Can't open .indd file suddenly!

I have a large file that has been opening just fine for weeks. It's 300 pages and an .indd file. I have tried to open back-ups of this file and none with the same file name will open. I tried opening the file on another computer and it still would not open. 
I have opened other earlier versions of the file (different file  name) and other unrelated files with no problem. I opened larger files with no problem. I'm  thinking some how this file is corrupted.  i get a message when i try to open it that says: indesign can't open ***.indd." I just did some revisions that will take a huge amount of time to redo so I'd like to get this file opened somehow. I have a recent .pdf, possibly I could import that?  If not is there anyway to at least print a copy without actually opening it.
This all happened when i decided to create a Book file into which I would bring this file and then add a TOC, other front pages Glossary and index. I've been avoiding this step but thought it would facilitate bringing in everything together without creating one huge file.
Before taking the following step I  saved a copy of the original file on another hard drive.  Then I set up the Book and when I tried to bring my original file into the book it failed. After that I could not open any of my saved recent back-ups with the same name on other hard drives. I have three.
What if I try changing the name of the file before opening it, because I'm thinking it all has something to do with trying to bring it into the book file? Possibly try changing the file designation to .indd to .indb?
One odd thing, When I look at the file that won't open on the hard drive, it seems to have recorded the last time i tried to open the file as if I had actually opened it even though indesign gave me the "can't open" message.
Any  suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Jim

This is a follow-up.  My question has been answered in that  did get to open the file as follows:
By trial and error (based on responses)  basically I was able to open the file as a copy from inside InDesign. There are three options in the lower left had corner of the window, I picked copy after trying the other two. Up until this time I could not find any idlk file.
Once I opened the file I backed it up and made another copy that I opened.  I went back to the original file and tried to open it from finder. It would not open. Still no sign of the idlk file.  But when I went back to open the work copy it opened but now the idlk file popped up in the finder  and it continues to do so every time I open any file associated.    This idlk file comes up with an icon that says "Locked"
My only question now: Is there a way to unlock this file from whatever it is linking to? Does it make any difference at this point?
I have learned this is a temp file of sorts that prevents changes to the original file. I would like to unlock the file so that it not connected to anything.
I have moved or deleted all files that it might be linking to.  I have shut down other computers and hard drives using the same network. The idlk file come up every time. It goes away when I close the file.  I have also deleted it while the file is open. I deleted all attempts at creating Book files. I'v been through preferences and checked Assignments. It seems like once you make a copy of a file, the original is always looking for the copy? Or the copy for the original?
So I'm working and making separate files for each chapter so that I can set up a book and have back-up and maybe create a whole new Book file that isn't linked to anything else but maybe that's not necessary.
I've been working with InDesign for a long time and never encountered this phenomenon before.
Thanks again for your responses.
Jim

Similar Messages

  • Can only open .indd files within InDesign CS6

    I am using InDesign CS6 (cloud version) on Windows XP. I can only open .indd files by opening InDesign CS6, doing File>Open, and then browsing for the file.
    If I try to go to the folder where the .indd file is located (without opening InDesign CS6), and double-click on it, it acts like it doesn't know what kinf of file it is.
    Another co-worker of mine is experiencing the same thing on Windows 7.
    Does anyone have suggestions on what to try to fix this?
    Thanks in advance!

    Uninstall, run the clean tool (CS Cleaner Tool for installation problems | CCM, CS6, CS5.5, CS5, CS4, CS3), and reinstall. The symptoms you describe are typical if the icon handler .dll file is damaged.
    Try turning off your anti-virus and spyware scanners, and anthing else not required to run the system before you reinstall.

  • Help! Can't open .dmg files suddenly, and can't find stuffit expander application!

    My iMac is currently running on Mac os x 10.5.8, **out of nowhere my computer can't open dmg files. I can't seem to find the stuffit expander application anywhere in my hard drive either, which usually opens these files. Is there another application that can open dmg files? Help Please! I need to open multiple dmg files tonight and can't figure out a way around this. Downloading/running a new stuffit expander application also happens to be a .dmg file. If anyone can help me I'd appreciate it so much!

