# Failed to load map! Umap appears to be an asset file **URL:** \ **Category:** World Creation\ **Tags:** unreal-engine, Levels, question\ **Created:** [February 3, 2017, 4:49pm UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/failed-to-load-map-umap-appears-to-be-an-asset-file/383833 "2017-02-03T16:49:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![anonymous\_user\_6fe180fb](https://d3kjluh73b9h9o.cloudfront.net/original/4X/2/8/5/28502927f1d97ba1051b3b47ccfe17233bf41ef0.png) [@anonymous\_user\_6fe180fb](https://forums.unrealengine.com/u/anonymous_user_6fe180fb)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2017, 4:49pm UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/failed-to-load-map-umap-appears-to-be-an-asset-file/383833/1 "2017-02-03T16:49:55Z")
Hey everyone, whenever I try to open my project I get the following Error message: “Failed to load map! PATH.umap appears to be an asset file.” I know that I’m not the first one with this problem (google), but it seems that everybody is pretty clueless why it happens and how to restore the file. Are there any recent updates? The last thing I did was I copied the project from another computer (it was working fine). Since then I haven’t touched the project again. The problem occurs with all umaps in the project, even with the backups. The UE4 version matches. ---
**Author:** ![Sean\_Flint](https://d3kjluh73b9h9o.cloudfront.net/original/4X/2/8/5/28502927f1d97ba1051b3b47ccfe17233bf41ef0.png) [@Sean\_Flint](https://forums.unrealengine.com/u/Sean_Flint)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2017, 6:04pm UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/failed-to-load-map-umap-appears-to-be-an-asset-file/383833/2 "2017-02-07T18:04:26Z")
Hey Rhiatz, I have a couple of questions: - Does your file path have any special characters or spaces in it? If so, try moving it to one that doesn’t have any of those and see if the same issue occurs. - Does this issue happen in the project on the original computer (meaning the computer that you originally created the project on)? - It’s also possible that the file was corrupted somehow in attempting to convert it over to another PC. That’s why I’m curious as to whether or not it works on the original PC. Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![anonymous\_user\_6fe180fb](https://d3kjluh73b9h9o.cloudfront.net/original/4X/2/8/5/28502927f1d97ba1051b3b47ccfe17233bf41ef0.png) [@anonymous\_user\_6fe180fb](https://forums.unrealengine.com/u/anonymous_user_6fe180fb)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2017, 3:58pm UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/failed-to-load-map-umap-appears-to-be-an-asset-file/383833/3 "2017-02-08T15:58:53Z")
Hey Sean, 1. I had that idea as well an copied the project to the top of my folder structure, so the Path looked like this: C:\PROJECT - I guess that’s not the problem, but I’ll check once again just to be sure. 2. Unfortunately I have no access to the original computer / project anymore. The hard drive was formatted, there is only the copy left. 3. I guess that’s the case here. Is there any possibility to restore or ‘fix’ the files? Thank you for your help! ---
**Author:** ![Sean\_Flint](https://d3kjluh73b9h9o.cloudfront.net/original/4X/2/8/5/28502927f1d97ba1051b3b47ccfe17233bf41ef0.png) [@Sean\_Flint](https://forums.unrealengine.com/u/Sean_Flint)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2017, 4:06pm UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/failed-to-load-map-umap-appears-to-be-an-asset-file/383833/4 "2017-02-08T16:06:42Z")
Unfortunately, if the file is corrupted, and you are not using Source Control, the only way to restore the file would be to use a backup, which you have already stated is also not working for you. The best solution here would be to remove the maps and recreate them from scratch at this point. I recommend looking into using Source Control such as Git or Perforce in the future to prevent issues like this from occurring in the future. Let me know if you have any further questions. Have a great day ---
**Author:** ![MarLisck](https://d3kjluh73b9h9o.cloudfront.net/original/4X/2/8/5/28502927f1d97ba1051b3b47ccfe17233bf41ef0.png) [@MarLisck](https://forums.unrealengine.com/u/MarLisck)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2018, 3:48pm UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/failed-to-load-map-umap-appears-to-be-an-asset-file/383833/5 "2018-06-21T15:48:25Z")
I have the exact same problem (now with multiple files) and the problem is occurring on the computer where they were created. I deleted the newest project cause I thought I got unlucky before, but the older bigger project I just tried opening and I got this same message. Now I’m actually worried because I don’t plan on deleting and starting over this one, since It’s my biggest project yet. ---
