This file is already open by another user or another application / updating linked files

[darrene98472342]

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone could help with a problem I've been experiencing in Indesign.

I have some files I have linked from an illustrator (.ai) file in Indesign and whenever I save changes on the illustrator file and attempt to update the links on the indesign file I am met with the following error message.

This file is already open by another user or another application. This file may be stored on a network server and cannot be opened until the other user closes it.

The files are stored on my own hard drive and I'm the only computer with the file open.

Looking through similar threads I have tried deleting my cache, deleting the .idlk file, restarting my computer and uninstalling InDesign.

Anyother suggestions would be helpful.

Many thanks

[Steve Werner]

Please provide some system information: Please tell us what operating system (exactly) you're running. Please tell us (exactly) what InDesign version you're using.

Have you tried shutting down your computer and restarting it? Does to still show the same message?

Does this only happen with one file, or with another file which have a link to the same Illustrator file?

[SandyMcBride]

This is also happening to me. I copied the file and assets to a desktop folder. Even changed the file name. It's has to be Forced Quit every time.

[drewwooten]

Just posted about the same issue. Have to force quit files, which then damages them. Get the same result from opening off of desktop as I do off of network.

[Peter Spier]

Anyother suggestions would be helpful.

Many thanks

By @darrene98472342

Might not help, but try resetting the prefs. See Reset InDesign Preferences and Other Troubleshooting 

[Hannah35851634w0yd]

I am also having this issue with random files or saying I don't have permission to view the file I built and created on my desktop that is on my main drive and never been put on a server and only used locally. I tried resetting InDesign preferences and have tried uninstalling and reinstalling with it still not working. 

[Hannah35851634w0yd]

I am also running into the isse on other files I have built locally of the 'file not existing or i do not have permission, or the file is in use in another application" when it is not. 

[Christopher31197392fw47]

I'm adding my own experience to this issue. I have a series of InDesign files within a specific project that ge the following error. I'm not experiencing it with other InDesign files in other project folders.  Restarting, saving-as, nothing seems to work.

[Juan Cano]

Seeing the same issue here with 2 files that are on the same folder. I work off my desktop which then syncs to OneDrive. When I open an Indd file, the original files is downloaded to my desktop and then it opens. So OneDrive is more like a backup. I copied the file to my desktop and no fix. I also tried saving with a new name. I don't see any other INDD-related files "idlk" that other users mention.

MacBook Pro 16" 2021 M1 Max

INDD 19.4

[Juan Cano]

Adding that this is now an issue with seemingly all my Indd files. not Illustrator or PDF.

I've tried:

• Copying file to desktop, duplicating, renaming

• Doing the same and "pausing sync' with OneDrive

• Turned my wifi off and still seeing the issue

• Went to the online OneDrive, downloaded file that way, still see the issue.

This is killing me.

[Christopher31197392fw47]

Juan, my solution was to reinstall an older version of InDesign. I was running 19.4, and going back to 19.3 solved my issue. I had an exchange with Adobe Tech Support chat and this was their suggestion. Maybe worth a try?

[Juan Cano]

Will try it!!!!!

[Juan Cano]

Holy cow that worked!!!

[P. Ham]

Happening to me as well.  I can't work on a lot of my projects now because of this "already open by another user" message constantly popping up.  I've tried renaming file, copying file, moving to desktop, deleting any cache or temp files (.idlk, ect.).  It happens to most project files but a few random ones will work no problem.  I'm going to have to downgrade in order to continue working.

[leo.r]

I've tried renaming file, copying file, moving to desktop, deleting any cache or temp files (.idlk, ect.). 

By @P. Ham

Did you try to revert to InDesign 19.3 for the time being as suggested above?

[P. Ham]

I did.  I can open files without issue in 19.3.

My theory for 19.4 having problems is any file that was saved in a previous version of InDesign that contains missing links is getting hung up/confused and resorting to the false message "already open by another user".  I haven't tested the theory out yet because I don't have time installing/uninstalling versions right now.  But missing links seems like a common donominator so far in the files that are having issues opening in 19.4.

[SandyMcBride]

Agreed!


Sandy Gillette McBride (She/Her/Hers)
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS | Idaho Public Television
PHONE: (208) 373-7366 | 1455 N. ORCHARD STREET, BOISE, IDAHO 83706

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[leo.r]

I was looking up some info for another post, and it looks like this bug is widespread in InDesign 19.4 under variety of circumstances:

http://www.mathmagic.com/product/pro.html

[Sally37231898o0ue]

I've found the Beta version of the App is working fine, I'd recommend installing that one instead for now. Seems like quite a bug, which hasn't been fixed now for months.