# json.decoder.JSONDecodeError: Expecting value: line 1 column 1 (char 0) **URL:** \ **Category:** Help\ **Created:** [June 30, 2020, 10:55pm UTC](https://forums.ankiweb.net/t/json-decoder-jsondecodeerror-expecting-value-line-1-column-1-char-0/622 "2020-06-30T22:55:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ohhopper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/91b2a8/32.png) [@ohhopper](https://forums.ankiweb.net/u/ohhopper)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2020, 10:55pm UTC](https://forums.ankiweb.net/t/json-decoder-jsondecodeerror-expecting-value-line-1-column-1-char-0/622/1 "2020-06-30T22:55:02Z")
I’ve been using anki for a couple of years. I did something that erased backside of all cards. I tried to fix it but caused more problems. So I tried to download a new version of anki. I think I’ve lost all my cards but at least wanted to be able to start over and use the app. I’ve tried downloading several times. I keep getting this message. Nothing works. Anki was unable to open your collection file. If problems persist after restarting your computer, please use the Open Backup button in the profile manager. Debug info: Traceback (most recent call last): File “aqt/main.py”, line 441, in loadCollection File “aqt/main.py”, line 462, in \_loadCollection File “anki/storage.py”, line 59, in Collection File “anki/collection.py”, line 101, in **init** File “anki/collection.py”, line 196, in load File “json/ **init**.py”, line 357, in loads File “json/decoder.py”, line 337, in decode File “json/decoder.py”, line 355, in raw\_decode json.decoder.JSONDecodeError: Expecting value: line 1 column 1 (char 0) ---
**Author:** ![dae](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/forums.ankiweb.net/dae/32/65_2.png) [@dae](https://forums.ankiweb.net/u/dae)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2020, 1:43am UTC](https://forums.ankiweb.net/t/json-decoder-jsondecodeerror-expecting-value-line-1-column-1-char-0/622/2 "2020-07-01T01:43:32Z")
Please see the note at the top of [https://changes.ankiweb.net/#/](https://changes.ankiweb.net/#/) ---
**Author:** ![ckinkhab](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/71e660/32.png) [@ckinkhab](https://forums.ankiweb.net/u/ckinkhab)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2020, 9:57pm UTC](https://forums.ankiweb.net/t/json-decoder-jsondecodeerror-expecting-value-line-1-column-1-char-0/622/3 "2020-07-13T21:57:48Z")
When I click the ankiweb desktop app, it opened the app but the anki screen was blank. Like no decks, no options to click anything. All my decks are on the web, so they definitely exist. I restarted the desktop app, no luck. I then restarted computer. no luck. then i tried uninstalling, reinstalling the app. then i tried restoring to a backup. now this is all i get when i try using the desktop app: Anki was unable to open your collection file. If problems persist after restarting your computer, please use the Open Backup button in the profile manager. Debug info: Traceback (most recent call last): File “aqt\main.py”, line 441, in loadCollection File “aqt\main.py”, line 462, in loadCollection File “lib\site-packages\anki\storage.py”, line 59, in Collection File “lib\site-packages\anki\collection.py”, line 101, in\_init\_ File “lib\site-packages\anki\collection.py”, line 196, in load File “json\_init\_.py” line 357, in loads File “json\decoder.py”, line 337, in decode File “json\decoder.py”, line 335, in raw\_decode json.decoder.JSONDecodeError: Expecting value: line 1 column 1 (char 0) ---
**Author:** ![guillempalausalva](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/forums.ankiweb.net/guillempalausalva/32/34258_2.png) [@guillempalausalva](https://forums.ankiweb.net/u/guillempalausalva)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2020, 10:02pm UTC](https://forums.ankiweb.net/t/json-decoder-jsondecodeerror-expecting-value-line-1-column-1-char-0/622/4 "2020-07-13T22:02:00Z")
You may have installed an earlier version: > After using the latest version, if you wish to open your collection with an earlier Anki release, please go to the File\>Switch Profile menu item, and click on “Downgrade & Quit”. If you skip this step, you may get an error message when opening your collection in an older Anki version, and you will need to return to this version, downgrade, then try again. ---
**Author:** ![ckinkhab](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/71e660/32.png) [@ckinkhab](https://forums.ankiweb.net/u/ckinkhab)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2020, 12:48am UTC](https://forums.ankiweb.net/t/json-decoder-jsondecodeerror-expecting-value-line-1-column-1-char-0/622/5 "2020-07-14T00:48:02Z")
No all new. I tried 2.1.26, 2.1.22, and 2.1.15. None of them worked ---
**Author:** ![guillempalausalva](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/forums.ankiweb.net/guillempalausalva/32/34258_2.png) [@guillempalausalva](https://forums.ankiweb.net/u/guillempalausalva)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2020, 7:48am UTC](https://forums.ankiweb.net/t/json-decoder-jsondecodeerror-expecting-value-line-1-column-1-char-0/622/6 "2020-07-14T07:48:43Z")
Once you used 2.1.26 with your collection, you need to click “Downgrade & Quit” in order to open your collection with 2.1.22 or 2.1.15. The opposite is not true, you can open your collection with 2.1.26 for the first time without doing anything. ---
