File is "Damaged and cannot be recovered (Error Code: 5)"

[annabelr77200658]

My MacBook Pro crashed 2 weeks ago. It has been repaired but 3 very important InDesign files now will not open. When I click on the files it comes up with the message that the file is "Damaged and cannot be recovered (Error Code: 5)". These files were all open and in use when my MacBook crashed. However the InDesign app had been crashing for a couple of days prior to this. The files are all quite big and I really need to retrieve them as they contain work for a deadline in a few weeks. Has anyone encountered this problem, and if so how/can it be solved?

Thanks, Annabel

[Chad Chelius]

If you're unable to open the file at all, then I'm afraid you don't have many options. I'm not going to lecture you about this but this makes a great case for using cloud-based service such as Creative Cloud Files, Google Drive, DropBox, OneDrive, etc. These services not only safely store your files off of your hard drive, but also allow you to restore to a previous version.

OK enough said. I'm not sure how important these files are to you, but Markzware offers a service that can restore corrupt InDesign files. Here's the link so you can check it out on your own https://markzware.com/products/file-recovery-service/

[Bryn27546428dk9j]

I have a file that is kept on google drive that is now giving me the same error message - what is the point of keeping files on cloud formats if they still become damaged and up-openeable?  I don't see the difference.  

[Chad Chelius]

Just thought of one other "free" option you could try. Install a previous version of InDesign CC and try to open it using that version. Typically you'll get a message that offers to upload the document to the cloud and convert it to the newer version. I've heard people say that a side benefit of this was that it also fixed the corrupt file. It's worth a shot and it won't cost you anything.

[SanyamTalwar · Accepted solution]

There are multiple factors both internal and external to InDesign application that can lead to document corruption. However, I can take a look and see if the file can be repaired. Please email your InDesign file to corrupt_indesign_docs@adobe.com and I will take a look at the document.

If the file is larger than 10 Mb, you can zip (and password protect) the file and upload to Creative Cloud account (or Dropbox) and send us the document link.

[JonathanArias]

i have had this happened.  it is good practice to always save a .idml version of the indesign file as a failsafe, and use a time machine so you can go back to a previous version of the file.

or if you don't do those, you can troubleshoot with the options already provided.