Summary

A .ZOOB file is a temporary file created by GibbsCAM while saving a part file.

Under normal circumstances, the file is automatically removed after the save operation completes successfully. If a .ZOOB file remains in the folder, it usually indicates that the save process was interrupted or prevented from completing.

In some cases, the contents of the .ZOOB file can be recovered.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What Is a .ZOOB File?

When GibbsCAM saves a part, it first creates a temporary .ZOOB file.

This temporary file helps protect your data while the save operation is in progress.

Once the save completes successfully:

  • The temporary data is written to the final .VNC file.

  • The .ZOOB file is automatically deleted.

This process helps reduce the risk of losing a part if the save is interrupted.

Why Did the .ZOOB File Remain?

If a .ZOOB file is still present after saving, it generally means the save process did not finish successfully.

Possible causes include:

  • The computer lost power during the save.

  • GibbsCAM closed unexpectedly.

  • Windows or another application interrupted the save.

  • The destination folder was not writable.

  • Antivirus or endpoint security software blocked the file operation.

  • The storage device or network location became unavailable.

Can the File Be Recovered?

In many cases, yes.

Try the following:

  1. Make a copy of the .ZOOB file.

  2. Rename the copy so that the file extension changes from:

    .ZOOB
    to:

    .VNC


  1. Open the renamed file in GibbsCAM.

If the save process had progressed far enough before it was interrupted, the part may open successfully.

Important: Always work with a copy of the original .ZOOB file so you preserve the original in case additional recovery attempts are needed.

What If Renaming the File Doesn't Work?

Unfortunately, if the renamed file cannot be opened, the save operation was likely interrupted before enough data was written to create a valid GibbsCAM part file.

In this situation, the part may not be recoverable.

Preventing Future Problems

If .ZOOB files are being left behind regularly, investigate why the save operation is failing.

Common items to check include:

  • Verify that you have read and write permissions to the folder where the part is being saved.

  • Confirm there is sufficient free disk space.

  • If saving to a network location, verify that the network connection is stable.

  • Check whether antivirus or endpoint security software is preventing GibbsCAM from creating or modifying files.

  • If necessary, configure your security software to allow GibbsCAM and its file types.

The primary GibbsCAM file types are:

  • .VNC

  • .ZOOB

Troubleshooting

Problem: Every Save Leaves a .ZOOB File

Cause

A security application or file permission issue may be preventing GibbsCAM from completing the save.

Resolution

Verify folder permissions and review any antivirus or endpoint protection software that may be blocking file creation or modification.


Problem: The Renamed .VNC File Will Not Open

Cause

The save operation was interrupted before a complete part file could be written.

Resolution

Unfortunately, the file may not be recoverable. Restore the part from a backup if one is available.


Problem: This Only Happens When Saving to a Network Drive

Cause

The network connection may have been interrupted during the save process.

Resolution

Verify the stability of the network connection and ensure the destination folder remains accessible throughout the save operation.

Best Practices

  • Save work frequently.

  • Maintain regular backups of important part files.

  • Ensure Windows and storage devices are functioning properly.

  • Verify that security software is not blocking GibbsCAM file operations.

  • Use reliable network connections when saving to shared locations.

Expected Result

GibbsCAM completes the save successfully, creates or updates the .VNC part file, and automatically removes the temporary .ZOOB file.

Related Articles

  • The File Preview Is Not Working

  • Troubleshooting GibbsCAM Crashes, Freezes, or Unexpected Closures

  • Windows System File Checker (SFC) and DISM Repair

  • How to Reset GibbsCAM to the Default Settings

Keywords

ZOOB, .ZOOB, VNC, .VNC, Temporary File, Recovery, Recover File, Save Failed, Part File, File Corruption, Cannot Open File, File Permissions, Antivirus