**Author:** ![Eldana](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/forums.ankiweb.net/eldana/32/568_2.png) [@Eldana](https://forums.ankiweb.net/u/Eldana)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2020, 9:33am UTC](https://forums.ankiweb.net/t/json-decoder-jsondecodeerror-expecting-value-line-1-column-1-char-0/622/7 "2020-07-14T09:33:00Z")
I had the latest version of Anki 2.1.26, but then I found convenient editing add-on [https://ankiweb.net/shared/info/1051095155](https://ankiweb.net/shared/info/1051095155) they said: Supported Anki versions: - 2.1.22-2.1.23 (updated 2020-06-17) so I downloaded it. My current version is 2.1.22 but then I couldn’t open my first profile, although I had backup, but after two restarting my computer the problem is still there. I had some decks which I didn’t export on 1st profile. ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/anki2/original/1X/b67cfd809198f1ab353ba61064a32b89d4ea3901.png) Could you help me please? ---
**Author:** ![mmdj2](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/forums.ankiweb.net/mmdj2/32/124_2.png) [@mmdj2](https://forums.ankiweb.net/u/mmdj2)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2020, 9:44am UTC](https://forums.ankiweb.net/t/json-decoder-jsondecodeerror-expecting-value-line-1-column-1-char-0/622/8 "2020-07-14T09:44:47Z")
re-install the the previous version that you had installed (2.1.26) on that version go to `File -> Switch Profile` and click on `Downgrade & quit` then install 2.1.22 ---
**Author:** ![Eldana](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/forums.ankiweb.net/eldana/32/568_2.png) [@Eldana](https://forums.ankiweb.net/u/Eldana)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2020, 9:47am UTC](https://forums.ankiweb.net/t/json-decoder-jsondecodeerror-expecting-value-line-1-column-1-char-0/622/9 "2020-07-14T09:47:39Z")
after re-installing the lastest I can not use MIA editor, right? ☹ ---
**Author:** ![mmdj2](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/forums.ankiweb.net/mmdj2/32/124_2.png) [@mmdj2](https://forums.ankiweb.net/u/mmdj2)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2020, 9:51am UTC](https://forums.ankiweb.net/t/json-decoder-jsondecodeerror-expecting-value-line-1-column-1-char-0/622/10 "2020-07-14T09:51:19Z")
re-installing the latest version is only for you to be able to use the `downgrade & quit` button. when you do that, you’ll be able to install 2.1.22 and use it again. but if you want to use 2.1.26, then no, MIA editor doesn’t support anki 2.1.23+ ---
**Author:** ![Eldana](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/forums.ankiweb.net/eldana/32/568_2.png) [@Eldana](https://forums.ankiweb.net/u/Eldana)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2020, 9:54am UTC](https://forums.ankiweb.net/t/json-decoder-jsondecodeerror-expecting-value-line-1-column-1-char-0/622/11 "2020-07-14T09:54:02Z")
okay, i got it, thank you very much! There isn’t solution to using two versions, is it? ---
**Author:** ![guillempalausalva](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/forums.ankiweb.net/guillempalausalva/32/34258_2.png) [@guillempalausalva](https://forums.ankiweb.net/u/guillempalausalva)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2020, 9:55am UTC](https://forums.ankiweb.net/t/json-decoder-jsondecodeerror-expecting-value-line-1-column-1-char-0/622/12 "2020-07-14T09:55:53Z")
MIA add-ons are released in 6 month development cycle, as they state in their [add-on page](https://ankiweb.net/shared/info/1051095155). Next cycle will be in October. So you will have to hold on 2.1.22 until then. > **MIA Team Development Cycles** The MIA team develops add-ons in 6-month development cycles. For the duration of a development cycle, we design add-ons for the latest stable version of Anki that was available at the beginning of that cycle. At the end of a development cycle, all MIA add-ons are upgraded to the latest stable version of Anki. **Why We Use a Development Cycle:** ● By not needing to constantly update add-ons each time a new version of Anki is released, we’re better able to stay focused on new projects. ● When everyone is using the same version of Anki and the same version of add-ons, bug fixing can proceed more efficiently. ● Because users only have to update their set-up once every 6 months, they can more easily stay focused on their studies. ● We surveyed our users and found that the vast majority approved of a 6-month development cycle. **Current Cycle Details:** Anki Version: [Anki 2.1.22](https://github.com/ankitects/anki/releases/tag/2.1.22) (Windows and Linux), [Anki 2.1.23](https://github.com/ankitects/anki/releases/tag/2.1.23) (macOS) [The “alternate” variants are for 32-bit systems] Start Date: April 6th, 2020 Next Cycle Start Date: October 6th, 2020 ---
**Author:** ![mmdj2](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/forums.ankiweb.net/mmdj2/32/124_2.png) [@mmdj2](https://forums.ankiweb.net/u/mmdj2)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2020, 9:57am UTC](https://forums.ankiweb.net/t/json-decoder-jsondecodeerror-expecting-value-line-1-column-1-char-0/622/13 "2020-07-14T09:57:00Z")
probably you can install 2 versions on different windows user account. (don’t know tho, have never tried it) but you can’t have 2 versions on the same windows user account. ---
