Cannot open data document in InDesign CS4

[davidreidlaw]

I have been using InDesign for a long time.

Now when I attempt to open an Indesign CS4 data file, I get nothing

[davidreidlaw]

I do not even know if I am asking my question correctly.

[BobLevine]

You’re not.

So please back up and give us some details.

[davidreidlaw]

I have been using Indesign CS4 on a Mac for a long time with great experience.

This morning I have attempted to open several different data files and have been unable to open any of them.

What I get on the screen is garbage (a screen with nothing), and I am having trouble getting by tool pallet, etc.

[SJRiegel]

When you say "data file," are you talking about a regular InDesign document (.indd), or something else? 

Some screen shots of what you are seeing would go a long way toward helping us to understand the nature of the problem.

[davidreidlaw]

It is a regular .indd file.

[Derek Cross]

If you're using a recent version of the Mac OS, say El Capitan upwards, InDesign CS4 is not supported by Adobe.

[davidreidlaw]

My operating system is macOS High Sierra, version 10.13.2.

Is that the problem?

[Derek Cross]

Yes, can you go back to an earlier OS version?

[davidreidlaw]

Unfortunately no.

Is there any other possibility?

[Derek Cross · Accepted solution]

You have to either try and revert your operating system or upgrade to InDesign CC2017/2018.

[davidreidlaw]

I have attempted to open a number of InDesign .indd files. I am not getting anything open a usable.

[Derek Cross]

Try resetting your preferences see if that helps:

Close InDesign. Then hold down Ctrl + Alt + Shift (Windows) or Cmd + Ctrl + Opt + Shift (Mac), and relaunch InDesign. Respond in the affirmative to the dialog asking if you really want to replace the preferences. 

[davidreidlaw]

Derek,

My operating system is macOS High Sierra, version 10.13.2.

Is that the problem?

David Reid

[Derek Cross]

As mentioned, yes.

[jmlevy]

I think that nobody here understands what you mean by “data file”. Did you check the file extension? Are they .indd files?

[davidreidlaw]

Is anyone out there with regard to my question?

I have been using InDesign for a long time.

Now when I attempt to open an Indesign CS4 data file, I get nothing

[davidreidlaw]

I have been using Indesign CS4 on a Mac for a long time with great experience.

This morning I have attempted to open several different data files and have been unable to open any of them.

What I get on the screen is garbage (a screen with nothing), and I am having trouble getting by tool pallet, etc.

[SJRiegel]

What do you mean by Data File? And what exactly happens when you try to open it?

If you will answer these questions, you will have a better chance of someone understanding the issue, and therefore maybe being able to help with it.

[davidreidlaw]

When I attempt to open a document that I previously created with InDesign on my Mac, I get a screen, but the document has nothing on it. The tool bar has nothing in it. The screen has a bunch of edges but no data. I cannot do anything with the document. I cannot see anything in the document.

[jmlevy]

As Bob Levine wrote, your question is not clear: what is a CS4 data file?

[davidreidlaw]

A CS4 data file is simply a document that I previously created using InDesign on my Mac.

[davidreidlaw]

I have been using Indesign CS4 on a Mac for a long time with great experience.

This morning I have attempted to open several different data files and have been unable to open any of them.

What I get on the screen is garbage (a screen with nothing), and I am having trouble getting by tool pallet, etc.

[BobLevine]

What is a CS4 data file?