Designer 2013 Workflows workflows empty

Question

Last year I built Designer 2013 custom workflows. Everything was happy. Now I need to edit them and when I open them up in edit mode they are empty. I did some research and found a hotfix that is supposed to fix this (

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/hotfix/kbhotfix?kbnum=2837667&kbln=en-US )  but it did not. 

These three workflows were quite complex with multiple stages.  There is no way I can remember how I built them. 

Anyone know why they would have gone empty and what I should do?  I should probably add that I have some older sites with 2010 workflows and I can see them just fine.

Also, the sites in question are on-premise.

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Answer 1

Hi run4it, 

From your description, workflows that are working, however, when you open them in SPD they appear to empty. 

Can you create a new SharePoint Designer 2013 platform workflow? 

Make sure the Service Bus Message Broker and Service Bus Gateway services are running. 

It seems the issue is exists in SharePoint designer. 

You need to clear SharePoint Designer 2013 cache. 

http://blah.winsmarts.com/2015-3-Clear_SharePoint_Designer_2013_Cache.aspx

After clearing the cache, reopen SharePoint Designer. 

I also recommend installing recent updates for SharePoint Designer 2013. This will help to avoid annoying error when configuring workflows.

https://plumsail.com/docs/workflow-actions-pack/other/recommended-sharepoint-designer-updates.html

Similar issue post for your reference:

https://sharepoint.stackexchange.com/questions/211226/workflow-opens-blank-on-sharepoint-designer-2013

Best Regards, 

Lisa Chen 

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Answer 2

It was the update to SP Designer that needed to happen

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There are no mistakes; every result tells you something of value about what you are trying to accomplish.

Answer 3

Hi run4it,

Have your issue been solved?

Best Regards,

Lisa Chen

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