My project fails to compile with a “CreateManifest Task errored” message because App Inventor still references a deleted screen (“Terminal”) even after I removed it and all related blocks

MIT App Inventor Help
1

Hello MIT App Inventor Team,

I am facing a build issue in my project. The app is unable to compile, and I consistently receive a "CreateManifest Task errored" message during the build process.

Details of the issue:

- Platform: MIT App Inventor (ai2.appinventor.mit.edu)

- Device: Android (mobile browser)

- Build Type: APK

- Error Stage: CreateManifest

Error Log (important part):

"Writing screen 'appinventor.ai_avulavarunkumarnaidu.Tech_withvarun.Terminal'

Task errored"

Problem Description:

Earlier, my project had multiple screens including "Terminal" and "Voice". I have deleted these screens from the project, but during the build process, App Inventor is still trying to access the deleted "Terminal" screen. This results in a compilation failure.

Steps I already tried:

- Deleted unused screens (Terminal and Voice)

- Checked and removed blocks referencing those screens

- Cleaned media/assets

- Renamed project

- Reloaded the project

- Tried rebuilding multiple times

Expected Behavior:

The project should compile successfully after removing unused screens.

Actual Behavior:

Build fails with CreateManifest error referencing a deleted screen.

Request:

Please help identify and resolve this issue or guide me on how to completely remove hidden references to deleted screens.

Thank you for your support.

Regards,

[Avula varun kumar naidu]

FAQ Section: Build Errors
2

This usually happens when there’s still a hidden reference to the deleted screen somewhere in the project, even if you removed the visible blocks.

Try these steps:

  1. Check all screens again
  • Look for any open another screen "Terminal" or similar blocks
  • Also check procedures and unused blocks
  1. Check components
  • Sometimes extensions or components store screen names internally
  1. Download the project (.aia) and inspect
  • Rename .aia → .zip
  • Extract it
  • Search for "Terminal" in all files
  • If you find it in any .scm or .bky, that’s the problem
  1. Re-upload after cleanup

Quick workaround (often works)

  • Create a new empty screen named Terminal
  • Build the project
  • Then remove it again properly

Last option

  • Copy everything into a new project (screens, blocks, assets)

This is a known kind of issue where App Inventor keeps stale references internally. Searching inside the .aia usually reveals the exact place causing it.

1 Like
3

Export your project

Delete project from MIT server

Reimport your project..

P.S. To be on safe side without deleting anything, rename downloaded project.

Now re:import it..

I deleted one of the 7 screens and now I can't compile the project
4

(added to FAQ)