Expert: Amy - 3/14/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hey there,
I am using Illustrator CS2, on a PC.
I am trying to open an Illustrator file I was working on just last night. However, when I attempt to open, it says 'an unknown error has occurred.' Other files will open properly.

I can place the file into another Illustrator file, however, much of the artwork I need was outside the 'page,' and it does not import. I can see a preview of the whole piece when I do File\Load.

The problem may be with a font (I downloaded a custom font, but have tried all the deleting of font lists, etc.)
I have also received a message saying 'An unknown shading type was encountered,' when attempting to place the file.

Thanks so much for your help, this is really selfless and we all appreciate it so much!

ANSWER: Hi Paul,

you tried all the right things.

When you placed it, you placed it as embedded (not linked), correct?
You also tried deleting the CS2 Settings Folder -or- AIprefs file?
You could also try distilling it...

You could try sending me the file and I'll try opening it with CS3.
AmyLynPace@yahoo.com

Who knows? Could work!

-Amy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hey Amy,
I brought the file to work, but it would not load with CS3 either - same problem.
Is there anyway to change the 'page size' (ie printable area) without opening the file in Illustrator, as the graphics in the 'printable area' are importable. I am wondering if there is some way to do it in the file source, although I realize this may be getting complicated.

Thanks again for your help.

Answer
Hi Paul,

No, you can't edit AI files from versions after 7 because Adobe added code (PDF) that makes them virtually uneditable in text editors.

That unknown shading type error should not prevent the file from opening but you might find missing gradients when it opens.

Have you tried removing the bad font from your system altogether so that Illustrator forces a text update?

Have you tried opening it in Acrobat, using the Advanced Editing tool to change the crop (to a larger area) and saving it from there? You might be able to salvage some artwork. Just a thought.

-Amy