Revit File "Failed to open document" Help

[Anonymous]

Hi, 

Whenever I try to open my revit file is says failed to open document can anyone help?

I was using a computer in university and saved the work to my memory stick. 

I then changed computers 30 minutes later and now the document keeps saying failed to open.

I have tried to open the back up files and they wont work either. 

Earlier on in the day I did change the file location and name because the folder it was currently in was getting very busy with back up files.

I have a big university deadline in 4 days this is stressing me out massively 

[cbcarch]

-Was the project was Workshared? ( i.e. Worksets enabled, a Central File on the Server and Local copies saved on the C: drive. -Find the computer that you last worked on, and find the last local copy on the C: drive, and see if you can open it.

-Or, was it a standalone/local only file? If so, there should be backup files with a .0001, 0002 etc. in the file name.

 You should be able to open one of these and save-as your current Revit file.

[Anonymous]

I believe it was a stand alone document. 

When I go to open the file it say the file needs to be upgraded from 2009 - 2018 and then when I click upgrade it shows the Failed to open document message. 

I can't understand why it says it needs to be upgraded as I was working in 2018 anyway when saved.

Just gone back to the computer I was working on the C drive just has shortcuts to the model that wont open. 

[Anonymous]

I have tried to open the back up files and also the same problem is occurring. 

I also tried to link it in to a new file and it wouldn't work.

Very strange 

[Viveka_CD · Accepted solution]

Hi @Anonymous

Please upgrade to Revit 2018.3

Please check the Desktop App to see if there are any Revit 2018.3 available. For information on using the Desktop App see the following article: About the Autodesk Desktop App

 Launch Revit and your Desktop app at the same time.

Note: If you are not able to download updates through the Desktop App, the following article has information on downloading updates through the Autodesk Accounts page:

Install Updates, Add-ons, and Enhancements

See article on Revit - Failed to open document error

Let me know if this helps resolve your issue.

Regards,

[Anonymous]

Hi,

Thanks for getting back to me. 

I have just downloaded 18.3 this hasn't sorted the problem and hen I try to open the most recent file "failed to open document" is still showing. 

When I tried to open the backup versions of the file which are saved as a slightly different name as I changed the file name at some point today it isn't showing the "failed to open document" but instead is saying the location name of file then "file not found  Please verify the correct name was given" do you think this could have something to do with the file corrupting?

Thanks 

Matt 

[cbcarch]

-Find an old backup version on the PC you last saved successfully on. Highlight the file in the folder, right click, go to Properties, and look in Previous Versions.

-See if there are any previous versions, going back a few days to when your file was working correctly.

If you find one, click Restore.

-If you are working on a university campus, you should also see if there is an IT manager that can help find/restore

a working version of your file.

-Make sure you know and understand the difference between a Workset enabled/Central File/Local copy Revit project, and a single-user/standalone Revit project. This is critical for learning how to work in teams in Revit.

[Anonymous]

[Anonymous]

When I look at the properties there are no previous versions on any of my files.

The image attached above demonstrates this.

[cbcarch]

That would be because your are looking at the flash drive files.

As mentioned earlier, look for Previous Versions on the PC which you last successfully saved onto.

[Anonymous]

Ok I understand, I am currently not in university as its shut and I can't access the computers until tomorrow. 

When I looked at the system c drive in university earlier all the Revit files were saved as shortcuts would I still be able to access the properties bar if they were classed as shortcuts?

I'm sure all my Revit files have been saved directly to my flash drive.

Cheers 

Matt 

[cbcarch]

Tips from an old pro:

-Always save a copy onto a PC or a robust/reliable removable hard drive.

-Don't try to open a Revit file from a flash drive; copy onto a PC, then open.

-I suspect that your flash drive may be the culprit.

When you copy the file off the flash drive onto a PC or laptop, can you open it?

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your help appreciate it, tomorrow I will go back to the computer in university tomorrow see if I can pick anything up. 

Matt 

[RmsMali]

1. Clear your temp file, sometimes too much temp file can result in less memory and such issues happens.

2. Try to Audit and open the files. Sometimes, it helps.

[Anonymous]

Hi, it wasn't a work shared file and the previous backups also
wouldn't open. I found a back up from 4 days ago that works but I had
changed the file name since then so this might of saved it as a new central
file hence why I can open those files but not the newer backups with a
different file name.

Thanks

Matt

[Viveka_CD]

Hi @Anonymous

I just wanted to follow up here, any progress on this issue?

If you still face issues, please send us your model and journal to test further.

Regards,