Unexpected file format error - 11mb file. Need help recovering

SketchUp Pro
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Hi everyone,

I spent 10 hours working on a model today and saved it multiple times (Save As), but now all versions give me the “Unexpected file format” error. I am using Windows and no cloud sync (like OneDrive/Google Drive) was active during saving.

The file size is 11 MB. I extracted it as a zip and can see the contents inside (model.dat which is around 63 MB, materials, styles, etc.), so the data seems to be there, but repacking it manually gives me a “This does not appear to be a SketchUp model” error.

Could someone (maybe @colin) please help me repair this file? I would be incredibly grateful.

Here is the download link: **[Unique Download Link | WeTransfer]

Thank you so much in advance!

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Your file opens in SketchUp 2026. Update your SketchUp and you can open it. It has errors that newer versions can fix.

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If you’re using a cra cked version I’m afraid you’ll have to get a license and open with the latest version of skp.

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Thank you so much for the great news and for checking my file! Unfortunately, I am currently using SketchUp 2023 and cannot upgrade to the 2026 version right now.

Could one of you please “Save As” the file down to the SketchUp 2023 format and share the link with me? I would be incredibly grateful!

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There’s no such thing as saving down to SketchUp 2023. Since v 2021 the file type is the same and is backward compatible.

Get a legitmate subscription and update to the current version. Then you can open it.

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