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

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

jubbins
Helpful | Level 6

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 8

Rich
Super 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
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
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.

Screen Shot 2022-12-07 at 7.36.03 PM.png

Screen Shot 2022-12-07 at 7.36.16 PM.png

 

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 

Rich
Super User II

@jubbins wrote:

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


Mark the file as Available Offline, allow it to sync, and then double-click it.

jubbins
Helpful | Level 6

The green checkmark appears when I do that but still doesn't work — the file still blinks but nothing actually opens. 

This was not a problem until the latest update. Immediately after, I wasn't able to open any file that wasn't already Available Offline.

 

Seeing similarities to this post: https://www.dropboxforum.com/t5/View-download-and-export/Can-t-open-PDF-files-with-new-beta-on-my-ma...

Hannah
Dropbox Staff

Hey @jubbins, sorry to see you're having trouble with this.

 

Are you seeing this only with files in Dropbox or other folders as well?

 

And if you close the Dropbox app and then try to double-click on a file, does it open then?


Hannah
Community Moderator @ Dropbox
dropbox.com/support


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jubbins
Helpful | Level 6

This happens with the Dropbox app closed and open.

 

Please see the other thread above for a similar case. This happens with any file that has the cloud/arrow icon (not synced).

 

jubbins_0-1670545626573.png

 

Jay
Dropbox Staff

Hi @jubbins, if you're still experiencing this issue, please could you contact the support team directly in order for them to investigate the matter further on their end.


Jay
Community Moderator @ Dropbox
dropbox.com/support


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    Jay Dropbox Staff
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    jubbins Helpful | Level 6
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