InDesign says "JavaScript Error" and will not open. Help!

[Guest]

i have a CS3 version on InDesign. i have uninstalled and re installed 3 times to no avail. it continues to read JAVA SCRIPT ERROR. my other adobe programs work fine but why pay over $300 if all my programs will not work?

[Jeff A Wright]

Moving this discussion to the InDesign forum.

[SanDI HAMPTON]

I have this same question. Shows error 45 string object is invalid line 387 and line 428

[Barb Binder]

What operating systems are you using nina noelle romr60983911​ and  sandi hampton?

[SanDI HAMPTON]

I have Yosemite 10.10.5.

[rob day]

I have this same question. Shows error 45 string object is invalid line 387 and line 428

It sounds like you have a startup script running. Startup scripts would be saved in:

/Applications/Adobe InDesign CC 2017/Scripts/startup scripts

The OP's question might be a reference to Java (not Javascript). The newer version of Java can make installing older versions of ID challenging on the latest versions of OSX

[SanDI HAMPTON]

Have downloaded the latest Java but it still dose no open inDesign.

[rob day]

don't think you will be able to run CS3 on Yosemite, you could try dropping back to Java 6.0

Download Java for OS X 2015-001

[SanDI HAMPTON]

Apple just helped me install the latest version of Java. The Java Control Panel says only experience users should delete Java files. That is not me. suggestions?

[SanDI HAMPTON]

Sorry. That is Java 8. To install Java 6 it indicates that it will erase Java 8. Ok to just go ahead and download Java6? Fearful.

[Willi Adelberger]

Did you try to remove the mentioned startup scripts?

[SanDI HAMPTON]

Willi, looked into the inDesign Applications folder and looked for /Applications/Adobe InDesign CC 2017/Scripts/startup scripts and could not find it. So thankful for your help.

[rob day]

Sorry. That is Java 8. To install Java 6 it indicates that it will erase Java 8. Ok to just go ahead and download Java6? Fearful.

Java and JavaScript are not the same, perhaps you could show us a screen capture of the error? CS3 is 10 years old, I don't think you are going to get it running on Yosemite.

[SanDI HAMPTON]

I don't see a way to show you my captured error attachment. Here is what is says. ID JavaScript Error!

Error string: Object in invalid Line 387

Another just the same only says Line 428

I have installed Java 6 as recommended but I have been told to remove Start up Scripts. I cannot get into applications to remove in inDesign. I am too inexperienced to find this. Suggestions?

InDesign CS3 is old but all was working well until I upgraded to Yosemite. I have been doing fine for over a year in my freelance. Cannot find a CS5 to purchase. My freelance business is slow but my one good client is waiting for this file I have  "locked up" to be at the printers Monday. I can get to my file by doing a shared guest user so that may get me to Monday but what about my other jobs I will want to do in inDesign? Cannot afford the $1000+ for a new program.

[rob day · Accepted solution]

InDesign CS3 is old but all was working well until I upgraded to Yosemite.

I think your only chance of running CS3 would be to drop back to an earlier version of OSX.

[rob day]

Cannot afford the $1000+ for a new program.

You can not purchase perpetually licensed versions of the CC applications. The subscription can be turned on and off, so if you only need InDesign there is a $20 per month option, which you could purchase to finish the project:

Creative Cloud pricing and membership plans | Adobe Creative Cloud

[SanDI HAMPTON]

Thanks Rob. This could work for me. Thank you so much.

[Test Screen Name]

If you're not an experienced user it might be worth mentioning: upgrading your system can be very expensive, only Mac OS is free. Each Mac OS just breaks many old apps, so a system upgrade should always budget for upgrading ALL your apps (and any that keep working are a neat bonus).  Mac OS is updated more and more often, with less and less regard for old apps, so subscription apps - which include upgrades - are often a cost effective choice. If you want to step off the merry go round, step right off - no new system, no new Mac, or monitor, or camera. Old apps are great if you stick to this.

[SanDI HAMPTON]

Thank, Just looked at purchasing Creative Suiet 3 on EBay. (Since I do not have the installation number anymore. It was given to me by a freelance client that I worked for for three years. Harbor Frieght). Do you think buying this and installing it will take me back to where all worked well. Yosemite is probably the problem. And I have heard that something in my Library is at fault and that it is really hard to detect. If I go back to Lion (take it to the Mac store for this??) and installing the CS3 program I buy...... What is your thoughts on this?

[rob day]

Seems a bit penny wise? You are going to purchase software that is 10years old from an unknown source, (which may violate the end user agreement), forces you to install a 5 year old OS, and prevents future OS upgrades, all to avoid a $20 per month subscription that can be turned on and off as needed.

[SanDI HAMPTON]

You are right!!

[SanDI HAMPTON]

But it says pay the whole years subscription up front. And turning it on and off, do you still pay for the off time? I don't get it. I need to read more.

[rob day]

You get a discount for committing to a year. There is a monthly option for a single application that can be turned on and off for $30. The entire suite on a monthly basis is $75. There also is a free demo for the apps that used to be 30days, but I think that is now a week.

[SanDI HAMPTON]

Installed Java 6 as suggested. Nothing.

[SanDI HAMPTON]

Could not find the Startup Scripts  /Applications/Adobe InDesign CC 2017/Scripts/startup scripts as you suggested. Remember this is a ten year old program.