    Do you mean DiskImageMounter was chosen or not?
    No change on that .dmg or on on others?
    If you want to apply DiskImageMounter to all you have to choose "Change All".
    EDIT: Also, Repair Permissions from /Applications/Utilities/ Disk Utility.
    Also, George Orville has some interesting advice in this thread
    Note this advice is for 10.3 but much of it will apply here.
    -mj
    [email protected]
    Message was edited by: macjack

  • Can't open INDD file from icon

    I have an installation of InDesign CS3 (upgraded from CS2) that won't let the user open a file from it's icon. You get the error message of "<filename> is not a valid win32 application"   The file will open if you open InDesign and use the file open menu.  The icon isn't the InDesign icon either-looks like a doc file icon without Word installed.  I've gone into File Types (from the Tools-Folder Options-File Type window) and tried to manually made the indd file open with CS3 but that still didn't work (oddly when I try to use the CS3 icon it too has a generic .exe icon).<br /><br />If I log in as myself (admin rights on the Windows XP) and once I did the above it worked for me.  I gave the user full rights and tried the above again but it didn't work-still wouldn't open by clicking on the icon-just keep getting that error message.  Any help would be great as I can't seem to come across anything googled that is helping.

    This is a follow-up.  My question has been answered in that  did get to open the file as follows:
    By trial and error (based on responses)  basically I was able to open the file as a copy from inside InDesign. There are three options in the lower left had corner of the window, I picked copy after trying the other two. Up until this time I could not find any idlk file.
    Once I opened the file I backed it up and made another copy that I opened.  I went back to the original file and tried to open it from finder. It would not open. Still no sign of the idlk file.  But when I went back to open the work copy it opened but now the idlk file popped up in the finder  and it continues to do so every time I open any file associated.    This idlk file comes up with an icon that says "Locked"
    My only question now: Is there a way to unlock this file from whatever it is linking to? Does it make any difference at this point?
    I have learned this is a temp file of sorts that prevents changes to the original file. I would like to unlock the file so that it not connected to anything.
    I have moved or deleted all files that it might be linking to.  I have shut down other computers and hard drives using the same network. The idlk file come up every time. It goes away when I close the file.  I have also deleted it while the file is open. I deleted all attempts at creating Book files. I'v been through preferences and checked Assignments. It seems like once you make a copy of a file, the original is always looking for the copy? Or the copy for the original?
    So I'm working and making separate files for each chapter so that I can set up a book and have back-up and maybe create a whole new Book file that isn't linked to anything else but maybe that's not necessary.
    I've been working with InDesign for a long time and never encountered this phenomenon before.
    Thanks again for your responses.
    Jim

  • I can't open *.indd files in Adobe InDesign CS4

    I've just installed the trial version of Adobe Indesign CS4 and I cannot open my *.indd files which contain my business brochures etc.
    How can they be opened?
    Operating system:  Windows XP pro SP3.
    Processor: Intel E8400, Gigabyte P35 Chipset with 4Gb RAM.
    Thank you for your help.
    Tim

    Hi, I've tried double clicking as one would normally do and I get the error message:
    Cannot open "filename.indd"
    The files were created in Adobe InDesign by a company that specialises in brochure design and they kindly gave me the files they originally created (to be printed by a professional printer) so that I could make some minor modifications (for the next run from the professional printer), using my trial copy of Adobe InDesign.
    I know that this company uses a Mac operating system but I don't know which version of InDesign they use. I shall ask them if this is relevant (which I guess it will be!).
    Tim

  • Can't open INDD files from Bridge or Windows Explorer

    I upgraded from CS2 to CS4 in Jan 2009, but didn't uninstall CS2 until yesterday because the program file sizes seemed weird: CS4 was listed as less than 6Mb in the Add/Remove Programs list, while CS2 was shown to be many times that size (gigabytes?). I called support within the first month and was told it would be okay to uninstall CS2, but the tech could not explain the difference in program sizes, so I left it in place until yesterday. Now, neither Bridge nor Windows Explorer recognizes InDesign files. I can still launch the program from the Start menu and Desktop shortcut, and I can open files from within the program. But Bridge says the default  for opening an INDD file is Acrobat...or Photoshop, Firefox or IE. Windows says the same. The INDD icon is no longer displayed in Windows Explorer either. It seems to have vanished from my system. I have tried to re-associate InDesign files with the program through Windows Explorer numerous times to no avail. Operating System: Windows XP Professional on a Dell GX270.
    Is the only solution here to uninstall & reinstall InDesign? Any comments or suggestions are appreciated.

    Hi,
    I'm having the same problem, with two exceptions:
    1. A previous version of InDesign has never been installed on this PC before we got CS4.
    2. It tries to open the files in Acrobat (7.0), and then this message pops up:
    Acrobat could not open "....INDD" because it is either not a supported file type or because it has been damaged...  To create a PDF document go to the ...
    This is incredibly frustrating.  The only way I can open files is to go through the InDesign "open file" command inside the program.  I cannot open any Bridge files at all (same problem, opens in Acrobat).
    I cannot chose the file type from the file association list as it does not show up on the list no matter how many times I search and choose it from my drive to associate.
    ... Is this a registry problem, maybe?