**Author:** ![Oneiros90](https://d3kjluh73b9h9o.cloudfront.net/original/4X/2/8/5/28502927f1d97ba1051b3b47ccfe17233bf41ef0.png) [@Oneiros90](https://forums.unrealengine.com/u/Oneiros90)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2018, 10:51pm UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/failed-to-load-map-umap-appears-to-be-an-asset-file/383833/6 "2018-10-30T22:51:50Z")
For anyone who’s going to have this problem, here’s how I solved: 1. Go to **Project Settings** → **Map and Modes** 2. Check the **Editor Startup Map** : I suppose you have your faulty map selected here. 3. Click on it and select a default UE4 map (e.g. “StarterMap”) 4. Close the settings, save (ctrl+s) and close UE4. 5. Open UE4 again 6. Follow all the previous steps again but this time, in the step 3, choose your map! ---
**Author:** ![anonymous\_user\_73fe00a0](https://d3kjluh73b9h9o.cloudfront.net/original/4X/2/8/5/28502927f1d97ba1051b3b47ccfe17233bf41ef0.png) [@anonymous\_user\_73fe00a0](https://forums.unrealengine.com/u/anonymous_user_73fe00a0)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2019, 12:48pm UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/failed-to-load-map-umap-appears-to-be-an-asset-file/383833/7 "2019-03-18T12:48:00Z")
My unreal crashes after trying to select the new default map version 4.21.2 tho ---
**Author:** ![anonymous\_user\_52fbf28a1](https://d3kjluh73b9h9o.cloudfront.net/original/4X/2/8/5/28502927f1d97ba1051b3b47ccfe17233bf41ef0.png) [@anonymous\_user\_52fbf28a1](https://forums.unrealengine.com/u/anonymous_user_52fbf28a1)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2019, 11:58am UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/failed-to-load-map-umap-appears-to-be-an-asset-file/383833/8 "2019-03-29T11:58:04Z")
worked for me! thanks very much! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![robotphone](https://d3kjluh73b9h9o.cloudfront.net/original/4X/2/8/5/28502927f1d97ba1051b3b47ccfe17233bf41ef0.png) [@robotphone](https://forums.unrealengine.com/u/robotphone)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2019, 9:15pm UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/failed-to-load-map-umap-appears-to-be-an-asset-file/383833/9 "2019-08-19T21:15:52Z")
If you are using GIT LFS, be sure to run $git lfs pull ---
**Author:** ![pyrolite90](https://d1ap1mz92jnks1.cloudfront.net/user_avatar/forums.unrealengine.com/pyrolite90/32/867533_2.png) [@pyrolite90](https://forums.unrealengine.com/u/pyrolite90)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2020, 1:39am UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/failed-to-load-map-umap-appears-to-be-an-asset-file/383833/10 "2020-07-20T01:39:58Z")
Worked for me as well! Thank You!!! ---
**Author:** ![prooxy2500](https://d3kjluh73b9h9o.cloudfront.net/original/4X/2/8/5/28502927f1d97ba1051b3b47ccfe17233bf41ef0.png) [@prooxy2500](https://forums.unrealengine.com/u/prooxy2500)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2020, 7:15pm UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/failed-to-load-map-umap-appears-to-be-an-asset-file/383833/11 "2020-09-04T19:15:40Z")
could you explain more about the $git lfs pull? cant find much on that but i may be searching poorly. ---
**Author:** ![prooxy2500](https://d3kjluh73b9h9o.cloudfront.net/original/4X/2/8/5/28502927f1d97ba1051b3b47ccfe17233bf41ef0.png) [@prooxy2500](https://forums.unrealengine.com/u/prooxy2500)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2020, 7:16pm UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/failed-to-load-map-umap-appears-to-be-an-asset-file/383833/12 "2020-09-04T19:16:29Z")
could you explain more about the $git lfs pull? cant find much on that but i may be searching poorly. ---
**Author:** ![Jabbinuz](https://d3kjluh73b9h9o.cloudfront.net/original/4X/2/8/5/28502927f1d97ba1051b3b47ccfe17233bf41ef0.png) [@Jabbinuz](https://forums.unrealengine.com/u/Jabbinuz)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2022, 7:44am UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/failed-to-load-map-umap-appears-to-be-an-asset-file/383833/13 "2022-03-15T07:44:27Z")
Hi all, UE5 preview 2. Having same issue. Following the suggestions above did not work. Everything worked fine on preview 1 and early access. any suggestions? Work around does not work. thank you ---
