OK, As recommended on a different forum, in an effort to save some space, I saved an Illustrator file "without .pdf content" by unchecking the option in the save dialog box. Now, when I open the file in ILLUSTRATOR, all I get is a tiled bit of text saying "this was an Illustrator file created without.... yada yada" I don't see any of my layers or work. I'm not trying to open a PDF using Acrobat, I'm opening the AI with ILLUSTRATOR!!! Any help is super appreciated.

-Luke

Usually, this only happens when you place the file which is not pdf-compatible in another Illustrator document.

So, are you really opening it or rather placing it?

Which version of Illustrator are you using?

Opening it. Just straight-up double-clicking on the illustrator file. Also tried opening Illustrator and then opening the file from the file menu. Also tried opening with photoshop. Same result each time.

-Luke

Never experienced something like that. Maybe you can provide a sample file?

And please mention which version of Illustrator you are using.

Sorry, forget to mention that. Using Illustrator CS2. I'd be happy to email the file. Which email address?

-Luke

It might be better, especially if it's a large file, to post it up on a server and provide a link here.
That way, several users here might have a crack at it.