Could not open “Filename.psb” because of a program error.

[Valentin Pellio]

Hey there,

I’ve changed to a MacBook Pro M2 Max shortly and the first week of editing went completely fine. I’m editing off of an Samsung SSD external drive and mainly working with psb files sizing between 3-6 GB. Since today I have an issue with three out of 13 psb project of a series of product shots, wehre I can’t open the files anymore and getting this message: 

Could not open “Filename.psb” because of a program error.

I’ve tried it with PS 2024 and and the newest Version of PS (Beta). And I’ve tried to go back in versions as well. Deinstalled, reinstalled … Nothing seems to work.

I am working with PS now for over 10 years and have never encountered an issue like this. 

Is anyone here, that can help me fix it or has an explanation what and where it goes wrong?

Looking forward for your help! 💛

[Sameer K]

Hey, @Valentin Pellio. Welcome to the Photoshop community. I'll need more info to help you figure this out.

Does this happen with the specific documents? Do these documents have any 3D related layers? Have you tried moving a few documents to the internal drive & try to open them from the internal drive?

The event of file damage are rare. You can check the steps here to troubleshoot file recovery: https://adobe.ly/3YLSkGO

If you'd like, you can share the files with me using any cloud file sharing options through direct message.

Thanks!
Sameer K

(Use '@mention' to tag me when you reply)

[Valentin Pellio]

Hey Sameer,

thank you for your reply. 

Yes, i have tried to open it from the internal drive. Unfortunately the problem still exsists. 

I don’t have any 3D related Layers in use. 

I will send you the file via a link, so that you can check it from your side. 

Thank you ✌️

[Valentin Pellio]

@Sameer K 

[jaysonxpalacio]

Were you all able to resolve this? I am having this issue right now on the latest version of PS.

[davescm]

'I’m editing off of an Samsung SSD external drive...'

That is likely to be the source of your issues. Editing directly from an external drive is never recommended as file corruption is far more likely that way (due to the additional connectors, cables etc). The safe way is to work from, and save to,  an internal drive and on completion copy that saved file to the external drive.

If your file is already corrupt then copying it to the internal drive will not resolve it, as you are merely copying a corrupt version.

Dave

[Valentin Pellio]

Hey Dave,

thank you! Haven’t had a problem with this in years, but good to know. Most likely I will change my workflow to edit on the internal drive and then outsource once the project is finished. 

Have a great day 💛

[davescm]

Editing on an external drive is possible, and can run smoothly, but the potential for issues is higher e.g. accidently knocking the connectors can cause data loss, if they are not perfect. Cables and connectors also become loose and worn over time.

Dave