work

many thanks,

kalon

[Monika Gause]

So basically the files had to be recovered from the computer?

That might have corrupted the files. You might try if they still can be read in Acrobat. In that case you can File > Place them in a new Illustrator file.

They won't be fully editable afterwards, but most paths should be there.

[kalon_m88]

Yeah they were recovered from the computer, how would i go about doing what you said as i dont fully understand?

thank you

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

You first check if Acrobat opens your files.

If it does, what you can do in Illustrator:

1. Make a new file

2. File > Place. Select the corrupt file. Embed.

3. Ungroup, release clipping masks in order to edit the objects.

[999ducatista]

Oh my gosh...I searched and found several other "solutions" for this problem, none of which worked for me...until this one...thank you so much—I was just able to save an entire day's worth of work that was previously un-openable! :^)

[Monika Gause]

You're welcome.

Please bear in mind that this is only second best solution as it expands live effects etc.

In case this happens more often, please do:

- check your drives for corruption

- check if it gets better when you only save on local disk

- stay away from synchronized folders

- check if it gets better when you deselect the preferences options: save in background/export in background/optimize network save

[kalon_m88]

the file placed and i have my work, honestly thank you so much ive been stressing all day about my files. However it has no option to ungroup or release clipping masks but i can work around what ive got now though. Thank you

[Monika Gause]

You need to analyze it using the layers panel.

Then to release clipping masks use Object > Clipping mask > Release