Forum Discussion

MirandaP's avatar
MirandaP
Explorer | Level 4
4 years ago

Explorer preview stops working after the first time you click on a PDF file in Windows 11

I have a fairly new installation of Windows 11. My Dropbox is set to Online, so that it downloads the files as needed, and I am seeing the following strange behaviour: Open Explorer with Preview ...
desktop
Preview
View
MirandaP's avatar
MirandaP
Explorer | Level 4
4 years ago

Sure.

 

Initial state. Note that all files are 'online only'.

 

After clicking on the file the first time:

 

After clicking on another file. This one previews OK too.

 

After clicking on the first file again. Note that the preview pane is empty.

 

After copying the file to a local folder. Preview shows as expected.

Megan's avatar
Megan
Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
4 years ago

Excellent job with the screenshots MirandaP! 

 

That's odd. Which version of our app do you use on your end? 

 

Also, I know that'll sound trivial, but have you tried re-starting your device at all?

  • MirandaP's avatar
    MirandaP
    Explorer | Level 4
    4 years ago

    I'm on Dropbox v162.4.5419.

     

    I've just restarted my PC and it's doing exactly the same.

    • Walter's avatar
      Walter
      Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
      4 years ago

      Hey MirandaP, sorry to jump in, but could you try quitting the Dropbox desktop app and try again? 

       

      Let us know if the issue with your previews persists with the app completely closed and we'll take it from there. 

      • MirandaP's avatar
        MirandaP
        Explorer | Level 4
        4 years ago

        After quitting the Dropbox app none of the previews work because none of the files are downloaded.

         

        Most just show a blank page. On some of them (I can't see why) I get an error, 'Hmmm… can't reach this page It looks like the webpage at file:///C:/Users/miran/Dropbox/ [my folder name here] /2022-09-03.pdf#view=FitH might be having issues or it may have moved permanently to a new web address.' with 'ERR_FAILED' underneath.

         

        If I start the app again, click on one file so that it downloads it and shows the preview, then quit the app again, I still cannot preview that one file. However I can double-click on it to open it in Edge, and if I copy it locally it previews OK.

         

        I hope someone can help me, it's really annoying!

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