phyML Unknown character state : (? in black diamond)

Question

[ddowlin]

Hi,

I am attempting to generate a phylogentic tree of an alignment of 55 sequences (1040 AA long) using PhyML (version 20111205). I am using Phylip format.

I get the following message:

. Unknown character state : �

. Init failed (check the data type)

. Type enter to exit.

I have checked the sequences for any strange characters, but I can only find amino acid symbols or gaps (-).

Does anyone have an idea what may be causing this?

Thanks.

[ddowlin]

Update: I solved this simply by downloading the file and unzipping it again.