I have a .aid file from a recovery file, but illustrator refuses to open it - help!

[defaulth6mr28fadwdg]

My illustrator crashed and reverted my file back to a VERY early version. I found the .aid files for the file, but it won't open the file. It says "This is an unsupported file type." I tried to change the .aid file to an .ai file, and that also didn't work. I can see the content in a .txt file, but that doesn't do me much good when Illustrator refuses to open it. 😞 Can anyone help?! This is hours worth of work!

[Monika Gause]

@Anshul_Saini can you please help?

Generally: Before doing anything with the recovery files: make a backup of it that you do not change.

Also: The Recovery function should never be used as a replacement for a backup.

You have to save early, save often and save different versions of your file, preferably on different hard drives. If you are on a Mac, turn on the Time Machine. For Windows: get something similar. Things can go wrong and do go wrong. The above does not only apply to Illustrator, but should be standard procedure with all your work.

When you have set up all the backups you need then the recovery function can be the icing on the cake. But not more.

[Anshul_Saini]

Hi @defaulth6mr28fadwdg,

I understand how challenging it must be to lose hours of work, and I can imagine how frustrating this situation is.

As Monika mentioned — and she’s absolutely right — recovery files are helpful but shouldn’t replace regular backups. That said, I’m here to help you recover what we can.

I received your DM with the .aid recovery file link, but the link is currently set to private. Could you please update it to the public so I can access it and explore possible recovery options?

We’ll do our best to help you get your work back. Looking forward to your response.

Best,

Anshul Saini

[Anshul_Saini · Accepted solution]

I’ve recovered your file @defaulth6mr28fadwdg and shared the download link with you via DM. Please check it and let me know if you have any trouble accessing it or if you need further assistance.

Best,

Anshul Saini

[RussF1rst]

Ok, but how does anyone else with the same issue solve this problem?? I'm also having the exact same issue with Illustrator "refusing" to open .aid files from a recent crash, and would like to be able to open the files myself. What is the error that is occuring?

[Monika Gause]

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@RussF1rst  schrieb:

Ok, but how does anyone else with the same issue solve this problem?? I'm also having the exact same issue with Illustrator "refusing" to open .aid files from a recent crash, and would like to be able to open the files myself. What is the error that is occuring?

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The Help and engineering people have tools at their hands that are more advanced and probably hacky to use.

The secret is to never get yourself into such a situation.

[RussF1rst]

Excellent advice. I'll tell my past self to not do that!