App initialization error in neo4j desktop

[indranpw]

I installed neo4j desktop on my windows laptop. It works fine for a few days but the app does not launch after that. I tried reinstalling it a lot of times and the same thing happens - Works fine for a few days and then does not launch.

I see this error message in the neo4j logs everytime this error happens-

App initialization error: SyntaxError: Malformed JSON in file: C:\Users\Indra_K\.Neo4jDesktop\persist\projects.json
Unexpected token < in JSON at position 0 {
  constructor: 'SyntaxError',
  stack: 'SyntaxError: Malformed JSON in file: C:\\Users\\Indra_K\\.Neo4jDesktop\\persist\\projects.json\n' +
    'Unexpected token < in JSON at position 0\n' +
    '    at FileAsync.parse [as deserialize] (<anonymous>)\n' +
    '    at C:\\Program Files\\Neo4j Desktop\\resources\\app.asar\\node_modules\\lowdb\\adapters\\FileAsync.js:41:35\n' +
    '    at async C:\\Program Files\\Neo4j Desktop\\resources\\app.asar\\dist\\main.prod.js:1:177229\n' +
    '    at async C:\\Program Files\\Neo4j Desktop\\resources\\app.asar\\dist\\main.prod.js:1:223470'

[wirselix]

Hi indranpw.
I have a similar problem and no idea how to solve it. I wonder whether you managed to solve the problem.
Best Markus

[ponceortiz]

You must to find the .json file that the error message talks about it then try to copy the backup file , in my case was the "notifications.json" , looks like you have to find the "projects.json" file

Greetings

[christopherddun]

This worked for me thanks!