Cannot open InDesign file after colleague has edited it

[cyclopsdx]

We're continuing to have server problems with both InDesign and Illustrator files but this is InDesign-related.

I asked a colleague in our studio to edit a file I had been artworking in InDesign CC 2018 from our server but he was missing fonts, so he closed the file so that I could package him the elements up. I tried to open the file on my machine after he had closed it but the file said it was being modified by another user and I couldn't open it. He quit InDesign CC completely but I received the same notification when I tried again. He had to shut down his entire machine before CC would allow me to open the file but then it wouldn't let me package it. I shut down my machine and restarted but it still doesn't allow me to package the document. I copied the file to my machine and it allowed me to package it, but that is counter-productive when we are working as a team on the same project files.

All user permissions on the files and server are set to 'Read & Write' but my project is now compromised because I cannot package directly from the server (I have always been able to do so in the past, except for this last project which my colleague opened). Additionally, it means we cannot work on projects together which is causing major delays and issues within the team environment.

What time I was hoping to save by having team members work with me on the project has now been lost. How can we resolve this problem? We essentially have no collaboration abilities because InDesign isn't allowing us to work together. So frustrating - we do not have any issues with Quark Xpress or other design apps we use - it's always Adobe products!

We are both working in the latest OS High Sierra with the latest InDesign CC 2018 update.

[Bill Silbert]

Have you checked with your network administrator to make sure that the network is compatible with CC 2018 InDesign and High Sierra? Many times networks are deliberately not updated so as to remain compatible with their virus and firewall software. This could have a major role in a problem such as you’re describing.

[cyclopsdx]

We've run checks and double-checks and there are no issues with the network plus, our server is macOS and has been for the last 15+ years. We did upgrade to High Sierra server OS before Christmas but the issues we encounter with CC products has always been a constant but they've increased since 2017/2018. We had no problems before Adobe products were cloud-based and, as mentioned, every other product we use, from Microsoft through to Quark and other third-party products, are fine. That's saying something when cloud-based Microsoft products on a Mac respond better than Adobe's do!

[BobLevine]

Is CC2108 fully patched?

[cyclopsdx]

Yes, Bob. We were hoping the last update would resolve issues, but no. Also still getting problems with Illustrator files saying that they were modified outside of Illustrator and do we want to save. It's a running joke in the agency now - we celebrate every time we open a file and an error doesn't occur.

[BobLevine]

Are the Macs fully patched? High Sierra was not exactly ready for prime time and Apple has been addressing bugs and other issues. The last patch, I believe, has addressed some network issues.