GIMP Version: 2.8.10
Operating System: Windows
GIMP Experience: Beginner Level

List any ERROR messages you received:
Opening 'aaa.xcf' failed:

GIMP XCF image plug-In could not open image

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I was working on an image in GIMP 2.8 as usual; one that I have been at for over a month and half. Suddenly while the program was still open my laptop instantly shut off due to poor battery. When I turned the pc back on and reopened GIMP, however, every single one of my files was perfectly accessible except for the one I was editing when the computer shut off. Instead, I get a message stating that opening the file was a failure and that the "GIMP XCF image plug-In could not open image." I tried restarting the laptop, but nothing changed. What exactly happened to this file, and how can I go back to a point when the file was healthy?

Have you tried sys restore?

This won't help you retrieve any lost xcf files, but it will help you to ensure that in the future you don't lose what you've been working on while using Gimp.
look into installing and setting up the "Auto Save" for Gimp. This way you can have Gimp save your work on an ongoing basis while you're working. To ensure that your work won't be lost when something like this occurs.

#2, yes, I have tried System Restore.

and #3, thanks for the recommendation! I'll be sure to use Auto Save from now on. Though it seems the previous file really is a lost cause, huh?

Strange. have you tried opening the file in a different program that handles XCF such as Xnview?

Maybe (if you don't mind to) you could upload the XCF here and maybe someone here might be able to open it and and more or less 'restore' it so you can get back to working on it. I for one would try to do it for you.

#5: GIMP is the only program I have that I am aware of, can open XCFs. If XnView is safe than I'll download it and try it out.

#6: Thanks for the offer! It's only a digital painting so I don't mind uploading it.

Here's what happened when I attempted to open this xcf file.

I think that this xcf file is also a lost cause.

The file is two million bytes of nothing but zeroes.

Left side is your .XCF and the right side is one of mine. As you can see all the coding in the file has been wiped clean. Sorry I was unable to help.

Beat me to it

It is safe. It is also nice to have at least one other option for opening XCF (GIMP workspace files).
Another that will open in shell or right mouse click is SageThumbs Image Viewer .


Imagine is another but doesn't seem to work on Windows 8.2 for some reason.

#8-10 I think the file ended up corrupt, and it's probably as good as dead now anyway. Ah well.

#12 Thanks for the notification! I'll have the program with me for the future.

Thank you for the links and assistance.