Symbol palette won't open

[Scott_Rapp@adobeforums.com]

Neither my default or custom symbols will open. This just happened, I have been opening them and using both regularly up until now. I am working in AI 10 and windows XP. All other palettes are opening as they should.

Scott

[Jeffrey_R_Thomas@adobeforums.com]

This happens sometimes with any random palette. It's unlikely there's something wrong specifically with the symbols palette. Something has corrupted the AI preferences file. You just need to delete it; that will reset all of your palettes. Unfortunately, you'll have to reposition all of them, but that's not that big of a deal and there's not much else you can do.

Some people like to make backup copies of their preferences file after they have their palettes where they want them, that way when this happens they can replace the corrupted file with their backup copy - avoiding the problem of all your palettes being reset to their default positions.

Now, the obvious question - where is the preferences file? Well, I'm on a Mac right now so I can't really tell you. I believe it's under Documents and Settings > userID > Application settings...???

Someone step in for me here.

[BobHill@adobeforums.com]

Scott,

Jeff is correct. With Illustrator closed, click the Illustrator launch icon and IMMEDIATELY hold down CONTROL SHIFT ALT keys. You'll get the message Do you wish to delete settings. Say YES and the AIPrefs file (it's a hidden file) will be deleated and Illustrator will open with a brand new AIPREFS with original default settings. This should correct the problem.

Bob

[Scott_Rapp@adobeforums.com]

Thanks Jeff & Bob, this solved my problem. (Thought I was losing it there for a minute)

Scott

[BobHill@adobeforums.com]

Glad it worked for you Scott.

Bob