Unable to open Files downloaded from dropbox in Illustrator on macOS Catalina

[timmo1976]

I have a folder of mixed Adobe files, Indesign, Illustrator JPEGs, PNGs etc. None of them will open as each application thinks they are already open or locked or says they are not suitable files. The files where on dropbox but are now stored locally. Other files and folders I have do not behave like this. The files have data and varying sizes so I am confidnet they are there and not failed downloads.Any clues welcome? Running Adobe CC and Catalina 10.15.

{Renamed By MOD}

[Rishabh_Tiwari]

Hi there,

Thanks for reaching out. I would request if you can share a few more details like:

1. Are you able to open the files when saved locally?
2. If you are unable to open the file when they are on the dropbox, please try turning off the synch and see if you are able to open the files after that.
3. Could you please confirm the exact version of Illustrator.

Regards

Rishabh

[timmo1976]

Hi, thanks for trying to help. They are all stored locally now. I was using 23.1.1 but now am using 24.0.1.

This is the message I receive:

Though it isn't locked or in use.

The strange thing is I also get similar messages for other Adobe applications and their related files.

[Rishabh_Tiwari]

Thanks for sharing the additional information. Could you please login to the root account (https://support.apple.com/en-in/HT204012)? Check how the application works there. If it works fine there, then it could be related to permission errors. Follow these steps to repair permission errors: https://helpx.adobe.com/in/illustrator/kb/preferences-folder-read-only-error.html  

[timmo1976]

Right, so logging as Root user has enabled me to open them, but repairing the permission errors didnt work - I had logged back in as myself by this point. So, does this prove it's a permissions issue in the finder? Thank you for your help so far, at least I know they are not totally gone. Any other tips welcome.

[Rishabh_Tiwari]

I suspect the issue might be with the user profile, you can try creating a new user profile and see if that resolves this. You can refer to the link below for steps to create a new user profile:

https://support.apple.com/en-in/guide/mac-help/mtusr001/mac