**Author:** ![Eldana](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/forums.ankiweb.net/eldana/32/568_2.png) [@Eldana](https://forums.ankiweb.net/u/Eldana)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2020, 9:58am UTC](https://forums.ankiweb.net/t/json-decoder-jsondecodeerror-expecting-value-line-1-column-1-char-0/622/14 "2020-07-14T09:58:08Z")
Okay I see XD ---
**Author:** ![Eldana](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/forums.ankiweb.net/eldana/32/568_2.png) [@Eldana](https://forums.ankiweb.net/u/Eldana)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2020, 9:59am UTC](https://forums.ankiweb.net/t/json-decoder-jsondecodeerror-expecting-value-line-1-column-1-char-0/622/15 "2020-07-14T09:59:35Z")
Thanks a lot! Yes, I will probably export my previous decks to 2.1.22 version ---
**Author:** ![guillempalausalva](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/forums.ankiweb.net/guillempalausalva/32/34258_2.png) [@guillempalausalva](https://forums.ankiweb.net/u/guillempalausalva)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2020, 10:06am UTC](https://forums.ankiweb.net/t/json-decoder-jsondecodeerror-expecting-value-line-1-column-1-char-0/622/16 "2020-07-14T10:06:55Z")
> [@mmdj2](#): > > probably you can install 2 versions on different windows user account. (don’t know tho, have never tried it) > but you can’t have 2 versions on the same windows user account. I indeed do this. Perhaps my case is somewhat useful for you. I currently have 3 different Anki versions installed that I use in a daily basis. I use a different Anki profile for each one, but I am using the same Windows user account. If you want to use the same Anki profile with different versions, that is also possible. I have done it in the past were I was relying on add-ons some of them compatible with older or newer versions. So I was switching versions depending on the use I wanted in that particular moment. The only difference is that now \>2.1.24 requires to click downgrade and click each time you may switch Anki older versions. ---
**Author:** ![Eldana](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/forums.ankiweb.net/eldana/32/568_2.png) [@Eldana](https://forums.ankiweb.net/u/Eldana)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2020, 10:09am UTC](https://forums.ankiweb.net/t/json-decoder-jsondecodeerror-expecting-value-line-1-column-1-char-0/622/17 "2020-07-14T10:09:56Z")
> [@guillempalausalva](#): > > I indeed do this. Perhaps my case is somewhat useful for you. I currently have 3 different Anki versions installed that I use in a daily basis. I use a different Anki profile for each one, but I am using the same Windows user account. > > If you want to use the same Anki profile with different versions, that is also possible. I have done it in the past were I was relying on add-ons some of them compatible with older or newer versions. So I was switching versions depending on the use I wanted in that particular moment. The only difference is that now \>2.1.24 requires to click downgrade and click each time you may switch Anki older versions. Is there some tutorial how to install two versions? ---
**Author:** ![mmdj2](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/forums.ankiweb.net/mmdj2/32/124_2.png) [@mmdj2](https://forums.ankiweb.net/u/mmdj2)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2020, 10:11am UTC](https://forums.ankiweb.net/t/json-decoder-jsondecodeerror-expecting-value-line-1-column-1-char-0/622/18 "2020-07-14T10:11:53Z")
> [@guillempalausalva](#): > > I indeed do this. Perhaps my case is somewhat useful for you. I currently have 3 different Anki versions installed that I use in a daily basis. I use a different Anki profile for each one, but I am using the same Windows user account. well, i didn’t think about this. but you’re right, no need to have multiple windows users. but you have to change the path where it installs, is this how you do it? ---
**Author:** ![guillempalausalva](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/forums.ankiweb.net/guillempalausalva/32/34258_2.png) [@guillempalausalva](https://forums.ankiweb.net/u/guillempalausalva)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2020, 10:17am UTC](https://forums.ankiweb.net/t/json-decoder-jsondecodeerror-expecting-value-line-1-column-1-char-0/622/19 "2020-07-14T10:17:14Z")
> [@mmdj2](#): > > but you have to change the path where it installs, is this how you do it? Yes, for instance Anki2115, ANki2122, Anki2126, AnkiBeta,etc. Although not strictly needed, I use [custom startup options](https://docs.ankiweb.net/#/files?id=startup-options) to bypass the profile selection. ---
**Author:** ![mmdj2](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/forums.ankiweb.net/mmdj2/32/124_2.png) [@mmdj2](https://forums.ankiweb.net/u/mmdj2)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2020, 10:18am UTC](https://forums.ankiweb.net/t/json-decoder-jsondecodeerror-expecting-value-line-1-column-1-char-0/622/20 "2020-07-14T10:18:55Z")
nice 😃 didn’t think about this, it’ll definitely come in handy 👍 [Next page](https://forums.ankiweb.net/t/json-decoder-jsondecodeerror-expecting-value-line-1-column-1-char-0/622.md?page=2)