I had the same problem happen to me this morning. When I try to import the file into a new file, I get the error message below. Have restarted my computer and checked the task manager and don't see anything amiss there. Any further idea what the problem might be and how to fix?
You might try copying your file to another file. You also might shut your computer off completely and restart.
Not to be a smart-aleck, or anything, but seriously. EVERYBODY: you should frequently ask yourself "If this is the moment my computer ruins my file, will I be upset?" That is the answer to "Should I make a backup right now?"
The easiest way is to use file explorer and copy - paste. Any decent sized project should have a dozen backups (with different names) in the folder where it is, and then all of them backed up in a different folder, and also on a different drive.
Know two things:
1. Don't trust your IT department to back it up and get back for you. I work at a place large enough that when someone asks for a backup, their question is "Is there litigation pending?" If not, no dice.
2. The question is "What will I do when (not if) something bad happens to my file?"
Yeah - you're definitely right. Will be more vigilant in the future.
Unfortunately, I've already tried restarting my computer, copying the file
and moving it, and trying it on a different computer as well. I checked for
previous versions but don't have any. Not really sure if I have any other
options...
I copied my file to an external hard drive and now when I try to eject my hard drive it gives me a similar error message saying that there is some file currently in use (there is nothing though) and will not let me eject the external hard drive.
Could there be a larger problem with my computer and/or a virus?
I'm sorry to hear that you're unable to access your file. Stacia shared a lot of great points, and I can see from your image that you were working on your C drive, as we always recommend here. Unfortunately if a file has an element of corruption associated with it, there isn't a way to reverse that. You mentioned copying to an external drive - was that something you were doing regularly and possibly opened the file from there before saving/downloading to the local drive?
Thanks for the message. I wasn't doing that. However, I did leave my
computer on last night when I went to sleep and it ran out of batteries
when I woke up this morning. If my Storyline was also open at that time, is
that possible that that whole process is what corrupted the file?
If they back up your files and folders then they may be able to recover a version of your file from a earlier date (the sooner you ask the better as this is often overwritten fairly regularly) assuming they have a data protection/recovery system in place like that.
This option may also be available to you (assumption this is a windows machine)
System Restore there are guides available for your OS windows 7 8 etc this can roll back your files and folders to a previous date if enabled. WARNING this literally restores your computer to a earlier image so files programs installed /worked on since that update will effectively disappear as it returns to that state.
13 Replies
Hi Daniel,
I'm so sorry to hear about your file. You'll want to review the guidelines here in regards to working on your project files to prevent odd behavior.
You could also try importing the file into a new file to resolve any odd behavior,
Thank you, Ashley. I'll try both.
Hi Ashley,
I had the same problem happen to me this morning. When I try to import the file into a new file, I get the error message below. Have restarted my computer and checked the task manager and don't see anything amiss there. Any further idea what the problem might be and how to fix?
Thanks!
Catherine,
You might try copying your file to another file. You also might shut your computer off completely and restart.
Not to be a smart-aleck, or anything, but seriously. EVERYBODY: you should frequently ask yourself "If this is the moment my computer ruins my file, will I be upset?" That is the answer to "Should I make a backup right now?"
The easiest way is to use file explorer and copy - paste. Any decent sized project should have a dozen backups (with different names) in the folder where it is, and then all of them backed up in a different folder, and also on a different drive.
Know two things:
1. Don't trust your IT department to back it up and get back for you. I work at a place large enough that when someone asks for a backup, their question is "Is there litigation pending?" If not, no dice.
2. The question is "What will I do when (not if) something bad happens to my file?"
Yeah - you're definitely right. Will be more vigilant in the future.
Unfortunately, I've already tried restarting my computer, copying the file
and moving it, and trying it on a different computer as well. I checked for
previous versions but don't have any. Not really sure if I have any other
options...
Actually, something interesting is happening...
I copied my file to an external hard drive and now when I try to eject my hard drive it gives me a similar error message saying that there is some file currently in use (there is nothing though) and will not let me eject the external hard drive.
Could there be a larger problem with my computer and/or a virus?
Did you rename it when you copied it? You may have a lost autosave file making the system think it is in use, and a different name will skirt that.
Thanks for the help Stacia! I tried that but still had the same issue.
Hi Catherine,
I'm sorry to hear that you're unable to access your file. Stacia shared a lot of great points, and I can see from your image that you were working on your C drive, as we always recommend here. Unfortunately if a file has an element of corruption associated with it, there isn't a way to reverse that. You mentioned copying to an external drive - was that something you were doing regularly and possibly opened the file from there before saving/downloading to the local drive?
Hi Ashley,
Thanks for the message. I wasn't doing that. However, I did leave my
computer on last night when I went to sleep and it ran out of batteries
when I woke up this morning. If my Storyline was also open at that time, is
that possible that that whole process is what corrupted the file?
When all else fails IT can potentially help,
If they back up your files and folders then they may be able to recover a version of your file from a earlier date (the sooner you ask the better as this is often overwritten fairly regularly) assuming they have a data protection/recovery system in place like that.
Unfortunately, I am working independently and do not have an IT team :(
Thanks so much for your advice!
No worries,
This option may also be available to you (assumption this is a windows machine)
System Restore there are guides available for your OS windows 7 8 etc this can roll back your files and folders to a previous date if enabled. WARNING this literally restores your computer to a earlier image so files programs installed /worked on since that update will effectively disappear as it returns to that state.
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