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jubbins's avatar
jubbins
Helpful | Level 6
3 years ago

Every since the latest update, double clicking on a file doesn't open it. Super frustrating.

Now everytime I want to open something I have to right click and use the Open With feature.

 

Have tried re-install and restart multiple times.

8 Replies

  • Rich's avatar
    Rich
    Icon for Super User II rankSuper User II

    jubbins wrote:

    Now everytime I want to open something I have to right click and use the Open With feature.


    Is this in the Dropbox folder on your computer, or though the website? If this is in the folder on your computer, Dropbox has nothing to do with that process. It's controlled by your operating system.

     

    When you double-click on a file, your operating system looks at the file's extension, checks to see what application is registered for that extension, then opens the file in that application. If your files don't have an extension or an application registered for a specific extension, then the OS won't know how to open the file.

     

    What operating system are you using? What message do you get when you double-click a file? And do your files still have file extensions on them?

    • jubbins's avatar
      jubbins
      Helpful | Level 6

      Should have been clearer. This is in the Finder and this is for files that are not yet synced aka, they have they little cloud with arrow icon after the filename and extension.

       

      This is what happens when I click on it.  https://capture.dropbox.com/RrluBNquiL3G6sAq

      It blinks as if it's about to open, but Preview doesn't jump up or turn on at all. Just the Finder window and the icon blinks a little bit.

       

      And then when I click on it again (now that the cloud and arrow icon is no longer there). Nothing happens.

      • jubbins's avatar
        jubbins
        Helpful | Level 6

        Here's an error message that appears sometimes—not everytime—I try to open a file. The other image shows that Dropbox is coming up as the main app even though Preview is set as the Default.

         

        I should note that even going through Security & Privacy > Unlocking > Confirming that we can open from this unidentified developer — the problem persists.

         

        Seems related to this update? https://help.dropbox.com/installs/macos-12-monterey-support 

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