InDesign refuses to go back to previous version of file

[marie_6836]

Hi!

I lost my progress on a file when restarting my mac, and have been trying to retrieve it the whole day. I see my correct version in the creative cloud "previous versions of file", but with some grey rectangles with X's in them. However, when i revert to this version and open it in InDesign, the program opens an even earlier version of the file.

I searched around the web and have tried different things, from deleting cache, deleting files (copied them first) from the IndesignRecovery folder and also reinstalled InDesign numerous times, both the newest version and the version which the file was created on.

Additionally, i cant delete anything from the file, as InDesign then crashes and tells me that "the file is damaged".

Any help is greatly appreciated!

[Willi Adelberger]

If InDesign indicates a damaged file, you shoul save as IDML, open that and save as new INDD and work on with this file.

This might solve the other problems with the file.

How far can you go back in the history panel? Or are all steps backward lost too?

[marie_6836]

I can go further, but the problem is that InDesign is opening the older version from what I need and putting it as the newest version (it seems it is overwriting the grey rectangles or something). I read online that maybe the element or font links may have been lost.

I have exported as IDML and opened as INDD, this is the file im currently working on. Although, I have to do a lot of work a second time so I was wondering if it was possible to revert to the version i need. I have made copies of the file, thats what I am working on currently. Therefore, I have not made any changes to the original file.

[Abhishek Rao]

Hi @marie_6836,

Thank you for sharing the details of the issue.

I understand how frustrating this must be, especially with losing progress on your file. It sounds like the file might have experienced corruption during the restart, which is causing InDesign to open an older version and causing issues with missing elements and crashing when trying to delete items.

You’ve already done a great job by exporting as IDML and opening it as INDD. This is often an effective method to recover a damaged file. A few suggestion I would like to provide:

1. Missing or broken links might be causing the grey rectangles with X's. Please ensure that any missing fonts or links are reconnected or replaced.

2. If possible, try opening the file on another computer to see if the issue persists. This can help rule out system-specific problems.

3. If you’re still seeing older versions when reverting to the correct one, try clearing InDesign’s cache and history again. Sometimes, InDesign may get "stuck" with the wrong version.

4. If your file continues to show as damaged, you can try opening it from the InDesign Recovery folder if it’s not already done. Also, check if there are other autosave files in that folder.

You can find more detailed troubleshooting for file corruption here:

• Crash or corrupt text frame
• InDesign crashes upon launch
• InDesign document recovery

I understand this situation is time-consuming, but if you have any other specific details about the file, or if you can share a sample (via direct message), I’d be happy to assist further.

Let me know how it goes, and if you need more help!

Best,
Abhishek Rao