MS Project can't open file

Question

Hi

I have an issue with MS Project. One of my project cannot be opened in MS Project, displaying the following error message:

Can you please help with this as I have a lot of information in that project. Is there a way to recover it?

Many Thanks in advance

Answer 1

Hi, Polianalliescu,

forgive me for asking basic questions, but has indeed your project file been created with a much older version of MS Project (2000 or prior)? If so, that could be the reason, as newer versions of MS Project cannot open file formats prior to those created before (and up until) the year 2000 [version of MS Project]. Other than that, I would like to know more details about your problem in order to help you more (current version of MS Project, project data file format, etc.).



I hope this helps.

Answer 2

Hi FrankYates

My project file was not opened in an older version. I used MS Project Professional 2016, file saved as .mpp. I closed it this morning and when tried to reopen it i got this message.  Other project saved in .mpp also in MSP 2016 opens just fine. I tried different solutions found on forums (insert the project in another blank project, tried to change the extension, nothing worked - I cannot "save as" differently because it does not open at all.

Really hope there is a solution to recover all data.

Many thanks

Poliana

Answer 3

Hi again, Poliana,

it is a known issue that sometimes MS Project will behave that way, particularly with files using the .MPP format, so in the future I suggest that you make sure that you save your project files using the .MPX format instead. As far as fixing the problem at hand, can only suggest that you try with a tool such as 'Project Fix Tooxbox' ([https://www.fixtoolbox.com/projectfix.html](https://www.fixtoolbox.com/projectfix.html)). I do not have personal experience with this tool, nor am I endorsing it (therefore I cannot be held accountable for any detrimental consequences stemming from its use), but I do believe that - provided one takes the normal precautionary safety steps (check for viruses, malware, etc.) - they may be able to help you. Another thing you can try is a recovery service such as Recoverytoolbox.com (which, unlike the previous option, does not involve downloading and installing any software on your machine).



I hope this helps, and let me know if I can be of any further assistance.

Answer 4

Frank,

Pardon my jumping in but the ability to save to ,MPX was dropped many versions ago. I'm not aware of any known issues with using the default ,MPP format. Where did you hear/read that?

It sounds to me like the user's file is corrupt, (perhaps saved to a remote network drive), and the normal methods to recover are not working. Aside from your suggestion of trying third party recovery software, either go back to the last valid saved version and re-build or start over.

John

Answer 5

Hi Frank, John

Indeed i don’t have the option to save these files .mpx. I will try the revovery .exe to see if it works. Alternative online recovery proved useless as didn’t recover almost anything of the file. 

The file i am trying to open is the only file i have, or at least i don’t know where to find the previous saved versions of this. This was always saved on a file drive so i’m not sure if previous saved versions are kept anywhre. 

So far, rebuilding the project seems to be the only option :(

thank you for your answers 

Poliana