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TommyTwoBrains
Inspiring
May 22, 2023
Question

Program Error opening file

  • May 22, 2023
  • 1 reply
  • 1362 views

I have been recieving this error when attempting to open some files:

Could not open "XXX.psd" because of a program error.

A workaround is to open the file with Gimp - which is free software - and re-save as a psd file. Gimp retains the layers, but does, however, dispense with other stuff such as Colour Fill layers and vector shapes. A better alternative is <LINK REMOVED>(there are probably similar sites) which allows you to re-save the file losing nothing.

Such files can then be opened again in Photoshop with no error.

 

Strangely, if the file is thereafter edited in Photoshop in any way - even to simply hide then show a layer - and saved from within Photoshop and closed: any attempt to re-open the file with Photoshop will invoke the familiar error... It seems to me there is something about how Photoshop handles layers when saving that makes them impossible to re-open with Photoshop; saving a formerly dodgy psd as a tif within Photoshop creates a similar error when trying to re-open it: "There was a problem reading the layer data. Read the composite data instead?" If you choose the "Read.." option, you get a flattened version of your file... So probably Photoshop is handling layers badly on save/open. That other software can open these files should embarrass Adobe.

 

I've tried different prefs and troubleshooting - such as saving without thumbnail, generator, GPU - etc etc. nothing works so far. I would be interested to know if anyone else is receiving this error trying to open a previously okay file and if there is a pattern.

 

v 24.5.0 Apple M1 Ultra 128gb RAM OS 13.3.1(a)

This topic has been closed for replies.

1 reply

Kevin Stohlmeyer
Community Expert
Kevin StohlmeyerCommunity Expert
Community Expert
May 22, 2023

Hi @TommyTwoBrains where are the files located? Local HD or?

T
TommyTwoBrainsAuthor
Inspiring
May 22, 2023

Usually external HD, but I've tested same file on internal also with same result.

 

T
TommyTwoBrainsAuthor
Inspiring
May 22, 2023

I don't find it that bizare. Adobe cannot control how people connect, what they are connecting to, etc. with so many variables that effect read/write speed and permissions its impossible to handle.

The only thing Adobe can do is give requirements for the software on a local machine and there is enough issues with users trying to skirt that. Imagine if Adobe did offer support - the first thing people would blame is Photoshop - not network speeds, OS permissions, types of media used, etc.


On the other hand, issues might be prematurely dismissed with the question "Do you have external HD?" - as a lot (most?) people do. I think Adobe should try to produce requirements for removable media, if this is causing an issue for their customers.

 

If a website can open my psd file - that Photoshop created but subsequently cannot open - and re-save it so that Photoshop can open it - something is amiss.

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