Troubleshooting Common Issues

This article covers the most common issues you may encounter while using InkSpire and explains how to resolve them safely.

InkSpire stores all data locally and prioritizes protecting your writing. Most issues can be resolved without data loss.

InkSpire Does Not Start

If InkSpire fails to launch:

1. Close InkSpire completely
2. Try launching it again
3. If the problem persists:
   • Restart your computer
   • Run InkSpire as a normal user (not as administrator)

If InkSpire still does not start, your data is likely still intact.

My Work Is Missing

If your projects or scenes appear to be missing:

• InkSpire loads data from inkspire.db in the install directory
• If that file exists, your data is still there

Check the InkSpire install directory and confirm the following files are present:

• inkspire.db
• preferences.json
• manifest.txt

If these files exist, InkSpire should be able to load your data.

Export Does Nothing or Fails

If an export appears to do nothing:

• Try exporting again
• Choose a different destination folder
• Confirm the destination folder is writable

Large projects may take a few moments to export. No progress dialog is shown during export.

Dialog Buttons Don’t Respond to Enter or Escape

If dialog buttons do not respond as expected:

• Make sure the dialog window has focus
• Try clicking once inside the dialog before pressing Enter
• Use the mouse if keyboard input does not respond

InkSpire dialogs are designed to support Enter = OK and Escape = Cancel, but focus issues can occasionally interfere.

Dark Mode or Preferences Don’t Apply

If appearance or startup preferences don’t apply:

1. Change the preference
2. Click Apply
3. Restart InkSpire

Some preferences apply fully only after a restart.

Writer’s Block Panels Are Missing

If Writer’s Block panels are not visible:

• Confirm Writer’s Block is enabled
• Check that panels are not intentionally hidden
• Toggle Writer’s Block off and on again

Writer’s Block can be fully hidden to allow distraction-free writing.

Restoring from a Backup

InkSpire does not include an automatic restore feature.

To restore from a backup ZIP:

1. Close InkSpire
2. Open the InkSpire install directory
3. Extract and replace:
   • inkspire.db
   • preferences.json
   • manifest.txt
4. Restart InkSpire

Always back up your current files before restoring.

When to Make a Backup

You should create a backup:

• Before major edits
• Before deleting chapters or scenes
• Before updating InkSpire
• If troubleshooting persistent issues

Backups protect your data even if something goes wrong.

If Problems Continue

If issues persist after trying the steps above:

• Create a backup of your data files
• Restart InkSpire
• Review recent changes you may have made

InkSpire prioritizes data safety, and most issues can be resolved without losing work.