Troubleshooting Revit File Corruption

Revit Version: Applied to all Revit versions.

Issue:

• Revit project files fail to open when audited.
• Revit project files open when the audit option is turned off.
• Revit performance is slow.
• Revit 3D view displays odd behavior, such as portions of the model appearing in wireframe mode.

Causes:

There are various reasons for Revit file corruption, and it is often difficult to pinpoint the exact root causes. The most common causes include:

• High number of warnings.
• High number of in-place families.
• High number of modifications on elements.
• High number of DWG files.
• Hardware issues.
• Insufficient space on the hard drive.

Solution:

There are several methods available to troubleshoot Revit file corruption issues.

• If the file fails to open with the audit option but opens successfully without it, it indicates loaded family corruption. Follow these steps to address the issue:
  1. Navigate to File > Save As > Library > Family.                                          
  2. Save the family file.
  3. Carefully review any pop-ups that appear during the process.
  4. Note down the names of families that generate the "The Family Cannot Be Saved" warning.
  5. Identify the corrupted family by listing all families with the same warning.
  6. In the Project Browser, delete the family that had the "The Family Cannot Be Saved" warning. You may need to replace the corrupted family with a new, healthy one before deleting it.
• If Revit cannot open the file and an error message stating that the data is corrupt and needs manual recovery appears, it means that one or more elements in the project model (including linked files) have been corrupted. In this case, you have limited options for file recovery.
  • Option 1: Try opening the file with all worksets closed.
    1. If the file opens, unload all links, including RVT, DWG, IFC, and PDF files.
    2. Save the file.
    3. Open the file again with the audit option enabled.
    4. Repeat the same process for all RVT links.
    5. Open the DWG file with AutoCAD and run an audit and purge.
    6. Obtain a fresh PDF file.
  • Option 2: Request support from Autodesk.
    • If an error message appears stating that the model is missing many elements and cannot be opened, it is recommended to contact Autodesk support for assistance in retrieving the file.
• If a BIM 360 project Revit file cannot be opened and an error message stating that the data is corrupt and needs manual recovery appears, cleaning up the local cache can resolve most corruption issues when the file is stored on ACC/BIM 360.
  • Resetting Desktop Connector version 16.x to default to resolve local cache issues (autodesk.com)

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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