Failed to save target content. Unable to locate original file.

Hi 

I am trying to save a file in idml format by selecting File > Save Target as > Save

but keep getting this error message:

Error message in Trados Studio stating 'Failed to save target content: Unable to locate original file' with options for Knowledge Base, Community, and an OK button.

Can someone please help?

Thank you in avance.



Removed AI Suggestion
[edited by: Robert Cheyne at 5:05 PM (GMT 0) on 13 Nov 2025]
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  • Probability score: 0.8  

    Question improvement suggestion: Provide the exact version of Trados Studio you are using and any specific steps you have already attempted to resolve the issue.  

    In the meantime, based on the information you have provided, here is a suggested answer to your question:  

    Hello,  

    It seems you are encountering a common issue when trying to save your target content in IDML format. Here are some steps you can take to resolve the "Failed to save target content. Unable to locate original file" error:  

    **Step 1:** Ensure that the original source file is present in the project. If the SDLXLIFF file came from a Word file, check for any errors in the original file.  

    **Step 2:** If you have access to Adobe InDesign, open the IDML file and try saving it again using the "Save As" option, selecting the InDesign CS4 or later (IDML) format.  

    **Step 3:** Check if the "Extract content of the master page" option is disabled. You can do this by going to File > Options > File Types > Adobe InDesign CS4-CC IDML > Common, and ensuring that the option is unchecked.  

    **Step 4:** If the issue persists, consider using the workaround of renaming the target file from DOCX to IDML, as this has resolved similar issues for other users.  

    **Step 5:** If you are using Trados Studio 2021 SR1 or earlier, consider upgrading to Trados Studio 2022, where this defect has been fixed.  

    **Step 6:** If you have already tried these steps and the issue continues, you may want to recreate the SDLXLIFF file by opening the original source file in Trados Studio and using the Perfect Match or Pre-translate tasks to generate a new target document.  

    I hope these steps help you resolve the issue! If you have any further questions or if the problem persists, please feel free to ask.  

    I hope this answer addressed your question. If not, please reject the answer, add the question improvement suggestion information, and click the RWS Community AI checkbox on the right to try again.  

    RWS Community AI

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  •  

    You have left the AI response as a verified answer.  If it didn't help then you should "Reject Answer" and even better explain why it didn't help?  At least this bit is worth checking - "Ensure that the original source file is present in the project."  If your project came from someone else and they didn't embed the original IDML into the sdlxliff or provide the IDML in the project then you have no chance to create the target file.

    It would also help if you provided the full error stack as the high level message seems quite explanatory and matches what the AI suggested you check at the start:

    Error message in Trados Studio: 'Failed to save target content: Unable to locate original file.' with options for 'Knowledge Base,' 'Community,' and an 'OK' button.

    To get the full stack click on the small disk symbol, save the file to your desktop and then attach it to your reply.

    Paul Filkin | RWS Group

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    [edited by: RWS Community AI at 5:30 PM (GMT 0) on 13 Nov 2025]
  • Hi Paul, thanks for answering. The source file is displayed as an idml file in files view and an idml.sdlxliff file when I click on it. The source is present as I have translated the file. I 

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  • I can save it to my desktop as an idml.sdlxliff file but not as an idml file...

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