I have a perplexing problem. When I try to launch a file, I get the following error message:
The document “Screenwriting.scriv” could not be opened.
The project at “/Users/lroncayo/Dropbox/Writing - projects/Writing (classes)/Screenwriting.scriv” seems to be of an older format, but no binder.scrivproj file could be found inside it. It may be missing or corrupt, possibly because of a problem with the device on which it is stored, or because of a synchronisation problem.
Try ctrl-clicking on the project in the Finder and selecting “Show Package Contents”, then look for a file entitled ‘binder.scrivproj’. Ensure it has not been renamed by a backup routine. If it does not exist, try restoring from a backup.
I have used Time Machine to roll back four different project files in the folder and get them working on my M2 Mini. However, while all the files work on the M2, my laptop is still getting the error message… Today I tried reconstructing the files, creating a new file then cut+pasting (it wasn’t big) on the M2, but it still gets the same error message on the laptop.
Here’s my set up
Mac M2 Mini (Ventura + up-to-date Scrivener)
Mid-2012 MacBook Pro (Ventura (using Opencore) + up-to-date Scrivener)
Dropbox = where folder w/files lives
Does anyone have experience with this error message? Thoughts on what might be going on?
Symptoms suggest incomplete Dropbox sync, or your Dropbox sync settings are for “online” meaning that only part of the Scrivener project is on your local drive. Scrivener requires all project files (inside the “package”) need to be on the local drive. Check your Dropbox settings. Dropbox “Help” and their website support articles will assist.
I have re-installed both Dropbox and Scrivener and the problem remains. A copy of the file in question was put on the desktop and shared via iCould—it worked. The problem seems to be Dropbox and/or Dropbox/Scrivener…
Reinstalling not expected to fix the issue if the issue is incomplete syncs. Reinstalling rarely fixes any issues and I am pretty sure reinstalling did not fix anything here. You have to configure Dropbox to make all files “offline”. Based on the symptoms, proved by you putting the Scrivener project (actually a “package” not a file) on the desktop which is “local”. Nothing to do with Scrivener.
Today I put a Macbook pro m3 with OSX 14.5 Sonoma into operation. But now I can no longer open a single Scrivener project. This error message always comes up. I installed version 3.3.6, as before on the (unfortunately defective) computer. I saved all the projects in the “app” folder in dropbox, because I also use the IOS version. All projects can still be used on the iPhone, but not at the new MacBook. What’s going wrong?
This here comes from Scrivener, when I try to open a project:
The document “xxx.scriv” could not be opened.
The project at “/Users/Name//Dropbox/Apps/xxxx.scriv” seems to be of an older format, but no binder. scrivproj file could be found inside it. It may be missing or corrupt, possibly because of a problem with the device on which it is stored, or because of a synchronisation problem.
Try ctrl-clicking on the project in the Finder and selecting “Show Package Contents”, then look for a file entitled ‘binder.scrivproj’. Ensure it has not been renamed by a backup routine. If it does not exist, try restoring from a backup."
What can I do?
Thank you for any help.
There are 5 books in the projects. It would be a disaster for me if the designs were broken.
Please review the existing thread your query has been merged into; and in particular this message. 99.9% certainty that your new copy of Dropbox isn’t set up right yet, and that article has the instructions for doing so.
Good news is that if your iPhone can open them, the projects themselves are fine. They just aren’t actually on your Mac. This is “progress”. Making it look like your work is there when it isn’t.
Thank you very much for the quick, competent help. Yes, it was Dropbox because it only saved online.
Sorry, it was a quick panic reaction on my part. It was about 200 poems and four books. They are saved now. And I’ll do one thing from Monday: BACKUPS with time-machine on an extra disk.
I love(d) Scrivner with all my heart. Unfortunately since last update, every one of my 100’s of files now give me this error upon opening:
The document “Take two.scriv” could not be opened.
The project at “/Users/rusty/Dropbox/ JasonsClownWorld/Take two.scriv” seems to be of an older format, but no binder.scrivproj file could be found inside it. It may be missing or corrupt, possibly because of a problem with the device on which it is stored, or because of a synchronisation problem.
Try ctrl-clicking on the project in the Finder and selecting “Show Package Contents”, then look for a file entitled
‘binder.scrivproj’. Ensure it has not been renamed by a backup routine. If it does not exist, try restoring from a backup.*
I’ve reached out to tech support many times with no response.
