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Holger5C3F
Inspiring
January 12, 2021
Answered

InDesign crashes when opening a file

  • January 12, 2021
  • 3 replies
  • 2064 views

Hi All, 

I have a problem with my InDesign 2021, Version 16.0.1.

Before Christmas holidays InDesign worked well.

Now, InDesign crashes without any message when I try to open a file. Right after the explorer window opens where I can choose the file, InDesign hangs for a second or two and then closes without any message. 

In the Windows event log there is no entry about that.

I tried to rename the preference files but this had no effect. Unistalling and Re-Installing InDesign also did not help.

Windows update KB4592449 was installed last week so it maybe has something to do with InDesign crashing.

Thank you for your help!

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Holger5C3F

Install this script and try to convert your file to idml with it. It allows to convert a file without opening it. No guarantee…

blindOpen_and_IDML-Export.jsx 


Problem solved. Third-party software was the reason for the crash. Application integration closed, InDesign works. Thank you for your help!

3 replies

E
elizabethn52808604
Participating Frequently
August 3, 2022

Having a similar problem.

Prior to Mac OS update to Monterey 12.5 on my 2016 MacBook Pro, I could open files created in 2021. I need to open these publications to reuse some of the elements, such as headings, etc. and now none of the files from 2021 are opening with this newest version of INDD. I keep having to force quit INDD because it hangs whether or not I opt to update links. How can I access these files? HELP!

allude81
allude81
Participant
May 5, 2021

Hi there,

much issue with crashing indesign.

have reverted to using previous version and it all saves without crash.

best

 

jmlevy
Community Expert
jmlevyCommunity Expert
Community Expert
January 12, 2021

Hi,

The first thing to do is to reset preferences: relaunch inDesign while holding down simultaneously the Shift, Ctrl and Alt keys (Windows) or the Shift, Ctrl, Alt and Cmd keys (Mac) until you get the confirmation message.

H
Holger5C3FAuthor
Inspiring
January 12, 2021

Hi, thank you for your reply. I already reset the preferences in multiple of the described ways. Delete the InDesign folders in AppData, renamed the folders and also the way you described. And yes, the message appeared and I confirmed.

jmlevy
Community Expert
jmlevyCommunity Expert
Community Expert
January 12, 2021

Does it happen with a specific file or with any? If it is with a specific file, it could be corrupted.

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