Hi Guys,

While closing Ableton 12 (from top right) or sometimes even plugin -
(i was not using ableton for last few months)

Im getting Error -

1) "C:\Users\psych\AppData\Roaming\Ableton\Live 12.2.5\Preferences\Undo cannot be deleted"

2) " Failed to access the Undo history file. Switching to memory-based undo. Live will not be able to recover
Sets after crashes anymore. Please consult www.ableton.com/support if this problem persists after rebooting"

NOTE - This has started happening after I started using "Dubler vst" in daw (I guess)

Request help to sort this please

Much Thanks
G

 

Last edited: Nov 30, 2025 at 3:01 PM

I would first try backing up my data, deleting Ableton, and reinstalling it.

Delete:
C:\Users\YourName\Documents\Ableton

Uninstall and please delete (it's a hidden folder):

C:\Users\YourName\AppData\Roaming\Ableton
C:\Users\YourName\AppData\Local\Ableton
C:\ProgramData\Ableton

Registry --> Regedit
Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Ableton
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Ableton

After the deletion process restart the PC.

 

According to Ableton knowledge base :

The following message is an indication that Live cannot write the undo file due to two instances of the same version of Live being open simultaneously:

1. Close Live
2. Locate the file Undo.lock (Live 12) or Undo.cfg (Live 9 - Live 11) or the Undo Folder (Live 8 and earlier: Undo folder) and move this to the trash.

in

Windows

\Users\[username]\AppData\Roaming\Ableton\Live x.x.x\Preferences\

Mac

/Users/[username]/Library/Preferences/Ableton/Live x.x.x/

https://help.ableton.com/hc/en-us/a...-file-and-is-switching-to-a-memory-based-undo

 

@synackta @PulseWave Thank you so much, Sirs :D

First, trying with Undo delete method - if it doesn't work - then might try Reinstall (this is slightly tricky and unsafe tho)

 

What exactly is risky and tricky about it? What don't you understand, or where are you having difficulties?

 

Sir, this error never came before in 1 year
Yesterday I installed Dubler plugin, I think error is coming after installing that
It doesn't come everytime I quit Ableton, but sometimes
Also, I tried Ableton method but there is No Undo.lock file anywhere in Ableton folder/pc
So, if this issue comes repeatedly then I think Reinstall is the only solution
PS - For Ableton 12.3 update someone suggested me Uninstall/Reinstall but Im afraid it might botch up setup/workaround, so Im waiting for R2R 12.3 :D

 

Hi @MusicBoy123, wise decision to wait for stability and reliability. I was curious and consulted the AI; I hope you don't mind. Sometimes AI can help, but sometimes it gives incorrect information!

Spoiler: Source: Grok KI

Hi ,

Sorry to hear about the frustrating undo errors in Ableton Live 12.2.5—this is a fairly common issue on Windows, often tied to file permissions, background processes (like plugins that don't unload cleanly), or temporary locks on the undo file/folder. Since you mentioned it started after adding the Dubler VST (a vocal-to-MIDI plugin from Vochlea), it's likely the culprit: some VSTs (especially those with real-time audio processing or background services) can hold onto system resources or files, preventing Ableton from deleting or accessing the undo history during shutdown. Similar problems have been reported with other plugins like BIAS FX or Native Instruments tools, where the plugin doesn't fully release the file lock.

The good news is this is usually fixable with some targeted troubleshooting. I'll walk you through steps from most straightforward to more involved, based on official Ableton support and user fixes. Important: Back up your Ableton sets (.als files) and any custom presets before making changes. Also, since you haven't used it in months, start by updating Live and Dubler to the latest versions if you haven't already (check via Ableton's Preferences > Licenses/Maintenance and Vochlea's site).

