This file is already open or in use by another application Error Message

[Sol_R...@adobeforums.com]

I can't seem to save my AI files any more without getting an error message stating, "This file is already open or in use by another program." None of the previous forums have helped to resolve this problem. The problem begins when I open an Illustrator file that I have previously created, make a few changes, then try to save it under the same name. I am forced to change the name, which it then saves under the new name. Then, I have to restart the computer in order to delete the old file. This entire process takes enormous amounts of time. Working on WinXP using AI CS. I've researched this problem for months, but can't resolve it myself.

[Harron_K....@adobeforums.com]

Have you tried this?

Stephen Fish, "Cannot save file under same name" #1, 30 Jun 2008 4:24 pm </webx?14@@.59b5ad33/0>

And all of the suggestions here?

Eric Schwartz, "Can't save in Illustrator CS2" #1, 2 Nov 2005 8:35 pm </webx?14@@.3bbd130c/0>

[Sol_R...@adobeforums.com]

Harron,
I've tried all the above suggestions, and no solutions. I've tried reinstalling the program with default settings. I never used to have this problem. Could be an incompatibility with another system application or something.

[Sol_R...@adobeforums.com]

Steve,
Yes, I found it and changed it to Aiiconold.dll. It caused my computer to lose all my AI links icons (they became generic icons, not links). That was something I figured wouldn't work for me, so I changed the filename back to it's original (Aiicon.dll). I'm not sure if it affected my original problem. Maybe I should have given it a chance and left it like that for a little longer.

[Stephe...@adobeforums.com]

Did you find Aiicon.dll?

steve

[Stephe...@adobeforums.com]

The inappropriate Win Explorer handles left on .ai files was a major problem with Windows. Adobe finally gave up and left out Aiicon.dll, and included the Bridge program, with AI CS2. What you lose without the .dll is the thumbnail, not a link.

Another approach that I used before CS2 was to run Process Explorer to find and delete the handles every once in a while. It is a free download. Google it.

steve

[Sol_R...@adobeforums.com]

I'm using the renamed Aiiconold.dll file again. I'll give it a chance this time, and see how it goes. Without the thumbnails having to load, certain processes should speed up now, as well. Thanks for the tip. I'll give the Process Explorer a try next. I appreciate it.
Sol

[Charlie...@adobeforums.com]

I was having that problem a lot. I finally realized that 99% of the time it occurred, it was when I had opened the AI file from an InDesign document by using ID's "Edit Original" command in the Links pallete. I would select the placed AI image, then hit that command in Links to open the original AI file. Then edit the AI and try to re-save it. That's when the error occurred. So what I started doing was: Same beginning process, once the original AI file opens, I immediately close it, then re-open it in AI's recent files menu, then edit and save without error. Something about it being opened via ID was apparently telling AI that another user had it opened. Bogus, but explainable.
C Ya

[Sol_R...@adobeforums.com]

Charlie,
I don't use InDesign, but I assumed something like that was happening here, although I couldn't figure out what the other program was. Makes sense. Thanks for the comeback.
Sol

[Jen...@adobeforums.com]

I am having the same problem not being able to save certain files. I've found that if I save them under a different extension that it sometimes works (assuming I haven't already done this once).

HOWEVER! I'm BEYOND frustrated with AI because I can't delete old files then!! They're staring to stack up!

I've found that if I restart the computer, I can usually delete 1 out of 3 or so, but this is unacceptable. I have so many unwanted files now.

I'm new to AI and I'm running 9.0. I've updated it to 9.0.2 now but it hasn't helped this particular problem.

[Sol_R...@adobeforums.com]

Jenifer,
I've been dealing with this problem for a year, and it is a big time waster. Here is a solution someone gave me which resolves the problem. However, there is a tradeoff- one problem for another.
There is a file named aiicon.dll in Program Files > Common Files > Adobe > Shell. If you rename this file to aiiconold.dll (don't delete it), the problem with saving and deleting files will be resolved. However, the tradeoff is that you will lose your Illustrator thumbnails for your AI files. See for yourself. I've been doing it this way for a month or two, and I can live without the thumbnails most of the time. The nice thing about renaming the aiicon.dll file is that you can go back to the original name anytime, and everything will be as it was in the beginning.
I guess Illustrator has an incompatibility issue with the new operating systems. I don't think there are any perfect solutions. But I keep looking. I am as frustrated with AI as you are.

[Stephe...@adobeforums.com]

I know it is a hassle, but I think there might be a little more info about this issue higher up in this thread.

steve

[Sol_R...@adobeforums.com]

I haven't checked out Process Explorer yet. That might be a better solution. I'll give it some time.
Sol

[Jen...@adobeforums.com]

I had gone through many threads related to not being about to save files, and discovered the .dll solution.

I was unsure this would help with my troubles DELETING files. But, I tried it and it seems to work.

I don't mind not having thumbnails, I just have to name my files with detail.

Thank you for the assistance.

~Jen

[Jen...@adobeforums.com]

HA! Strike that!

While working sans .dll file, AI continuously shut down causing me to lose anything unsaved.

I restored the .dll file and could compete my project.

Then, when saving, it refused.

I saved under a new name, but could not delete the original file.

I deleted the .dll file again, restarted, and deleted the original project file.

But now I can't move the new project into a different folder (and I haven't restored the .dll file yet).

...and the thread continues...