# key error, but recovered file is numbers and letters

[athenasnow]

I got the apparently common error of a file coming up as only # signs instead of being recovered properly. I was able to recover the file, but now it only shows up as random numbers and letters which an IT friend of mine said could possibly be salvageable. Is there any way for me to recover the original file? I lost a lot of work even though I'd saved it multiple times over a matter of months.

If it's possible to get it back I would much appreciate it.

Thank you.

[acknak]

Welcome to the community forum!

It's possible (but not likely) that something useful can be recovered but someone will need to look at your file to find out for sure.

You can attach the file here, or use an upload/sharing site and paste the link here.

Use the "Upload Attachment" link (below the message entry area after you click "POST REPLY"). For tips on posting large or confidential documents, see: [Forum] How to attach a document here

[athenasnow]

I've attached the file. Hopefully it has something useful in it. For some reason it puts a lot of unnecessary page breaks in it so it's a lot of pages with just a line on each.

[RoryOF]

I didn't get anything from it, but I'm not the most expert at such file recovery.

[acknak]

Sorry, no recoverable data there as far as I can see.

[Hagar Delest]

Had you checked the option to "Always create a backup copy"? If so, the file should be in the backup folder of the profile.

The temporary files are in the temp folder indeed. You should see a folder like sgmlf.tmp with a file having the same name inside, make a copy of that file, rename it in .odt and see if you can open it. The problem is that sometimes, the system cleans that folder and your file is then lost.

See also: 22 pages term paper replaced with pound signs.
If you want to help fix this problem, you can also do this survey created for this very problem: Document Recovery Survey.