the file (.ai circa 2008) is an unknown format and cannot be opened (.ai file) in CC 2018

[lacydesign]

the file (.ai circa 2008) is an unknown format and cannot be opened (.ai file) in CC 2018

I've tried to open multiple files from this grouping all are doing the same thing. I'm not good at, nor do I have time to learn. I really need a quick and simple fix.

Thanks.

[Sjaani]

I've seen suggestions that you could try to place the file in InDesign then export it out as a pdf or eps which you should then be able to open. Give that option a try.

[Monika Gause]

Where did you save the file?

How did you transfer it to your computer?

It's an old file, is it perhaps compressed?

It's a CS2 file? Or even older?

Does it show something when you open it with Acrobat? If that works, then try the following: create a new file in Illustrator and place the old file in it. This accesses the embedded PDF.

If Acrobat can't open the file, no other app will be able to open the file and you will need to find ways to recover it. There are some services.