Expert: Amy - 9/19/2007

Question
QUESTION: I work in Illustrator 9 and lately I've had a problem opening some of the files. An error comes up: windows-No disk or Illustrator.Exe wants me to put a disk in the drive. If I click on the cancel several times it will eventually open, but it is a real problem. All of my images are always embedded, so there are no linked files. I've tried reinstalling Illustrator,but it didn't help.

ANSWER: Hi Shelley,

Before you tried re-installing Illustrator, did you try deleting the AIprefs file? If not, give that a shot first:
1 - Quit AI
2 - Locate and delete AIprefs file on your computer
3 - Try to restart Illustrator.

I did have an issue like that with my Microsoft programs. It stopped when I went into Window's Search and turned off all fluffy options under "Change Preferences."

The other thing that comes to mind is that you might want to create new font lists. Locate and delete all instances of files on your computer matching the pattern adobefnt*.lst where * is a number. Be sure to include hidden folders in your search. Delete those files - they will be re-created when you restart. make sure the ones you delete all have the extension .lst

Have you done any Windows updates lately that you can think of? I have a strong suspicion this is a Windows-related issue. Let me know - that could point us in the right direction.

I assume that's your post in the forums under the name Rachel, maybe someone will have a better idea.

-Amy

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

QUESTION: Hi Amy,
I've tried all of the above and yes I have done some windows updates lately. I also installed Illustrator 10 and now I am still having the same problem. I can open the files in Photoshop with no problem. Please help me if you can.

Answer
Hi Shelley,

The only things I can find about your type of error is that it is Windows-related and most people end up doing a Windows reinstall or registry work. I'm not going to be the one to recommend that!

You could try posting the question on a Windows XP forum, though. I am certainly not a Windows expert, if there is such a thing.

Have you done a complete CLEAN install of 10? That is, use the UNINSTALL feature of Windows on all versions of Illustrator. Also, have you downloaded the demo of CS2 or CS3 and installed that in the past? I remember someone reporting a problem like yours and it was because of that.

I will keep looking for you.

Amy