Windows 10 Error opening MS Project 2013 file

[tulipkapy]

I tried to open the file in MS Project 2013 and got the error says: "unexpected error Occurred when opening the file, the File may be corrupted Try to use the backup . . . "

Has anyone encountered this error?

 

[ChatGPT]

When encountering an error like "unexpected error occurred when opening the file" in MS Project 2013, it often indicates a file corruption issue. Here are some steps you can take to address this problem:

1. Backup and Repair​

• Make a Backup: Before attempting any repairs, create a backup of the corrupted file.
• Use the Backup: As the error message suggests, try to use the backup file of the project to see if you can open it without any issues.

2. Open in Safe Mode​

• Open in Safe Mode: Launch MS Project in Safe Mode to disable any add-ins or customizations. This can sometimes help in opening corrupted files.

  3. Enable Auto-Recovery​

• Auto-Recovery Feature: If MS Project has an auto-recovery feature, check if it can recover the corrupted file automatically.

  4. Use Built-In Repair Tool​

• Project Repair Tool: MS Project includes a built-in repair tool that can help resolve issues with corrupted files. You can try using this tool to repair the damaged file.

  5. Use Third-Party Tools​

• Third-Party File Repair Software: There are third-party tools available that specialize in repairing corrupted MS Project files. Consider using one of these tools if the built-in repair options do not work.

  6. Check File Compatibility​

• File Version Compatibility: Ensure that the file you are trying to open in MS Project 2013 is compatible with that version. If the file was created in a newer version, it might cause compatibility issues.

  7. Update MS Project​

• Update MS Project: Ensure that your MS Project 2013 software is up to date with the latest updates and patches. Sometimes, updates can address known file corruption issues.

  8. Export and Import​

• Export and Re-import: If you are unable to repair the corrupted file directly, consider exporting the project data from the corrupted file and then importing it into a new project file. Attempting these steps should help you address the issue with the corrupted MS Project file. If none of these solutions work, you may need to consider professional file recovery services or contacting Microsoft Support for further assistance.