"Visio cannot open the file because it's not a Visio file or it has become corrupted"

Doug W 1 Reputation point
2021-12-02T14:16:01.873+00:00

154446-visio-error.jpg

I know that it is a Visio file that I, myself, created back in 2012. I might say that somehow it became corrupted, but I cannot open ANY of the old .vsd files in my new Visio 365.

I've Googled for an answer, but to no avail. Please help as I spent many dozens of hours creating these and finally got the gumption to get back into it. Thanks.

Visio Management
Visio Management
Visio: A family of Microsoft products used to create diagrams and vector graphics.Management: The act or process of organizing, handling, directing or controlling something.
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  1. Emily Hua-MSFT 27,546 Reputation points
    2021-12-03T08:09:48.47+00:00

    Hi @Doug W

    I suggest you open Visio first, then go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > File Block Settings > Make sure the 4 boxes are ticked as following.
    154686-capture5.jpg

    Please check whether this article "How to troubleshoot damaged drawings in Visio" is helpful.
    Especially refer to “Methods to try if you cannot open a drawing”, there is 8 steps you could have a try. But please remember to back your drawing files first.

    Any updates, you could post back.


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  2. Doug W 1 Reputation point
    2021-12-07T14:42:11.84+00:00

    @Emily Hua-MSFT , I tried all of the options in your linked URL and no luck; still can't open the files. I suspect they may have somehow become damaged?

    Side note: I downloaded the "Visio Reader" and got no errors during installation, but for some reason, it does not show up in my Start Menu, or under my "Program Files"/"Program Files (x86), or when I type "Visio" in my "Search box".

    Any other ideas?