|
Bonsai Outliner for Windows > How Do I ... ? > Repair an Outline with an Invalid Character
If Bonsai is unable to open your outline and reports an "Invalid character was found", the following procedure should remedy the situation.
Bonsai uses XML for the outline format of the OTL files on the desktop. It uses the Microsoft XML parser (MSXML) to read the file. MSXML is very picky about the validity of the data in the file. If the character values do not have valid representations in the code page (tells Windows how to draw the character values) you are using it will generate an error.
| 1. | Make a backup copy of the outline file that is generating the error. |
| 2. | Use Start/Run and open "NotePad" on your desktop. |
| 3. | From NotePad, open the outline file that is generating the error. |
| 4. | Type Ctrl-G and the Go To line dialog is presented. |
| 5. | Type the line number as reported in the error message and hit OK. |
| 6. | You should be at the line shown in the error. |
| 7. | Remove any invalid characters from that line. The invalid character will likely appear as a unusual graphic or maybe a block character. |
| 9. | Attempt to open the outline in Bonsai. Repeat the process if a new "Invalid character was found" error is reported. |
| 
