Why are my documents not opening?

[vidaljm2014]

Previously created documents do not show up on the screen. I can choose the document; it asks to find links; the tool windows open on the desktop, but the document does not. Same thing if I try to open as a copy, or create a new doc. I have uninstalled IDCC and then reinstalled. No changes. Photoshop and AI docs open just fine. Thoughts?

[Derek Cross · Accepted solution]

Which version of InDesign and OS?

Try trashing your InDesign Preferences.

[vidaljm2014]

Tried that right after I posted, and indeed, it's the right answer.

[Derek Cross]

And I hope you are regularly doing Save As and incrementally naming your documents and keeping copies externally.

[Arkansas0175]

I just purchased. I find it very difficult to use. Shouod be able to FILE>OPEN. Will not open. And the file is not open elsewhere. My files are book files I have edited several times. They are not originals. 

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

I just purchased. I find it very difficult to use. Shouod be able to FILE>OPEN. Will not open. And the file is not open elsewhere. My files are book files I have edited several times. They are not originals. 

By @Arkansas0175

Can you start a new thread and share more info - what platform, OS and InDesign full version?

[Timothy32981408rdyd]

Greetings, where/how do I find Design?

[Cari Jansen]

Are you experiencing any crashes? If InDesign crashes when it's being closed, I believe recently opened files will be purged and won't be visible.

Best way to test things:

1. Launch InDesign
2. Create a new document
3. Save the document
4. Close InDesign
5. then relaunch InDesign and check if the file is there.

This will confirm whether the recent files are listed when InDesign doesn't crash.

ALSO:

1. Check InDesign > Preferences > File Handling.
2. Check the number of recent files that can be displayed is higher then 0