Recovering a Set manually after a crash

Live's file recovery process is usually triggered by an undo file in Live's preferences folder. In case the process doesn't happen automatically, or if you clicked "No" on the restore document dialog, the relevant files needed to recover the set are moved into a folder named "Crash" located in Live's preferences folder. Once the files have been renamed and moved out of the folder as explained below, the Set can often be recovered.

Note: The process of file recovery needs to be accomplished with the same Live version which created the undo file and caused the problem.

Step 1:

Locate the following folder and make sure to read our dedicated article on how to access hidden folders:

  • Windows
    Users\[Username]\AppData\Roaming\Ableton\Live x.x.x\Preferences\Crash\
  • Mac
    Users/[Username]/Library/Preferences/Ableton/Live x.x.x/Crash/

Note: Live x.x.x refers to the version number in which the crash occurred, e.g. Live 11.0.5.

Step 2:

In the Crash folder, you should find the files and folders that are needed to recover a Set manually:

  • BaseFiles
  • CrashRecoveryInfo.cfg
  • Undo

The files should include the date and time of the crash in their names:

Screenshot_2018-12-21_at_18.44.08.png

Note: In case Live has crashed more than once, you might notice multiple files and folders, each named with the date of a crash. You will only need to use the files and folders corresponding to the crash that you wish to recover.

Step 3: 

Rename the files by removing the dates from their names: 

Crash-Recovery-2.gif

Step 4: 

Drag the renamed file and folders into the Parent folder (Preferences -> Ableton -> Live x.x.x.). If a dialog box appears, choose “Replace” for each item.

Screenshot_2018-12-21_at_18.51.13.png

Step 5:

Now start Live. The file recovery process should be triggered again.

If the file recovery fails, please contact Ableton support and send us Live's latest Crash Report packs. Those packs normally contain the relevant files needed. We will then try to recover the work.

Audio Files:

Recorded audio files not yet saved may or may not be recoverable. To check, navigate to the following locations: 

  • macOS: Users/Username/Music/Ableton/Live Recordings/Temp Project
  • Windows: C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Local\Temp\

Note: Read the instructions to recover a Live set manually in Live 9

Ableton offers these in-depth help and learning resources:

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