  • Suddenly can't open .eps files in FW8

    Hi all-
    I suddenly can't open .eps files in FW8.  Starts to open and then says "Internal error occurred"  Text tool is also acting up.   I think it may be related to one of the extensions I downloaded  from the Adobe Exchange.  Or, maybe it was something I did.  Probably the latter.  Either way, it seems like my FW8 has gotten corrupted.   Ran spyware, adware, defrag, and virus scans.  Even talked nice to my computer, but nothing has worked.  I looked for patches or downloads on Adobe's site but there are none for FW8.
    Anyway, I'm guessing my only option is to reinstall, unless someone out there has a better idea.  If I do reinstall, does it erase everything?  Meaning, will I lose all extensions and all the settings?
    Thanks for your help!

    Using Win XP Media center edition v 5.1 Service Pack 3.  Been too afraid to upgrade to Vista.  Probably about time to upgrade my FW.
    I searched my entire machine for that file, both by file name and by all .txt files and could not find a "Preferences" file anywhere.  Here's what came up under the FW directory path:
    Thanks for your help, Heathrowe!
    -Mike

  • Can't open Indesign file. Error message says I need to upgrade plug-ins?

    I created a business card for my husband from my indesign 5.5 version. I haven't upgraded my version since creating the file and for some reason I can't open the file. I get the error message 'Cannot open "Business Card - Ryan.indd". Please upgrade your plug-ins to their latest versions, or upgrade to the latest version of Adobe InDesign.'
    When I look at the business card file with finder it says it was created with InDesign 5.5. When I view my InDesign application through my finder applications it says I have InDesign 5.5 so I'm not sure why this error message is saying to upgrade my version of InDesign.

    I wish I had a dollar for every person who claimed there was no way a file was saved in a later version only to find out it was.
    If you post a link to it someone here will save it back for you.

  • Can't open PDF files in the browser. I've tried every fix mentioned and it still doesn't work!!!

    I have Windows XP. Using firefox as my browser. Suddenly, I can't open PDF files in the browser. I've tried all the fixes mentioned. Nothing works!!! Checked the plugin settings, checked Adobe Reader settings.

    I already fixed it. I never exited out of Firefox before deleting the mime file. it works now.

  • Can't open opml files anymore

    All of a sudden i couldn't open opml files in programs like MindNode Pro, Tree (outliner) and Neo (outliner). Though I still can import opml into Neo via the import option, i can't open a opml file directly in the Open dialog. Also in MindNode Pro and Tree the Open dialog does not recognise opml files as a viable file format. The opml files are all grayed out and impossible to get hold. If I try to open a file via file assosiation with Tree in the Finder, the error message informs me tha:
    "The document “Testscrivopml.opml” could not be opened. Tree cannot open files in the “Open Markup Language Document” format."
    Likevise with MindNode Pro (open opml file via Finder):
    "The document “Testscrivopml.opml” could not be opened. MindNode Pro cannot open files in the “Open Markup Language Document” format."
    Everything was fine a week ago. I suspect I have installed a program that have overwritten something at system level or something.
    Both MindNode Pro and Tree are bought in Apples App Store, and I have tried re-installing both. That move didn't sort things out... By the way, I can't open opml files on my iMac anymore either (Snow Leopard), which is more or less a mirror app wise of my Macbook Pro (Lion 10.7.4).
    Ideas or solutions anyone?

    Yes, I have read the FAQs at several of the apps that are not working, not a sentence about my problem there. I have of course also searched the WWW and several forums. I figure something is wrong with the relationship between the .opml file association and some kind of shared library? Or?

  • Can't open .WMV files

    After years of using QuickTime with Flip4Mac to open .WMV files, suddenly it won't work. Not sure if this is a QuickTime or Flip4Mac issue, but thought I'd post here first. I have the most current version of both apps. FWIW, the only thing I've done recently (since last successfully viewing a .WMV file) is install 10.6.2, which shouldn't be the culprit or it would be headlined all over the internet. Here's what I get when trying to open a .WMV file:
    "The document “xxxxxx.wmv” could not be opened"
    Thanks for any suggestions.

    Unfortunately, the latest version of QuickTime does not have the ability to export using third-party plug-ins, however Apple has made QuickTime 7 available to install alongside QuickTime X. You can install it from the Snow Leopard install disk or by running a Quartz (*.qtz) file.
    QuickTime 7 will install to your Applications/Utilities folder.

