Error Messages in Live

If something goes wrong in Ableton Live, you may see an error message in a pop-up window or in the orange message bar at the bottom of the screen. This guide lists common error messages and how to fix them. Keep in mind that not all issues in Live will show an error message. For more help, search or browse the Knowledge Base for additional troubleshooting resources.

Below are common error messages, grouped by category:

1. Installation and authorization
2. Crashes and hanging
3. Plug-Ins
4. Importing and exporting
5. Saving Sets and managing files
6. System, graphics and computer performance 
7. Library, Devices and Browser

1. Installation and authorization

• The installation could not be completed
• This license belongs to another account

• Max for Live Trial Not Started - Saving Disabled

• Setup Failed 0x80070666 Another Version of this product is already installed

2. Crashes and hanging

• Corrupt Sets
• There was an error when closing the file (Windows)
  

3. Plug-ins:

• Some plugins could not be loaded and are disabled (macOS)
• Some plugins could not be loaded and are disabled (Windows)

4. Importing and exporting:

• The file is too large to be decoded
• The license to use certain protected samples is missing

5. Saving Sets and managing files:

• Can't access file database: Database Error: Disk I/O error
• Error reading [File Path]/Preferences.cfg
• Live cannot access the undo history file and is switching to a memory based undo
• Sets created in Live 11 cannot be opened by earlier versions
• The file... cannot be created
• The file cannot be opened or changed (macOS)
• The folder... cannot be created
• The audio file [file path] cannot be read. [file path]: EOF
• The file [file path] could not be opened
• Some of the media files (such as samples) used by this set could not be loaded

6. System, graphics and computer performance: 

• Ableton Live wants to make changes...(macOS)

7. Library, Devices and Browser: 

• [Device].amxd contains externals that are not compatible with Apple Silicon
• The selected Max application could not be loaded' (Max for Live error)