Can't see open file in Illustrator 10 (winXP)

[Jeff_Waitkus@adobeforums.com]

When opening certain *.ai files in Illustrator 10.0.3, I can't see them (i.e. there is no file window), even though the file is listed in the open documents list in the Window menu. I've tried deleting/recreating the pref file, but it didn't help.

[BobHill@adobeforums.com]

Jeff,

You mean there is no filename listed in the menu, or you can't see the thumbnail image of it in the Open menu?

Try this:

Using AI9/10/CS on a box with XP I see the thumbnails in the Illustrator Open dialogue by:

Start > Programs > Windows Explorer
navigate to a folder with some .AI9/10 images
right-click on the image icon and select Properties
left-click on the Illustrator Thumbnail tab
select 32-bit icons

If that doesn’t work the thumbnail comes from a registry entry under :
HKey_Classes_Root\.ai\ShellEx\{0C5B0CED-206B-4c39-B615-0EB23C834612}

Bob

[Jeff_Waitkus@adobeforums.com]

Bob,

The filename is displayed with a checkmark next to it in the AI "Window" menu, but the AI workspace that contains the file windows (either maximized, minimized or some size inbetween) is empty - unless I have another operable *.ai file open (that is, this problem occurs with only a few *.ai files, not all of them).

Despite this, all else seems to function normally with these problem files - i.e. I can display their preview icons, place them into InDesign, etc.

[BobHill@adobeforums.com]

I'm not sure exactly what you mean by file "window" or AI "window" menu. Perhaps that's my problem with understanding what you can or can't do. You say the maximize and minimize window isn't there? If the open file is maximized you don't have a separate title bar, it's on your Windows title bar, but if you look directly under the Windows minimize, maximize icons buttons, you'll see a light version of them. Are those missing? Is this what you mean?

Bob

[LenHewitt@adobeforums.com]

Bob,

I think Jeff is saying the workspace has disappeared leaving only the menu
bar and palettes visible.

I've seen that happen in earlier versions where trashing the aiprefs sorted
it, but never only with some files...

[Jeff_Waitkus@adobeforums.com]

That's right, Len. It sounds like the same problem except for there being a limited number of files affected instead of all of them. Trashing the aipref file was the first thing I tried, but it didn't help.

Bob - the "Windows" menu as in "File", "Edit", "Object", etc. The file that I open is on the open documents list at the bottom of the "Windows" menu, but it doesn't appear as an actual window, nor does the file name appear on the main ai title bar.

It's a strange problem, I know, but hopefully there's a fix.