Quick Fixes to Try First

1. Reboot Your System Ableton's error message specifically suggests this. Close Ableton completely (check Task Manager for lingering "Ableton Live" processes and end them). Restart your PC, then relaunch Live and test closing a simple new set. This clears most temporary locks.
2. Manually Clear the Undo File/Folder For Live 12, the undo history is a folder (not a single .cfg file like in older versions).
   • Close Ableton fully.
   • Open File Explorer and navigate to: C:\Users\psych\AppData\Roaming\Ableton\Live 12.2.5\Preferences (paste this into the address bar and hit Enter; if AppData is hidden, enable "View hidden items" in Explorer's View tab).
   • Find the Undo folder (or Undo.lock file if present).
   • Right-click it > Delete (or move to Recycle Bin). If it won't delete, see the permissions step below.
   • Relaunch Ableton—it will recreate the folder fresh. Test opening/closing a project. Why this works: The folder gets corrupted or locked, and deleting it resets the undo system without losing your projects.
3. Check for Lingering Processes (Especially Dubler-Related)
   • Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
   • Look under Processes for anything like "Dubler," "Vochlea," "Ableton," or generic ones like "cefsubprocess" (sometimes spawned by plugins). End them if present.
   • Relaunch Ableton and try closing. Pro tip: If Dubler has a desktop app or background service (e.g., for voice training), close/disable it via its own settings or Windows Startup apps (Task Manager > Startup tab).

If the Above Doesn't Stick: Permissions and Plugin Troubleshooting

1. Fix Folder Permissions Windows might be blocking Ableton from modifying the folder due to user rights.
   • Right-click the Preferences folder (full path above) > Properties > Security tab > Edit.
   • Select your username ("psych") > Check "Full control" under Allow > Apply > OK.
   • If prompted, apply to subfolders/files too.
   • Delete the Undo folder again, then test Ableton. Note: If you're on a work/school PC, admin rights might be restricted—run Explorer as admin (right-click > Run as administrator).
2. Isolate Dubler as the Cause Since you suspect it:
   • Create a new empty project in Ableton.
   • Add Dubler to a track, make some changes (e.g., record a clip), then remove the Dubler instance from the track (drag it out or delete the track).
   • Save and close the project—see if the error pops up.
   • If no error, Dubler's not unloading properly. Try:
     • Rescan VSTs: In Ableton > Preferences > Plug-Ins > Rescan (hold Alt while clicking for a deep rebuild—this clears blocked plugins).
     • Disable Dubler temporarily: In Plug-Ins tab, uncheck "Use VST2/3 Plug-In Custom Folders" if using one, or move Dubler's .dll file out of your VST folder (usually C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3 or similar) and rescan.
     • Contact Vochlea support (vochlea.com/support)—mention the undo lock issue with Ableton; they may have a patch or workaround, as Dubler uses real-time voice analysis that could interfere.
3. Nuclear Option: Reset Preferences (If Nothing Else Works) This resets Ableton settings but won't delete your projects.
   • Close Ableton.
   • Go to the Preferences folder (path above).
   • Rename the whole folder to Preferences_old (or delete individual files like Options.txt if you're comfy).
   • Relaunch Ableton—it'll generate a fresh Preferences folder. Reconfigure audio/MIDI as needed. Test in a new project first. If it fixes it, you can migrate settings from the old folder.

Prevention Going Forward

• Remove Plugins Before Closing: As a habit, delete/unload Dubler (or any suspect VST) from tracks before quitting Ableton.
• Unlimited Undo Setting: If memory-based undo is too limiting, check Preferences > Record/Warp/Launch > Enable "Unlimited Undo" (but this increases RAM use).
• Update Everything: Ensure Windows, Ableton, and Dubler are current—bugs like this often get patched.
• Monitor for Crashes: The error disables crash recovery, so save often (Ctrl+S) and use File > Collect All and Save for external samples.

If these don't resolve it, head to Ableton's support (help.ableton.com) and submit a ticket with: your OS version, exact Live version, Dubler version, and log files (found in C:\Users\psych\AppData\Roaming\Ableton\Live 12.2.5\Log.txt—attach the latest one). Mention the Dubler timing; they've helped with plugin-specific locks before.

Let me know how it goes or if you hit snags—happy to dig deeper!

Cheers, Grok