InDesign ‘File is damaged’ message

[Terence5F91]

I am frequently getting this message when opening files in Indesign:

 I have the latest version (20.2), the computer is a new M2 max, and these are all files I have created myself. They are stored locally. I have tried exporting as IDML and resaving, but the proble keeps coming back.

Is InDesign really corrupting my files or is this a false message which can be ignored?

Prompt investigation of this would be apreciated please Adobe.

[Terence5F91]

No good asking me. I just posted on here because my InDesign is playing up. I still haven't really got an answer.

[Peter Spier]

@Terence5F91 Please start a new thread, give us the exact versions of your OS and InDesign, and screen shots of any error message, along with a full description of your problem.

[Terence5F91]

Why would I want to go through all that again? What have I done wrong? InDesign is broke so I came here for an answer. Am I on the wrong website? If so please tell me where I should go to get things fixed.

[Peter Spier]

OK, so you are one of the people who has been on this thread, though not the author, though it didn't sound like it from your earlier "how should I know" response.

There are too many conversations going here, and if we can't keep straight who is answering what question we can't help anyone. Quoting posts to which you are responding would be helpful. At this point I can't tell what you've tried beyond IDML, replacing fonts and trashing prefs, but it sounds like you've decided this is an application bug, rather than an OS problem or file problem. Have you tried rolling back a version to see if it makes a difference?

[Peter Spier]

And it seems you are the author, though the forum isn't identifying you as such. My apologies.

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

@Peter Spier 

Looks like the problem is with some of the WORD files.

[Peter Spier]

@Peter Spier 

Looks like the problem is with some of the WORD files.

By @Robert at ID-Tasker

I'm finding it hard to believe that a damaged Word file would cause the InDesign file damaged error unless the file crashed on opening.

Am I misremembering that @Terence5F91 said the files worked previously?

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

Am I misremembering that @Terence5F91 said the files worked previously?

By @Peter Spier

No, you're not: 

https://community.adobe.com/t5/indesign-discussions/indesign-file-is-damaged-message/m-p/15219826#M6...

[Peter Spier]

Your file opened here just fine witht the fonts missing.

You might want to try just reinstalling  them fresh.

[Derek Cross]

Have you tried resetting the InDesign preferences back to the factory defaults?

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

Have you tried resetting the InDesign preferences back to the factory defaults?

By @Derek Cross

OP tried Save Mode - still no go. 

[Derek Cross]

I was thinking "Reset Preferences on Quit" to be found under the General tab in Preferences, then closing and reopening the application.

[Terence5F91]

I'm loathe to do that, but if you think it will fix this I'll give it a try.

[Derek Cross]

Mybe it's time to use the Creative Cleaner Tool to remove all parts of the application and do a clean install.

https://helpx.adobe.com/uk/creative-cloud/kb/cc-cleaner-tool-installation-problems.html

[Terence5F91]

Sounds complicated. How about just uninstalling and re-installing the app?

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

Sounds complicated. How about just uninstalling and re-installing the app?

By @Terence5F91

This won't remove EVERYTHING from the system. 

It's like vacuuming a carpet - it's not the same as washing it. 

[Terence5F91]

Ok, but that can only happen when I've got plenty of time - I don't want to rush it.