Recovering an offline file (big problem fore me)
 

Hi all

I have a real problem with a project that I imported into FCP5 which was edited in FCP4.5. I'm not sure whether the proble was due to a fault in the import or it was just screwed anyway.

My problem is that a series of clips are marked offline and when I do a Reconnect Media command the name shows in the "Files to connect" as

Offline Files:
Unspecified path
Unknown

This is just for one of the offline files. They are all show the same. I had a problem with a few other files but I managed to reconnect those.

I exported to XML to see if I could repair the XML by hand and then load it back in again. I had no success with that method.

The Reconnect Media dialog will allow me to choose the file I want to reconnect but when I select the right file it doesn't show in the Files Located box at the bottom of the dialog so it just won't let me reattach.

What can I do with this? The whole project is edited but I have to shorten the whole sequence to make a trailer type thing but all my key media is broken. I was hoping I could use the good clips only that work but unfortunatly I need some bit for the clips that are causing me problems.

The other issus is that the media was heavily edited by cutting etc and it's going to be near impossible to redo all that editing in the time that I have to get this trailer out.

I really need some expert help on this one.
Donie

It seems strange that the Reconnect Media dialog box will not allow you to select the missing clip. Verify that you can open this clip from the finder so that it pops up in Quicktime player. If you are able to open it, try reconnecting in FCP again

1. Right click on one of the clips that are offline (has a red line through it) and select "Reconnect media"
2. Check the "Select files manually box"
3. Navigate to the correct folder. If you changed the name of the media file, uncheck the "Matched Name Only" checkbox.

If this works, repeat the process but check the "Reconnect all files in relative path" checkbox. If you run into problems, email me a screenshot of the dialog box that won't let you choose the correct file.

If all else fails, and you have the original tape, you can recapture the media by selecting the file and choosing File>batch Capture. One thing you don't have to worry about is your editing info. That is safe within your project file. At worst, you may have to spend a few hours recapturing footage.