**Author:** ![anonymous\_user\_4d295278](https://d3kjluh73b9h9o.cloudfront.net/original/4X/2/8/5/28502927f1d97ba1051b3b47ccfe17233bf41ef0.png) [@anonymous\_user\_4d295278](https://forums.unrealengine.com/u/anonymous_user_4d295278)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2022, 8:39am UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/failed-to-load-map-umap-appears-to-be-an-asset-file/383833/14 "2022-03-15T08:39:50Z")
Hello everyone, I am pleased to bring you UE5 preview 2. I am experiencing the same issue. I have tried the suggestions above but they did not work. Previously, I was able to use preview 1 as well as early access. Could you suggest anything[?](https://www.playboimerch.com/) The workaround does not seem to work. Thanks in advance. ---
**Author:** ![ricbower](https://d3kjluh73b9h9o.cloudfront.net/original/4X/2/8/5/28502927f1d97ba1051b3b47ccfe17233bf41ef0.png) [@ricbower](https://forums.unrealengine.com/u/ricbower)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2022, 4:25pm UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/failed-to-load-map-umap-appears-to-be-an-asset-file/383833/15 "2022-03-18T16:25:03Z")
Yup-- having same isssue in Preview2-- everything seems to be saving ok-- no errors but when I reopen it registers the error mentioned above and to have deleted my levels. very frustrating, the price of using a preview version i suppose. ---
**Author:** ![dellis23](https://d3kjluh73b9h9o.cloudfront.net/original/4X/2/8/5/28502927f1d97ba1051b3b47ccfe17233bf41ef0.png) [@dellis23](https://forums.unrealengine.com/u/dellis23)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2022, 1:42am UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/failed-to-load-map-umap-appears-to-be-an-asset-file/383833/16 "2022-03-19T01:42:10Z")
Same issue in UE5 preview too. Really hoping all my work isn’t lost. I _am_ using version control, but it seems to have somehow screwed that up too. ```auto $ git stash fatal: C:\Program Files\Git\mingw64/libexec/git-core\git-stash cannot be used without a working tree. ``` ---
**Author:** ![dellis23](https://d3kjluh73b9h9o.cloudfront.net/original/4X/2/8/5/28502927f1d97ba1051b3b47ccfe17233bf41ef0.png) [@dellis23](https://forums.unrealengine.com/u/dellis23)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2022, 1:51am UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/failed-to-load-map-umap-appears-to-be-an-asset-file/383833/17 "2022-03-19T01:51:03Z")
Was going to just do this as an edit, but that’s broken too. It looks like if you have EA installed with Preview and you try opening the project file directly, it will open in EA instead of Preview, and everything will break. Opening Preview and then opening the project from there seems to have fixed the problem. ---
**Author:** ![y.k.ip](https://d3kjluh73b9h9o.cloudfront.net/original/4X/2/8/5/28502927f1d97ba1051b3b47ccfe17233bf41ef0.png) [@y.k.ip](https://forums.unrealengine.com/u/y.k.ip)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2022, 7:06am UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/failed-to-load-map-umap-appears-to-be-an-asset-file/383833/18 "2022-03-21T07:06:58Z")
work for me, thanks. ---
**Author:** ![MABaxter](https://d3kjluh73b9h9o.cloudfront.net/original/4X/2/8/5/28502927f1d97ba1051b3b47ccfe17233bf41ef0.png) [@MABaxter](https://forums.unrealengine.com/u/MABaxter)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2022, 4:09pm UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/failed-to-load-map-umap-appears-to-be-an-asset-file/383833/19 "2022-10-24T16:09:03Z")
this fixed the issue for me - thanks!! ---
**Author:** ![anonymous\_user\_4c503aaf](https://d3kjluh73b9h9o.cloudfront.net/original/4X/2/8/5/28502927f1d97ba1051b3b47ccfe17233bf41ef0.png) [@anonymous\_user\_4c503aaf](https://forums.unrealengine.com/u/anonymous_user_4c503aaf)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2022, 3:56am UTC](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/failed-to-load-map-umap-appears-to-be-an-asset-file/383833/20 "2022-11-09T03:56:48Z")
Hello everyone, here is UE5 preview 2. I’m having the same problem[.](https://essentialsclothing.co/) It was not possible to follow the suggestions above. Early access and preview 1 worked fine. Can you suggest anything? The workaround does not work. Thank you [Next page](https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/failed-to-load-map-umap-appears-to-be-an-asset-file/383833.md?page=2)