Unable to move selected object

Question

I have been trying to move and drag selections and found no solution on here. When I use the select tool to move my object, it simply drags a rectangle out and then de-selects. I didn't click on a negative space. As you can see my layer was selected. The layer is unlocked.

I updated to Illustrator 2026 in hopes of resolving this, but the issue continues. When I try to edit preferences, that option in the drop-down is gone. There's only "My settings > Import / Export Settings" in 2nd image. What is going on here?

I’ve looked through dozens of other posts under the terms “select,” “move,” and “drag” and found nothing. No one seemed to have exactly this issue where I’m able to click, but it just brings up a selection rectangle and de-selects.

Dave Creamer of IDEAS · Answer

It appears as if you have a TIFF file that you opened directly. It looks selected and you will probably move the entire thing, white background and all.

Create a new document and PLACE the TIFF file and see if it behaves better.