# "unexpected file format" error Help!

**URL:** https://forum.kirupa.com/t/unexpected-file-format-error-help/120286
**Category:** Uncategorized
**Created:** [August 23, 2004, 1:52am UTC](https://forum.kirupa.com/t/unexpected-file-format-error-help/120286 "2004-08-23T01:52:19Z")
**Posts on this page:** 5
**Page:** 1

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### Author: ![webrookie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/3d9bf3/32.png) [@webrookie](https://forum.kirupa.com/u/webrookie)
#### Post date: [August 23, 2004, 1:52am UTC](https://forum.kirupa.com/t/unexpected-file-format-error-help/120286/1 "2004-08-23T01:52:19Z")

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Hello All,

I am new to this site and its a really cool and informative site.  
When I download any .fla file. I get an “unexpected file format” error, when trying to open it.  
Can some one please tell me what I am doing wrong?  
I am using FLASH MX2004 professional.  
Thanks in advance!

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### Author: ![ratbaggy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a3d4f5/32.png) [@ratbaggy](https://forum.kirupa.com/u/ratbaggy)
#### Post date: [August 23, 2004, 2:32am UTC](https://forum.kirupa.com/t/unexpected-file-format-error-help/120286/2 "2004-08-23T02:32:20Z")

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Well, they seem to work for everyone else.

When did you download your copy of Flash?

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### Author: ![webrookie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/3d9bf3/32.png) [@webrookie](https://forum.kirupa.com/u/webrookie)
#### Post date: [August 23, 2004, 2:39am UTC](https://forum.kirupa.com/t/unexpected-file-format-error-help/120286/3 "2004-08-23T02:39:59Z")

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> [@ratbaggy](#):
>
> Well, they seem to work for everyone else.
> 
> When did you download your copy of Flash?

I installed this about two weeks ago, and have been able to create with it since, with no problems other then that “unexpected file format” error.  
Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Thanks!

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### Author: ![webrookie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/3d9bf3/32.png) [@webrookie](https://forum.kirupa.com/u/webrookie)
#### Post date: [August 23, 2004, 10:54pm UTC](https://forum.kirupa.com/t/unexpected-file-format-error-help/120286/4 "2004-08-23T22:54:13Z")

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FYI, I figured it out and posting this in case anyone else has the same problem:

Solution was to install flash MX, for some reason dont ask me why, my Flash MX Pro, would not open the files.

Thanks anyways…the learning continues.

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### Author: ![Prophet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/838e76/32.png) [@Prophet](https://forum.kirupa.com/u/Prophet)
#### Post date: [August 23, 2004, 11:36pm UTC](https://forum.kirupa.com/t/unexpected-file-format-error-help/120286/5 "2004-08-23T23:36:28Z")

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did you buy ur copy of FMX2004Pro?  
coz if not it was a dodgy copy.

i get those errors wen trying to open FMX 2004 files but thats because im on FMX…

Prophet.