Opposite of subsequent (non-chronological/logical)

Just wondering, there is a related question regarding the subsequent in the context of logic (which can also be used in the context of chronology), but what if we're talking about an abstract sequence. For example it is possible to say:

Subsequent files, however, can not be parsed.

But how would you say the opposite:

The files which came earlier in sequence than the file in question, however, could not be parsed.

As far as I am aware

Antecedent (or precedent) files, however, can not be parsed.

is invalid english (though I might be mistaken).

'Preceding' is the opposite of subsequent