Root element missing and empty xliff file

Question

Hi all, 
 One of my translators just came up with an issue. He was proofreading a rather huge file in Trados (originally an xls file), he saved and closed Trados. 
 Now when trying to reopen the file he got the error: 
 unexpected error when detecting file type for file "file name": Root element is missing. 
 the file seems to be empty (it is 1KB in fact) and he can't see the previous changes. 
 Any help? Thanks

Jerzy Czopik · Accepted Answer

Unfortunately there is not much to do about this. A file size of 1 kB means the file IS empty. 
 There is no way to restore it from here. The only option would be searching on the translators computer (in the temp folder) for some content of this file and hoping, that something will be found (which I doubt BTW). 
 Otherwise he will need to start again, I'm afraid. 
 The problem may be very well caused by closing Studio even before the save process was really done... Or even switching off the power too early. 
 XML files (and a SDLXLIFF file is XML in the end) are kept in RAM AFAIK and then stored on the HDD. If the file was still in RAM when Studio/system closed, it is unfortunately lost for ever.

Walter Blaser · Answer

Sandra 
 If you used Studio 2014 SP1 or higher, have a look at the following folder: 
 c:\Users\<your user name>\Documents\Studio 2014\AutoSave\ 
 You might find an SDLXLIFF file which reflects an intermediate stage before the crash. 
 Walter

Trados Studio > 1. Trados Studio

Root element missing and empty xliff file