Unable to open .tif and .ai from backup folder (time machine)

[joyciHF]

Hello, 

I'm using a formatted external hard drive for my Mac's time machine. When I open any .tif or .ai files from the backup folder, I get an error. See images. I had to copy and paste the .tif and .ai files to my desktop in order to open them. But normally, I should be able to open them directly from the backup folder. This problems happens with my Mojave OS new computer. I don't the problem with High Sierra in the old computer. 

It seems only .tif and .ai files has problems, I was able to open pdf and jpeg files directly from the backup folder. 

Can you help me with this? Thanks. 

[Stephen_A_Marsh]

I personally would "enter time machine" and then restore the files in question so that they are correctly copied to the local disk. I don't believe that the backup is meant to be used in the Finder like a standard directory/file.

[joyciHF]

Thank you for your reply.

Do you mean to restore the entire machine from "enter time machine"? that would take forever to get a single file. I wouldn't do that. I only need a file from the backup drive. I usually use the backup like a Finder because it is very convenient. 

[Stephen_A_Marsh · Accepted solution]

No, not restore the entire drive.

In the Finder, open the folder/directory where the files to restore are/were located.

Then use the TimeMachine menu icon to "Enter TimeMachine".

Use the navigation button or timeline to move backward until you find the files. Select them and press the restore button.

That was written from memory, so I hope that I got it correct.

You could Google for tutorials...

[joyciHF]

Oh I see. I get it now. Thank you!