cannot load a 'saved-as Version 8' CDR into Corel8 1

[barrykapp]

I have a problem which has been in place for a while now. I have been using Coreldraw Version 12 and wish to also save files in Version 8 format so as to send to others who are using Version 8.

I 'save as' Version 8 (in Version 12) but each time I load the CDR file into Corel Version 8 it causes the app to crash. It will allow me to view the thumbnail preview pane and if a missing font is found it will allow me to choose s substitute etc. But after then, it will say 'loading.... 35%' then freeze up, then the Microsoft window will pop up saying the application will have to closedown. I am running XP. I have also downloaded the latest Corel X3 (Version 13) and done exactly the same thing and again V8 crashes everytime I try to load in the 'saved as version 8' file.

I have also tried saving as Version 7 and Version 8 midi whatver this is. But the same thing happens.

I have also tried running Corel 12 on another PC (also under XP) and it still does the same thing. I have also used a different Version 8 installation on another PC and yes, it still causes itself to crash when loading a 'saved as version 8' file.

Anyone any idaes what is wrong?

Thanks.

 

[Brushman]

Try importing the cdr not opening, or drag and drop or export as cmx and then try to import that into V8 using the cmx filter. If import cmx works you may have a style problem.
Alan D

 

[barrykapp]

Hi Alan.

Thanks for your advice.

I tried the import of CDR but again it crashed on me.

Then I tried the export (from V12) of a CMX. I then imported the same CMX into Version 8 and it worked.

So you mention 'style problem'.

Could you at all elaborate on this please?

I am keen to solve this problem and if possible would prefer to use the straight CDR format as the people who are 'importing' it into Version 8 are not too adept at anyting other than a straight 'open' of a CDR file.

Thanks if you can help further.

Much appreciated regardless.

Barry

 

[Brushman]

Sometimes the default styles get corrupted, the cmx format is essentially cdr but with no style information, import the the cmx into V12 and resave as cdr - do you still have a problem when opening that file in V8? I am faily sure if you delete the default style then Draw will rebuild it on startup but I'm not sure!! first off try restarting Draw with F8 pressed and accept factory defaults for the workspace when prompted. If your workspace is customised save it first then re import workspace after start.
Alan D

 

[barrykapp]

Hi Alan,

First, many thanks for your additional advice.

What I did was do an export of a sample file from V12 as a CMX. Then imported it back again and resaved as v8. But it still didn't work when I opened this file in v8. It still caused the crash. I then tried to delete the default workspace, but it would not let me. There are three workspace options listed;- Microsoft Office, Adobe Illustrator and v12 Default. v12 was ticked and if I tried to 'untick' this it would not allow. Had to be one of the three and the 'delete' button was greyed out against v12 default. Next to try was pressing F8 and accepting the factory default workspace. I then did a save-as V8 but yet again it did not work. I think perhaps the sample file had already got elements in it that disregarded the default styles? Anyway I then saved the sample file from v12 as a CMX and then 'Opened' this into V8 and it worked that way. I got a box saying 'The file contains unrecognised elements and may not displkay as designed'. But clicking OK it seems to display OK and can modify it OK. I mentioned I am trying to make things as simple as possible for other people to open these files in v8 so I further experimented and when saving as a CMX I forced the 'CDR' extension in, while maintaining the CMX filter selected and it also worked that way;- I got the file saved as <file>.CDR which was effectively a CMX and would open OK in v8.

So if I don't find a better method it seems I can do this.

Again, I do thank you most profoundly for pointing me in the right direction as I had no inclination it could be the workspace/styles issue.

Best wishes.

Barry.

 

[Brushman]

Workspaces and styles are two different things, are you in the UK? I can talk you through it on the phone email me on test@adsignwriting.co.uk
Alan D