Hello, fellow Vegas editors!
This post is in regards to an error message that may pop up in Vegas 16 when attempting to open a project file which was saved on a different computer with the same program version. The error message reads:
An error occurred while loading the project file [file name].veg.
An error occurred reading the file. Make sure you have read access to the file/folder and that it is not corrupted.
I encountered the above error while trying to open a Vegas project file on a new computer, and it took a while to find a solution. Fortunately, I discovered the thread here by the amazing tripleflip18 who graciously posted an update after finding a solution. Their method solved the issue for me perfectly, however, I needed a bit more information than what was there to get it to work. Finding the proper download locations wasn't as simple as I thought it would be, so I thought I'd write up a how-to guide to help others who may encounter the same issue.
So, if you're currently here from a Google search late at night in a state of panic thinking you've lost your project forever, take a deep breath: the solution to the above error message (should be) an easy fix!
The most likely reason you're getting the error message is because you are not using the same build of Vegas that you were using when you saved the project file(s) you are trying to open.
If you currently have access to the computer that you saved your project file(s) with, you can find what build of Vegas it's running by clicking “Help” in the toolbar. From there, click About ... in the drop-down menu. After, a new window should pop up, and next to the program version should be a build number in parenthesis, like so:
Version 16 (Build 361)
Compare this build number to the one that's giving you the error. At the time of writing this, the most current build of Vegas 16 is 424, and as far as I know, it's the final build.
If it's an earlier version than 424, proceed with the steps below.
If the Vegas on your new computer is a more recent build than what you originally used (i.e. build 261 vs 361), you likely will not get the error message in the first place. But, if you do, I recommend uninstalling Vegas after finding a download link to install the identical version. If you cannot find a download for it, you may have to contact Magix support.
STEPS
1) The first thing to do is make sure you actually do have read access to the file. To do this, you'll need to run Vegas as an administrator. Exit Vegas and then reopen it by right clicking and selecting Run as Administrator. Once Vegas has loaded, try to open your project file again.
Did it work?
Yes? Great! You're done!
No? Don't fret yet, proceed with the steps below.
2) Click the Help Menu at the top of Vegas and then select About ... once more. This time, take note of the e-mail address you used to license Vegas 16 with.
3) Completely exit out of Vegas, and shut down everything related to Vegas.
4) Login to the Magix website with the e-mail address you used to register the program, found in Step 1.
5) Once logged in, click on My Products, and that should bring you to My Service Center.
6) Scroll down to where Vegas 16 is listed. Next to downloads, select Installation Program and download it.
7) After running the downloaded file, it should update your current build of Vegas to the newest. You may choose to uninstall Vegas beforehand if you want to be on the extra safe side, but mine updated with no issues.
Note: You might get other options to install Music Maker and/or Vegas's Update Checker thing: these are optional. You may download them if you'd like, but they're not necessary.
8) Once the installation finishes, restart your computer.
9) Reload Vegas.
10) Cross your fingers, for good measure. :)
11) Try opening your project file again with the identical build number. It should work now!
If it worked for you, please go to tripleflip18's post and hit the THANK YOU note; they deserve it!
Oh, and before you leave, here's an important reminder to do that important little thing you've been procrastinating: please backup your precious project files! Do so in multiple locations. If you've got them in the cloud, a physical backup on a flashdrive or external HDD can be helpful. Keep your hard work safe. :)
Happy editing!