Expert: Amy - 7/3/2007

Question
Hi Amy
I saved a file last night and now when I come to open it
I get the erroro message;
"the illustration does not have the correct number of operands for an operator "m" "
The file then open missing all of my layers
Any ideas?

Many thanks Greg.

Answer
Hi Greg,

There isn't a whole lot you can do. The file has become corrupt. It happens. It shouldn't happen as often as it does... but it's probably the most common gripe about Illustrator.

There's a standard list of things I try when this happens.

With AI not running, search on your computer for all instances of Adobefnt*.lst where * is a number and delete them.

With AI not running, search for and delete AIprefs file.

Try opening the file now.

If that doesn't work, you can open a new blank AI document and place the offending file into it... do not choose the link option when placing. I can't remember if you have to change the extension of the file to PDF before it will place with version CS2, sorry. Give it a try, though.

You could also try Distilling it if you have Distiller. Sometimes that will get you the bulk of the file back to use.

There are also many other suggestions for rescuing corrupt AI files at Adobe.com's user forums.

You could also try placing the file into InDesign if you have it, then generate a PDF or and EPS... that's if worse comes to worst, as everything will be chopped up. The layers will be gone, too.

I hope something works for you!
Amy