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Why do I keep getting the error code "E001-E", "E001-N" while using the app?

In some rare cases, one or more of GoodNotes databases may get corrupted, which will cause some problems like blank pages, not being able to duplicate or copy pages, not being able to add new pages, pages added to the wrong position, not being able to add writing to your pages, import/export hangs, etc. When GoodNotes detects that a database is corrupted, you will see an alert with an error code ("E001-N", "E001-E"). Your library needs to be repaired with the following steps.

Solution 1: Reinstall the app and restore your library from an existing backup

Important: Attempt this solution only if you happen to have one or more of the following types of backups:

  • A GoodNotes backup on iCloud. If you've been using iCloud sync, that is, "Use iCloud" is turned on in GoodNotes Settings > iCloud Settings, make sure there are no sync errors there:

    IMG_91AB7834E835-1.jpeg
  • A GoodNotes backup that you created manually.
  • A GoodNotes backup created by auto-backup (iPadOS/iOS version only). If you've been using this feature, tap the Auto Backup status icon > Progress Details from the library view (as pictured below) and make sure there are no documents in the Excluded List. If there are, manually locate and export them in PDF and GoodNotes formats as separate backups.

    IMG_CB909B17A1C2-1.jpeg

To reinstall the app:

  1. Delete and reinstall the app.
  2. Restore your data from the backup(s):
    • If possible, restore from a GoodNotes backup on iCloud by simply turning on "Use iCloud", either during the onboarding process, or in GoodNotes Settings > iCloud Settings.
    • If some documents are missing, import them selectively from the manual backup, if it's available.
    • If those documents are also missing from the manual backup, import them selectively from the auto backup, if it's available.

Solution 2: Self-repair your library

Important: This will only allow you to continue using the app without the annoying error message, but some data might still be missing after the repair.

  1. Open one of the following links in Safari on the affected device:
    Error Link to use
    E001-E goodnotes5://x-callback-url/repair?f=1&id=D52BDF7C-CF3B-474A-A5AD-7366A7E6CEAF&src=event
    E001-N goodnotes5://x-callback-url/repair?f=1&id=D52BDF7C-CF3B-474A-A5AD-7366A7E6CEAF&src=notes

  2.  Choose Open when asked:

    database_recovery_process.png

  3. Read the pop-up instruction and tap OK to confirm you would like to proceed.
  4. Wait until the repair is completed. If GoodNotes is restarted during the repair process, repeat the steps above to resume the repair.
  5. Force quit the app and restart it.

Solution 3: Back up the library and reinstall the app

If the solution above doesn't help resolve this error code, please reinstall the app this way:

  1. Export your library in PDF format. Hopefully the process is successful and you can confirm that you can see all your notes.
  2. Back up your library (that is, in .goodnotes format).
    • If the process is successful, and if you have another device, verify that you can import the backup to GoodNotes on that device and see your notes there. This is because there's a chance the backup might also be affected by the corruption and thus not usable.
    • If you don't have another device or the backup process is not successful, you will need to rely on the backup in PDF format in step 1 for restoring your library.
  3. Delete and reinstall the app.
  4. Restore your data from the backup (in GoodNotes or PDF format).

Pro Tip

While we try our best to make the app foolproof, different use cases and factors might lead to unexpected data corruption, and the risk might increase as your library grows. To be better prepared in such a situation, we suggest you make a habit of backing up your data regularly as a precautionary measure.

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