  • Can't open .wmf files with Illustrator

    I'm using Creative Suite CS2 on a PC/Windows XP operating system.
    I'm suddenly unable to launch Illustrator when I try to open a .wmf file from within Windows Explorer. Instead, I get an error message that the file itself is not a valid program (DUH!).
    I also cannot open them with the "Edit Original" command in InDesign.
    I have tried changing the "Opens With Program..." option in the file properties from within Windows Explorer over and over.
    Oddly, I can always open .wmf files with Illustrator from within Adobe Bridge, simply by double-clicking the file. And of course, I can open them from within Illustrator by simply going to "open file".
    But I really want to be able to use the "Edit Original" feature in InDesign to launch and open .wmf files in Illustrator.
    Anybody know what's going on? Is this a Windows problem, an Illustrator problem or an InDesign problem? And how do I fix it?
    Thanks so much for any suggestions.

    I'm sorry you're having this problem with Illustrator.  Would you mind reposting over on the Illustrator forums?  You've posted in the AIR forum and I think you'll have better luck over there.
    Thanks,
    Chris

  • Can not open jpg files

    Can not open jpg files.
    They works on Windows
    Whats the problem?

    Before anyone can help, they need information to work with. Basic stuff:
    - What version of iPhoto.
    - What version of the Operating System.
    - Details. What were you doing when the problem arose?
    - Did it ever work properly?
    - Are there error messages?
    - What steps have you tried already to solve the issue.
    Anything else you can think of that might allow someone else to understand your issue.
    With this kind of information somebody can develop a starting point for troubleshooting the issue.
    Posts that consist of "iPhoto doesn't work. Help" or "iPhoto won't print" or "Suddenly I have no photos!!!!!!!!!!" mean that any helper is simply guessing. With information, s/he may be able to get your issue resolved sooner.

  • I am using CS4. Can I open CS6 files? I am receiving "plug-ins not available on your system" messages and I'd like to open anyway but clicking on OK doesn't work.

    I am using CS4. Can I open CS6 files? I am receiving "plug-ins not available on your system" messages and I'd like to open anyway but clicking on OK doesn't work.

    InDesign CS4 can open .indd, .indt  and .inx files from earlier versions, but not from later. It should, however, be able to open .idml files saved or exported from newer versions, with the understanding that unsupported features will be lost, text will probably reflow due to differences in texts engines between versions, and that the greater the gap between versions the more likely there are to be noticeable differences from the original. You will need to be sure CS4 is at version 7.0.6 to read the .idml.

  • Opening .indd files in InCopy

    Does anyone know how to open .indd files in InCopy? When I try to do this I can see the Layout View but not the Galley View or Story View, and I can't make any changes to the document.

    The stories were not exported out from InDesign for InCopy. There are a number of methods, but the Edit>InCopy>Export>All Stories is one of the easiest. Be sure to export the stories into their own folder next to the actual InDesign file.
    David Creamer
    IDEAS Training
    http://www.ideastraining.com
    Adobe Authorized Instructor & Certified Expert since 1995

Maybe you are looking for

  • Scxi-1349 versions

    Hallo all, I have a doubt. In the past, I'm sure I have seen a document (on NI website or Devzone, but I can't find it now easily), where I read that it is necessary to choose different versions of the SCXI-1349 module, when you use this adapter, con

  • Export actuals to / import actuals from Excel, ID, GUID, xlsx

    Hi all, I'd like to do the following: Export tasks to Excel Edit the actuals in the Excel file reimport the changed tasks to Project I used the wizard saving the the data to an excel file After updating the fields 'actaul start', '% completed' I open

  • Help! Notifications sent from Different Email Addresses (Address Card only

    Hi there I have Google Calendar account synced and added to iCal. I have set up email alarm notifications for events in Google Calendar and I've noticed that Mail is sending these from various different email addresses of mine I only have ONE email a

  • How to reduce Time taken by DSO Activation.

    Hi My Inventory Transaction DSO taking nearly 18min for 180,000 records to activate. It means it takes 1 min for every 10,000 records to activate. I think its too much. Is there any way i can reduce DSO activation time... what are factors that increa

  • Dynamic data in Composite Test Framework Input Request

    Hi All, I have created composite test framework test suites to test existing soa11g bpel composite. I have a requirement to have unique id in its input elemnt every time I test a BPEL service. <input> <ID>unique id</ID> </input> Can we generate uniqu