Opening a BIM 360 or AUTODESK CONSTRUCTION CLOUD model with Revit: Error: Data file is corrupt

Issue:

When trying to open a cloud Revit model, the following message is seen for only one user:

This issue affects only one user, while other team members can open the model successfully.

Causes:

Possible causes include:

• Corrupt Cache.
• Not enough space to write to hard drive.
• Conflicting Add-in

Solution:

Quick Fix:

If the issue persists, follow the detailed recovery steps in Part A and Part B below.

Part A: Clear Temporary Files

Corrupt or excessive temporary files are a common cause of Autodesk software issues.

To delete temporary files:

1. Exit all Autodesk programs.
2. Open the Windows Search Bar and paste the following paths one by one:

3. In each folder:

• Press Ctrl + A to select all files and folders.
• Press Delete to remove them.

4. If you see a “Folder in Use” message, skip those files that are currently in use.

Part B: Clear Corrupt Cloud Workshared Cache

If the issue is related to a corrupt or outdated collaboration cache, follow these steps:

1. Create a new folder named Cache on your Desktop.
2. Inside that folder, create two subfolders: Collab and Pac.

3. Move (do not copy) the contents of the following folders into the corresponding new folders on your Desktop:

CollaborationCache:

%USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Autodesk\Revit\Autodesk Revit ####\CollaborationCache

PacCache:

%USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Autodesk\Revit\PacCache

⚠️ Note: Do not move the Logs folder or any .json files.

4. Reopen Revit and launch the problematic model. This will recreate the cache and remove corrupt data.

5. Compare the new cache folders with your Desktop copies.

6. Move back any missing files that were not regenerated to preserve cached data for other projects.

Alternate Method (Using a Second System): 

If the above steps fail, and you have access to another workstation:

1. On the second system, open Revit and sign in to your A360 account.
2. Open the same cloud model successfully.
3. Copy the new CollaborationCache folders from the second system to the affected user’s machine (overwriting existing cache).
4. Reopen the model.

Additional Troubleshooting:

^{1. Verify Revit Build Versions}

Ensure the affected user’s Revit version matches the version used by others.
Update Revit if necessary using the Autodesk Desktop App or refer to:

Update your Autodesk Software.

^{2. Check Disk Space}

Low disk space can cause incomplete file access and false corruption errors.
Ensure adequate free space per Autodesk’s requirements:
Required Hard Disk Space for Revit Cloud Worksharing Models.

Free up drive space in Windows:
Disk Cleanup in Windows 10.

Disk Cleanup in Windows 11.

^{3. Clear Local Cache}

Refer to:

How to Clear a Corrupt Cloud Workshared Model in Revit

^{4. Disable Conflicting Add-Ins}

Use this guide to disable Revit add-ins while keeping cloud collaboration add-ins active:
How to Disable Add-Ins for Revit

^{5. Multiple Users Affected}

If multiple users encounter the same error, refer to Autodesk’s official troubleshooting article:
"Data in file (.rvt) is corrupt and needs to be manually recovered" 

Summary:

About the Author

Sr Technical Support Specialist<br><br> Skilled in AutoCAD, Mixed-use, Renovation, Revit, and Sustainable Design. Strong arts and design professional with a BA in Urban design focused in Architecture from University of Washington.

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