While mocking up some quick wireframes, I recently jumped into SharePoint Designer to customize ItemStyle.xsl. After checking out my file and making updates to the template, I saved it and proceeded to "Check In". What I was greeted with was a surprising error message:
"Cannot perform this operation. The file is no longer checked out or has been deleted."
Confused, I retraced my steps in case it was a fluke. Looking at the library, I could see the file was checked out. I selected "Undo Check Out", re-checked out, edited, saved, and once again tried to check it in. Same result. I subsequently tried the process with a different file only to end up with the same message.
Initial search results recommended everything from clearing my cache to installing hotfixes, but the problem was actually much simpler:
I was using the wrong address.
I had changed my Alternate Access Mapping to reflect the eventual external address, but I had accessed the site via localhost. Interestingly, SharePoint Designer permitted me to browse, check the file out and save a draft, just not check it in.
It’s an easy mistake to make and SharePoint Designer’s message is misleading, so I hope this post saves somebody the trouble.
Thanks! This is exactly what happened to me. Tried doing all the other stuff you mentioned and no change, then after reading this it all became so clear. Connected correctly and I can officially check stuff back in via designer. Thanks again!
Our site has https enabled recently and it was still using http using SP Designer. After using https it works! Thanks so much!