Expert: Amy - 8/16/2007

Question
Hello,

I have a 197 KB Illustrator text file.  I used point text as opposed to a text box.  I was using Perpetua, colored but generally the same size throughout.  

I saved only one copy on my flash drive, (now before you say how lame that was, let me just say I know, I know). When I attempted to open up my .ai file, I got an error message:

cant open the illustration.  The illustration doesn't contain the %%BoundingBox comment/

Offending operator: ""
Context:
%FFC3A8CFCAFFBBCFCACACAC2C2FD11fa8p40NO;2A101647wy17d70}=5R

Then, an empty canvas comes up. I have opened the .ai file in notepad and I can see where that particular offending operator is, but I don't really know what to do with it. Also, how to reopen it in Illustrator post edit.  

The only thing that was done differently was the Adobe automatic update that occurred while I was opening the software.  Other than that, it was usual. Also, I've opened other, larger .ai files of the same nature and they seem to be fine.  

Are there any suggestions to try to retrieve the corrupt doc?

Thanks so much

Answer
Hi Suzanne!

It was probably corrupted by the brain waves of faith that you emitted when you saved the one copy on the flash drive. =)

If you have Distiller, you could try distilling the file, then opening the PDF.

Editing the file rarely works anymore.

You could also try placing the file into a new blank AI document.

If you like, I will try opening it. Maybe I can??? Let's give it a shot.

AmyLynPace@yahoo.com

-Amy Pace