Corrupted Files

[alexb]

I accidentally trashed some very import files and managed to get them retrieved. However I cannot open them. Tried "Recover" but "File is too Damaged to be Opened". Is there any way I can open them or retrieve the data in these files as it is extremely important to me?

[alexb]

BTW - I am using Mac OS X.

[Norma_Snockurs]

Is there any way I can open them or retrieve the data in these files...?

Try importing the files table contents into a back up copy. Failing that, download the demo version of FileMaker 9 Advanced. The latest version deals with corrupt files more robustly than version 7. You may find v9 will open the file or at least allow an import. If you manage to open with 9 then the file maintenance tools may help (or make things worse, so make copies of your corrupt files and work on those).

 

You could also try opening the file in a Windows version of FM9. I have known corrupt files to open fine on the other platform when they have refused to open on the OS they were created in. Time to call up a PC using friend I guess.

 

There is no point in saying "revert to your back-up copy" is there? I guess you'll know now for next time.smiley-laughing

[alexb]

Thanks so much for you hints. I downloaded FileMaker 9 and tried recovering. Got a step further than previously as it is creating a new "recover" file but still can't open as it is now asking for a password which doesn't seem to exist.

[Norma_Snockurs]

...it is now asking for a password which doesn't seem to exist.

 

Hmmm. I suppose you've tried

 

Name: 'Admin' and leave the password blank?

 

this is is the FileMaker default.

[alexb]

Yep. Tried that too. Apparently this is also quite a common occurrence with corrupted files. Version 9 has gone a sep further than 7 by actually created the recovered files but no way to open them cause of this message.