InDesign CC 2021 save as option keeps saying my files are damaged, for ALL my files.

[#1]

Since I have updated to the latest version of InDesign (v16.0.1 x64), everytime I open an existing InDesign file (.indd), it comes up with this error: "InDesign is having difficulty reading some unsaved changes in "xxx.indd". It may damage the file. Would you like us to try and repair the file? Some unsaved changes may be lost." and then two options "Repair" or "Cancel". If you choose repair it loses all changes you may have made to the file, and then it asks you to save a file called "xxx_recovered.indd" somewhere.

I now know to save the file on opening up first, to do the repair, then do the changes. But I think this error happens to the newly repaired files too, when you come to alter those.

Is there any way to stop this from happening? It has never happened to me this frequently before?

[#2]

Since I have updated to the latest version of InDesign (v16.0.1 x64), everytime I open an existing InDesign file (.indd), it comes up with this error: "InDesign is having difficulty reading some unsaved changes in "xxx.indd". It may damage the file. Would you like us to try and repair the file? Some unsaved changes may be lost." and then two options "Repair" or "Cancel". If you choose repair it loses all changes you may have made to the file, and then it asks you to save a file called "xxx_recovered.indd" somewhere.

I now know to save the file on opening up first, to do the repair, then do the changes. But I think this error happens to the newly repaired files too, when you come to alter those.

Is there any way to stop this from happening? It has never happened to me this frequently before?

[#3 · Accepted solution]

It's very strange.

Try resetting your preferences

1. (Windows) Start InDesign, and then immediately press Shift+Ctrl+Alt. Click Yes when asked if you want to delete preference files. ...
2. (Mac OS) Start InDesign, and then immediately press Shift+Option+Command+Control. Click Yes when asked if you want to delete preference files.

If that isn't working try the CC Cleaner Tool

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

Other option

Try least one file and using File>Export and choose IDML - open that up and save it as your InDesign file.

See if it happens again.

There could be minor corruption in your files and IDML route is a good way to fix it.

If this does fix it, open your files in the version of InDesign they were created and export the IDML and try open the IDML file in the new version of InDesign.

Bothersome I know, but at least it might give an indication to what is going on.

[#4]

Thanks Eugene,

I did the first part of your solution:

Try resetting your preferences

1. (Windows) Start InDesign, and then immediately press Shift+Ctrl+Alt. Click Yes when asked if you want to delete preference files. ...

And it seems to have cleared up the error messages. However, should it come back I will try and use the rest of your guidance. I will report back if the problem returns.

Thanks again.

[#5]

Hi David & Eugene!

The screenshot is showing a new feature of InDesign 16.0.

Don't know if that helps, but see:

Detect damaged documents and recover
You can save time in troubleshooting the damaged documents. InDesign detects the damaged documents and try to repair them on Adobe servers. When you open a document, if the document is damaged, a prompt appears to choose to repair the document

https://helpx.adobe.com/indesign/user-guide.html/indesign/using/whats-new/2021.ug.html

Also:

https://helpx.adobe.com/indesign/user-guide.html/indesign/using/recovery-undo.ug.html#recovery-as-se...

Regards,
Uwe Laubender

( ACP )

[#6]

Ah! Thank you - i didn't even spot the attachment, the link in the posts are tiny, I skimmed over it.

Thanks for pointing that out.